Guest Contributor:
Jamel Randall, Massage Therapist & Yoga Instructor
At the age of 19, Jamel began his journey in search of spiritual mindfulness. Now with over 14 years of experience, Jamel is a seasoned massage therapist and yoga instructor.
The 32-year-old Detroit native has a passion for creating mindful moments for others to enjoy, appreciate and become stronger with every experience. He is dedicated to elevating one's mind for the next step by bringing awareness to the benefits of coupling therapeutic massage with yoga. His mission is to teach clients to create mindful responses and appreciate their internal strength for a healthier and stress-free lifestyle by letting go of unhealthy habits that cause impulsive reactions in their daily lives.
His belief in a lifestyle of healthy living is grounded in creating a balance inside the body that organically integrates the mind, body and soul equally.Thousands of business professionals know his practice very well from frequenting him during his previous experience at Detroit's only four-star spa, at the MGM Grand Detroit. In fact, since his departure they continue to schedule his services months in advance.
He provides custom experiences to his clients that are physically lasting, jaw dropping and emotionally liberating. Each treatment is designed with the belief that the process should be just as rewarding as the result. As he skillfully tailors his approach to suit client needs on a day-to-day basis, Jamel’s goal is to reintroduce life’s greatest gifts amidst the chaos and teach others to be happy, be healthy, and be free.
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW
1. Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness?
My educational training includes yoga teacher training through Life Power Yoga and the Center for Yoga. I have taken over 700 hours of training and workshops that have a direct focus on the well-being of both the mental and physical health of people. I have taken these exercises and trainings and have used them in my business. The focus on mindfulness and self-awareness is a message that must be delivered in a variety of different ways in order to reach the masses. Everyone receives information differently and for this reason I love the fact that all the teachers at my studio are so different. I present my message over trap music and loud beats while the other teachers may prefer to teach a more soulful heartfelt class. Either way the message of putting you and your health first is always delivered.
2. What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you?
Black mental wellness is having the freedom to feel without labeling yourself. We teach non-attachment to the moment - neither good or bad - because things are forever changing. You are free to feel, but you don't have to swim in these feelings. It is a pool of your thoughts, hesitations, and judgments and it should all be acknowledged, but never defining. The freedom of non-attachment is the ultimate level of mental wellness. You are not your past and the future will not define you. You are always present in the moment because this is the most clear picture.
We as a Black community have generations of healing to do. The biggest in my opinion is defeating the limits that society and our ancestors passed down to us. We can speak on the things that were once taboo without fearing the devil or anything else is going to enter our lives. We are defeating these thoughts through example and inspiration. It is my belief that example is more powerful than words. When people see you moving boldly down your lane it inspires others to do the same. This is the purpose of the Trap Studio.
3. How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?
It is my belief that the Black community is afraid of being labeled. We stray away from things we are not historically associated with. For this reason, I believe that taking away the name “therapy session” and finding creative ways to get people to share their experiences will help others seek treatment.
In my yoga training our teacher always began the day with mediation and then he would ask a general question like “what is your biggest fear?” He would not give any base or lead up to it, but as people shared one by one the stories would get deeper and deeper. Seeing other people bare their souls empowered others to do the same. This was a “therapy session,” but he never called it therapy. It was called ‘“Baring your souls”. This is the purpose of Trap Sundays. We took the word yoga out of it, and this also reduced the stigma and allowed people who would typically shy away from yoga, to come out.
4. What are your top 5 favorite wellness and self-care strategies?
My favorite self-awareness strategies are forever changing. But my consistent go to strategies are:
Yoga
Massage
Steamroom
Running
Vacation
Guest Contributor
Jamel Randall
The Trap Studio
28880 Southfield, Rd., Suite 183
Southfield, MI 48076
Website: http://jamelrandall.com
Instagram: @jamelrandall
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