Written By Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Interview with Flint resident Jasmine Hall-photos of Jasmine Hall provided by Jasmine Hall
1.) Can you tell the readers a little about yourself?
I was born and raised on the north side of Flint. I have always found it important to take care of your mental and emotional health based on experiences from growing up, but I did not have the tools just yet to do that. After going to college at CMU, NTU (In Singapore,) and Harvard University, I have been able to learn from people all around the world. I moved home in late 2019 after studying public health to help give back to my hometown. As a yoga teacher and epidemiologist, I have been able to offer support to community while being closer to some of my family. I believe I am right where God wants me to be.
2.) What sparked your interest in yoga?
My interest in yoga started about 10 years ago at CMU. I was stressed out in school and found yoga and mindfulness to be a worthwhile experience. I knew at the time that there was more to yoga than being thin, athletic and flexible– wanted to learn more about the philosophy of yoga. Years later, after moving home and deciding to see a therapist, my interest in yoga was renewed, and my therapist actually connected me to a yoga teacher training opportunity. I initially went into it to learn more about how to deepen my practice, while also making sure I was in alignment with God and found not only that it aligns well with my spirituality, but I felt confident enough to go out and teach yoga in the community.
3.) As a public health professional, how do you see yoga as a way to increase public health in the community?
I absolutely see the connection. In public health, I am what you call a neuropsychiatric epidemiologist. So, we do research at the intersection of public health and mental health. Based on the evidence, yoga is an excellent way for people of all ages to practice self-care for your physical and mental health. I believe that with more of us using yoga and mindfulness, our community becomes more able to cope with stressors, more active, more self-aware and more empathetic. In turn, I see this as a tool to help us to reduce health disparities, neighborhood violence and improve child development.
4.) Tell us a little about the work that you have been doing in the community as far as making public health accessible to Flint residents (Zoom, YouTube and community events)?
Public health is about the public, and yoga is for everybody. Regardless of age, body size and shape, there is a practice that can suit your needs. My goal as a teacher was to be inclusive, accessible and available where the people are. In 2021, I started a wellness company, We Are Healthy and Well, as an affirmation of who we are together, and what we can be. So far, we have been able to serve hundreds of community members through in person pop up and virtual yoga classes. For in person yoga, we have partnered with CRIM, Flint Solutions and other groups to offer free yoga in the park offerings with costs absorbed by the organizing group. I have been able to partner with the PYTs (Professional Yoga Teachers) to provide free yoga at Shelter of Flint. Additionally, we have been able to provide free, virtual yoga for bedtime on Zoom last winter and will be providing it again this winter. Finally, I created the “Yoga with Jasmine Hall” YouTube channel so yoga is available and accessible to community members whenever and wherever we need it.
5.) What else do you want the readers to know about you, yoga or anything else?
I would like readers to know that yoga is for everybody. Whether you are larger bodied, a senior, not regularly active, Christian, not as mobile as you used to be, or whatever the case may be-we can design a class to fit the needs of the people in your community. If they have a desire to provide yoga for church members, nonprofit, business or other group please reach out: jasmhall2@gmail.com. I love to serve in this community and would love to work with you for either yoga or public health needs.
Finally, I want readers to know that our community is on the come up. We Are Healthy and Well is not only the name of a business, but it serves as a community catalyst and an affirmation for who we are as a Flint community.
