During my second year at Hiwassee College, managing life as a student-athlete and being away from home led me into a deep depression. Mindfulness meditation became my lifeline. The first time I practiced it, I felt an instant sense of calm, and the stress seemed to leave my body. This transformative experience planted the seed for my journey into holistic wellness.
Growing up in Hurt Park, mindfulness and yoga were unheard of. Over the past seven years, I’ve introduced these practices to Roanoke’s youth, from elementary to high school. This work isn’t a trend; it’s my way of life.
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are widespread among African American youth. I’ve seen how mindfulness and yoga can combat these challenges. Meditation, much like medicine, heals the mind and soul.
But meditation alone isn’t enough. To truly heal, we need a connection to our culture and history. Without nourishing our roots, we cannot thrive. Combining mindfulness with cultural pride empowers youth to build resilience and self-worth.
Central to this mission is embracing the Jegna concept – mentors who are keepers of culture, history, and wellness. As a Jegna, I aim to safeguard cultural identity while teaching mindfulness and yoga. This role calls for more of us to become stewards of our heritage and advocates for holistic wellness.
In 2017, after studying yoga and meditation in Egypt, I returned to Roanoke to share this wisdom. My educational journey also includes studying with West African tribes for two and a half years, where I immersed myself in their culture and customs. This experience provided profound insights into family structure, indigenous education, and natural living. These lessons have deeply shaped my approach to teaching and wellness.
Opportunities soon followed, including teaching at William Fleming High School through TAP (Total Action for Progress). Initially nervous, I soon found students eagerly embracing mindfulness sessions.
Since then, I’ve partnered with churches, after-school programs, and the YMCA. The TAP AACCI program remains a cornerstone of my work, where I’ve seen countless young lives transform.
One student said, “I didn’t know I could feel this calm. It’s like my mind is quiet for the first time.”
Parents report that their children manage emotions better, focus more on school, and inspire family members to meditate.
These practices also inspire community engagement. Schools are integrating mindfulness, and organizations are eager to collaborate.
Integrating African American cultural elements into yoga and meditation is crucial. I weave history, storytelling, and cultural pride into my sessions, helping students connect with their heritage while fostering empowerment. The Jegna concept reminds us that healing is both personal and communal, ensuring the well-being of future generations.
My dream is to expand this program, train more instructors, and host larger events. I envision mindfulness and yoga in every school in Roanoke and beyond. These practices can heal, inspire, and transform lives.
To those reading this: embrace the Jegna role. By preserving culture and promoting holistic wellness, we create a ripple effect of transformation.
Mindfulness is more than a practice; it’s a way of life. Together, we can honor the past, empower the present, and build a brighter future. One breath, one moment, one life at a time, we can transform our communities and leave a lasting legacy.
