Claudia Jessie on Buddhism, Yoga, and The Art of Looking Out Windows

As Claudia Jessie describes it, playing the quick-witted Eloise Bridgerton on Shondaland’s hit Netflix series Bridgerton was a dream come true. In many ways, her plucky character was the show's secret weapon. A high-society insider desperate to avoid the expectations that come with it, through Eloise's experience, the viewer is given a peek into the absurdity of the regency-London marriage market, while also acknowledging how unprotected women of the era were outside of those practices.

Jessie insists that she isn’t as witty and well-spoken as her Bridgeton alter-ego. However, a conversation with the actress reveals an almost sister-like similarity. 2020 was a year where nearly everyone experienced curveballs and emotional pitfalls, but Jessie credits her even keel and pragmatic worldview to a longstanding “noisy” Buddhism practice. However, as she points out, it also doesn’t hurt to have a life filled with workouts with a very popular yoga instructor, vegan junk food, and strong women. Enlightenment isn’t as far off as we’re led to believe, and even in the trenches, she’s found many unlikely sources of joy. Just don’t expect to follow her on Instagram anytime soon.

LAURA STUDARUS: What has emotionally surviving the Covid era looked like for you?

CLAUDIA JESSIE: I've been practicing Buddhism, like strongly — in March will be 14 years. But it's been in my life forever because of my aunt, who has been practicing for 30 years. And she introduced my mother to it. And so, Buddhism is the foundation of my life and the center of my life. I knew that I'd be deepening the anchor of that this year. And also, I think there was something with seeing communities do stuff for each other, one of the most sustainable ways to be happy. I was able to support people in my community, and my friends and family. But it wasn't always a smooth ride. I don't think it has been for anyone, and I think the separation proves just how much we really do need each other. We should mean the world to each other and we could mean the world to each other; various things stop that from being the full-time reality. You see natural disasters and all of these really tragic events that happen through history, that's when we seem to get together a bit more. We seem to shed some prejudice. I don't think that happens all the time. I think it can show our real darkness as well. But you tend to see people rally.

LS: Was there a moment when you chose Buddhism for yourself rather than just accepting it as a family practice?

CJ: I was 17, and I was just deeply sad. And felt very suicidal. I didn't want to be here. I've got the most incredible mother. It must have been so difficult for her to see me so sad for such a long time. The Buddhism I practice, we chant. We're the noisy Buddhists, so we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. So, I know that my mom and my aunt were chanting for me. There's also an incredible community called the Soka Gakkai, which in Japanese translates to the "value creation society." I know that they would have been chanting for me and my family. I remember my aunt being in my bedroom, and that was it, it was game over my auntie. She just started sweeping things off shelves, and she was like, "This is where you chant now!" And she started chanting. And she was like, "You're joining me!" And I was crying and sobbing and then I just sat behind her and I was like, "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo." I ended up doing it.

And then she made me write down a list of things I wanted, and none of them were really external things because at that time I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't know I wanted to be an actor. I think I probably had secret dreams about it but I never really allowed it to come to the surface and really embrace them. But most of the things I wrote down were internal, like to not hate myself, and to not have anxiety and panic attacks, stuff like that. I remember it was that day that I started, and I haven't looked back really. The best decision I've ever made in my life is to practice Buddhism.

LS: You've got some amazing ladies in your life.

CJ: Yeah, man! I do have very strong women in my life. My nan was an absolute force, rest her soul. But she went through a load of crap as well, and so did my aunt. I think what they all show me is resilience is key. So actually, rather than trying to shield anyone from the horrors of life, you're better off trying to build them to become incredibly resilient. That's probably a more sustainable skill or quality to instill in a child.

LS: What does Buddhism have to say about resilience?

CJ: The Buddhism I practice is no fool to think that we aren't capable of absolutely anything and everything. And I'm talking positively and negatively, because there's not really any right or wrong, because it's too easy, almost, to put something in a box and put something in another box to settle it in your own head. I understand the propensity to want to do that.

But, resilience. I remember once getting guidance from someone who practiced Buddhism for a really long time about how sometimes you can feel like you're in the middle of the forest. She said, “You're better off just marching forward, and just keeping going because eventually you will get out of the forest.” And it's understanding that one step is more than enough that you need to take like daily, or weekly. It's not like this unattainable goal. You don't have to remove yourself from society or become someone else to achieve enlightenment. I could talk and talk and talk, but I can't change the fundamental things you think about yourself. I could tell you that you're incredible, and that's good and you are, and perfect as you are. But it's you that's going to have to take full responsibility of whether or not you commit to believing that yourself.

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LS: What kind of preconceived notions do people have about your beliefs?

CJ: [Laughs]I don't ever sit silently quiet with my eyes closed. Growing up, probably because my mom and my aunt were Buddhist, I sort of had a bit of a fruity idea of what it could be like. Maybe I will sit on a mountain and be so Zen. I never really wanted to get rid of my thoughts. I wanted to fully utilize the ones I was constantly having.

LS: I feel like that that probably works amazingly for your brain type.

CJ: One-hundred percent! Trying to stop my thoughts would be like putting my hand up in front of a speeding train. You can try, but chances are it's not going to work. Chanting is so action-based, you're using your voice. Your eyes are open. It feels really proactive, which I appreciate. Buddhism has allowed me to tap into the wisdom to know when that's appropriate. And to know when that's going to create the most value.

