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Traditional Indian Yoga in Jersey: How One Woman is Spreading Wellness on the Island

In the heart of Jersey’s tranquil coastal setting, a quiet movement is taking root. Rashmi Singhal, a certified yoga instructor from India, is introducing traditional Indian yoga in Jersey, offering residents more than just fitness — she’s sharing a deep cultural practice rooted in thousands of years of history.

Having previously lived in Malta, where she also held yoga sessions, Singhal recently relocated to Jersey with her husband. Inspired by the calm and welcoming environment of the island, she saw an opportunity to build a bridge between cultures through yoga — a discipline she personally turned to for relief from neck pain, but which transformed her life.

From India to Jersey: A Journey of Healing and Heritage

Rashmi’s connection to yoga is not just professional — it’s personal and deeply emotional. “I started yoga because of a small health issue, just a minor neck pain,” she recalls. “But what I discovered was so much more — a stillness, a balance, and a connection between the body and mind.”

Her journey began in her hometown in India, where yoga is more than an exercise routine — it’s a spiritual and cultural way of life. It includes pranayama (breath control), asana (postures), dhyana (meditation), and yoga nidra (conscious relaxation). These principles form the foundation of her sessions on Jersey.

After six years of teaching in Malta, Rashmi found herself drawn to the natural serenity of Jersey. The ocean, the sand, and the peaceful energy of the island inspired her to hold beach yoga sessions, which she says amplify the effects of the practice. “Doing yoga in nature is something magical. The sounds, the air, the light — they all help you go deeper into yourself,” she said.

Yoga on the Beach: Embracing Nature’s Healing Power

One of the most unique aspects of Rashmi’s classes is her commitment to holding them outdoors — particularly on the beaches of Jersey. “The beach is healing,” she says with a smile. “It feels so much more powerful in nature. It grounds you.”

She encourages participants to simply show up, even if they’ve never done yoga before. “There’s no pressure to be perfect. You just start. You practise again and again, and eventually, your body opens up. Yoga isn’t about touching your toes; it’s about what you learn on the way down.”

Her beach sessions typically begin with breathwork, then move into gentle postures that are suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. The goal, she emphasizes, is not performance but awareness — an inward journey supported by breath and stillness.

Community Response: Embracing Traditional Indian Yoga in Jersey

Rashmi’s initiative has not gone unnoticed. Residents of Jersey, both new and long-time locals, have welcomed her classes with enthusiasm. One of her students, Patricia McMahon, joined the sessions after a recommendation from a friend. She now attends regularly.

“It’s been wonderful,” Patricia shared. “The breathing exercises especially have helped me wind down after stressful workdays. I didn’t expect something so simple to make such a difference.”

For Patricia and others, Rashmi’s classes offer more than just physical flexibility — they provide mental clarity and emotional release in an otherwise fast-paced world.

A Culture of Connection: More Than Just Movement

What sets Rashmi’s classes apart is her approach — deeply rooted in Indian cultural philosophy. She begins each session with a short intention-setting practice, sometimes reciting Sanskrit mantras or sharing brief wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita or Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

“It’s important to me that people understand where yoga comes from,” she explains. “Yoga isn’t a trend. It’s an ancient practice. I want to honour that and share its essence.”

Participants often leave the sessions feeling not just more relaxed, but more connected — to themselves, to nature, and to one another. Rashmi believes that’s part of yoga’s true gift: its power to build inner peace and external harmony.

Settling into Island Life: A Warm Welcome

Rashmi and her husband, Turban Banerjee, have settled well into life on the island. Turban, an IT consultant, first came to Jersey two years ago on a work project and immediately knew it was special.

“I remember walking on the beach in St Helier and just falling in love with the place,” he said. “It felt calm, and people were genuinely helpful. That’s rare these days.”

Their decision to make Jersey home was shaped not just by the island’s beauty, but by its people. “Everyone is so kind,” Rashmi adds. “People greet you with a smile. There’s a warmth here that reminds me of home.”

Cultural Integration Through Wellness

The success of Rashmi’s initiative reflects a broader trend — the growing appreciation for holistic wellness practices from diverse cultures. Yoga, while now global, still holds deep roots in Indian philosophy, and Rashmi is proud to be preserving that authenticity.

In addition to yoga, she has plans to host Indian wellness workshops, which may include Ayurvedic cooking, meditation circles, and seasonal detox sessions rooted in traditional Indian healing practices.

Her vision is to create a cross-cultural wellness community, where residents and newcomers alike can come together to share stories, learn, and grow — all while improving their mental and physical health.

Yoga as an Anchor in a Busy World

As stress, anxiety, and burnout become increasingly common, especially in urban and high-demand work environments, yoga offers an anchor. Rashmi’s approach—grounded, inclusive, and culturally rich—addresses this growing need.

“Yoga gives people tools,” she says. “Not just to stretch or strengthen their bodies, but to find peace. To breathe. To pause. That’s powerful in today’s world.”

And for many in Jersey, her presence has been just that — a breath of fresh air.

Future Plans: Expanding Traditional Indian Yoga in Jersey

Looking ahead, Rashmi is optimistic. She hopes to collaborate with local wellness centres, schools, and even corporate offices to expand access to traditional Indian yoga in Jersey. Her dream is to create a permanent wellness studio near the beach — a space for yoga, meditation, cultural classes, and community events.

“I want to give back to this island that’s given us so much,” she says. “And I want to keep sharing yoga in its purest form — with heart, with love, and with respect for where it came from.”

A Practice Rooted in Culture, Shared with Community

Rashmi Singhal’s journey is more than just a relocation story. It’s a story of cultural sharing, of personal transformation, and of building bridges through wellness. Her traditional Indian yoga in Jersey is not just a weekly class — it’s becoming a movement that is gently weaving together the threads of heritage, health, and human connection.

As more people on the island roll out their mats and take a deep breath in the salty air, it becomes clear: yoga isn’t just coming to Jersey — it’s becoming a part of its soul.

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Sofia Catherine

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