“To be alive is one thing — but to be well takes intention.” A moment with Jasmine

“What an underrated pleasantry it is to see a stranger and smile at them.” I couldn’t agree more with Jasmine Chanae. Sometimes I smile at people simply because our eyes meet. No reason, no intention. I don’t think kindness should feel unusual. We’re all in this together, after all.

Today, we are sharing an interview rooted in wellness and yoga, alongside a photo series shot by Toni Smailagic — images that capture her presence, her softness, her strength, without trying to explain too much.

Styling done by DonnaReine and lighting assistance by Wesly Edwards.

Jasmine, you move between modeling, yoga, and wellness — how did these paths come together for you?

These paths come together for me because they all ask that I stretch—mind, body, spirit—they all allow me to meet myself over and over in my fullest expression, which is ever shape-shifting. And with courage and curiosity, I get to explore the world around me more freely. And this freedom ultimately allows me to show up better as a human with my many titles—mother, student, friend, sibling, teacher, daughter, lover.

Do you experience modeling as a physical practice — similar to yoga — or does it feel different?

Modeling is an emotional and physical practice. Yoga is a spiritual and physical practice. Both have the uncanny, often unannounced ability to allow me to see and feel myself with clarity.

Wellness is often commercialized — what does it mean to you on a deeper, more personal level?

To be alive is one thing—our automatic system keeps me alive, however, to be well—oh to be well. On some days it takes every bit of effort I have; on others it feels like when you are used to the cold water of the wave and you can step further into the unknown. I suppose if I ever master the art of wellness, my deeper, more personal level will be perpetual serenity and peace integrated into my nervous system.

Are there daily rituals that help you stay grounded when life or work becomes intense?

A daily ritual—hmm, I would like to get to the point where my ritual sounds poetic. (smiles) I was just about to say I don’t have one—but I realized a part of my ritual—mood conditioned—is I either ride to work, music blaring, exercising my lungs to their fullest capacity as I sing, or in total silence other than the sound of my slow, slow steady breaths.

How do you protect your energy in an industry that constantly looks, judges, and consumes?

By doing my best and leaving it at that. And honestly, I have an incredible village. Just thinking about the women who have held me tenderly over the last several years brought me joy and a grounded, confident feeling typing this.

“Wellness, at its deepest level, is serenity and peace integrated into the nervous system.”

This series explores the balance between seriousness and play — what helps you remember to laugh when life starts to feel routine?

I often feel like I live in multiple worlds at once: expression—the deeply rooted desire to express myself always in real time. I have come to realize in sobriety and motherhood that I have not had a whole bad day—like a whole 24 hours bad! Nope, can’t say I have in 5.5 years. I recognize that I am allowed to cry deeply at 10:01 and be crying laughing at 10:10. Feelings are allowed to vacillate like the wind changing the current of a river.

I love the photos where you’re laughing — your laughter feels so honest and inviting. Do you also like smiling at strangers? (smiles)

Eeeek, I’m very big on eye contact—so yes, I definitely smile at strangers, partially because I am already somewhat staring, and partially because what an underrated pleasantry, to be able to see a stranger and smile at them.

Morning practice or evening wind-down?

If I am being wise—morning practice. Best and safest way to start my day.

One word that defines your current chapter?

Tender alignment. Okay, let’s pretend you said two words. (smiles)

Last question, a simple practice you’d recommend to reconnect with the body in just five minutes?

A simple practice I’d recommend to reconnect with the body is to sit still: one hand on the belly, one hand on the heart, and begin to breathe slowly—4 second inhale, 6 second exhale (give or take), just continuing the breath—silently exploring awareness. Personally, sometimes I place both hands gently over my neck—pinky fingers closest to ears—it is a reminder that I have safe, gentle hands and my voice is free.