LS: Has Buddhism helped you while working in an industry where things can hinge on factors outside your control, like what you look like?

CJ: I'm naturally solitary. I live at quite a slow pace. I'm really reluctant to use the word introvert. I'm known for a sharp exit. My mates are really patient with me. All the crew from Bridgerton were very sweet. I think there's a limit! So, the industry itself feels a bit like a separate beast to my job. My favorite bit when I'm acting is when I'm doing the pretending to be someone else. And the stuff that kind of comes with it. I think Buddhism massively helps me. So, yeah the propensity to want to compare yourself...we're human and we'll have ideas of what success looks like. Buddhism has allowed me to not be swayed by praise.

So, for example, when I go to an audition, I'll prepare. I'll go: I'll do it and I'll delete. It's just gone because that part is over, and now I'm here in this moment. Buddhism has allowed me to be like, okay, there's a way I've seen many people live in this industry, whether it's on social media, or at events, or whatever and that's a great template of how to do things, but it's not the only way of doing anything.

LS: Given that, has your definition of success changed?

CJ: I don't think it has changed because I just wanted to work. I just wanted to earn money from the thing I love doing the most. And I think if 20-year-old Claudia looked at 31-year-old Claudia's CV she wouldn't frickin’ believe it. And she wouldn't have believed it years ago, let alone now after Bridgerton and all of the other stuff I've done. I didn't think I would definitely make it, but I knew that I was going to work my ass off, that's what I knew. And so, anytime a job came in I was like, “That's it, just give it 100%.” And just pray that it continues.

So, my idea of success hasn't changed because I am successful. And even years ago when I just started, I was then because I was getting money in exchange for the thing I love to do. But, I think as human beings we still dip into moments of insecurity. I was being interviewed once, and I was in a show and they asked me if I wanted the career of the other person that was in the show with me, and I was like, that's so bizarre! The idea that they think I would feel anything other than sheer joy that a mate of mine is smashing it! This idea of success...we all think we're going to meet a cap, a limit where we go, 'did it!' but I don't think that's ever gonna come. It's like the thing when you were younger. You thought you were going to be an adult one day. I keep getting older, but I’m not an adult.

LS: No wonder our generation turned adulting into a verb. You also brought it on social media and I noticed that you don’t have any accounts. How has not having that constant feedback helped you?

CJ: There are things I know that don't go well with me, and I won't do them. So, with social media, I know I would be able to procrastinate. I would be able to compare myself to others. And you know what? Props to the people who don't and can be on social media. I think it's incredible. But I know that it's just not something I'm interested in. And I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I've got loads of really lovely mates that are sending me screenshots of things that I have missed. Funny things, which is nice. I read this thing about the art of looking out the window. Just like looking out the window. And I was like, um, okay. But then I thought, that's what people would have done! I bet all the Bridgerton lot, they're constantly looking out the window! So I guess it's given me time to look out the window.

LS: What kind of role does yoga play in your daily routine?

CJ: I feel so basic about this! But it was really my best mate. Laila being like, “You've got a check out this girl, Yoga With Adriene." I think people assume as well because I'm Buddhist, and I'm vegan, it all comes together as this one. I think it would be a safe assumption, the majority of the time! But yoga didn't kick off until I got into my mid-20s along with veganism. I love yoga because it makes me feel physically strong, which I enjoy. And I also do the breath and movement, which is nice. I guess you could liken it to looking out the window. Because multitasking is properly overrated. I think we should stick to one thing at a time.

Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie)

LS: There's something to be said for knowing how your brain works.

CJ: Yeah, sure I run a tight ship. I suppose Buddhism allowed me to really see my tendencies. And my tendency is to not be very nice to myself at all. I think, to have longevity, I need to be considered in what I do because, otherwise, it hurts me. And I don't want to live like that. I want to be around enough to have contributed. I know it must sound tight, but it's actually given me more space than ever.

LS: Is there any sort of Buddhist wisdom to help us deal with everything in 2021, and remain patient while 2021 hopefully provides a new normal?

CJ: The people who inspire me the most are those who plant trees they'll never get to enjoy. Those are the people I want to be. Someone who does something for now even if they don't directly benefit from it. There's something so magical about the philanthropic heart of those who want to do something for the future. And the way we do that is by treasuring the person in front of us. I've always been told to treasure that one person in front of you with your whole heart.

What kept me going is the word nuance. It's my favorite word in the world. Because what you might find completely abhorrent, I might not be as disturbed by, and that's not because you have a good moral compass and I have a bad one. It's just because 3,000 things could have affected and contributed to why I feel like that and why you feel like that. Coming from parents, school, the street you lived on, the food you ate — everything. There are too many factors to think of why our sensibilities might be different from one another, but it's something involving nuance. I don't think social media is the platform where the art of nuance can be expressed, really, because there's not much room for it. I truly believe within our capacity; we are all trying our fucking best. That's what I really believe, even if it looks messy.

Laura Studarus is a Los Angeles-based travel writer with bylines at Fast Company, BBC Travel, and Thrillist. Sometimes she can go several hours without a cup of tea. Follow her adventures on Twitter.

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