Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC) A catalyst for CHANGE<\/h3><\/div><\/p>\nBy: Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy<\/p>\n
I am a writer, performance artist, Renaissance woman and yogi. I have written and directed five original stage plays and was a recipient of the Women in Art Artist Award. As a performance artist, I am a featured soloist in Francis Reneau’s Belizean patriotic showcases. I am a choreographer and a member of the Belize National Dance company where she teaches Middle Eastern Dance. I am as a dedicated yoga teacher certified in Hatha Yoga and proud to be a Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC) Global Ambassador.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nThe rhythm of the heart beats steady and sure while pumping blood to our organs. The breath silently slips into our lungs, expanding and releasing. Our bodies move with each inhalation and exhalation, focused and calm, as it orchestrates this union of the mind, body and breath.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/PACO-YOGA-4.jpeg\")
Yoga \u2014 a spiritual science and art, widely known for its physical postures or Asanas, goes far beyond the bodily movements. Practitioners learn to connect to themselves, to an inner knowing, to an essence within that is a part of every other being, the environment, the earth and the entire universe.<\/p>\n
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one. Namaste.<\/p>\n
The practice of Yoga continues to grow, with countless studios on every continent. Both teachers and practitioners spread the message of balance, compassion and self-realization with the intention to increase overall wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n
O<\/span>ne such place is Om Shanti Belize: Yoga and Wellness Center. It provides an oasis-like realm to those needing a revitalized boost in the morning or a relaxed evening after work. It is nestled in Belize, a country known for tourist attractions such as the barrier reef, ancient Mayan temples, and plush green rainforests.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Omshanti.jpg\")
However, like any country it has its challenges. One being a rise in violence among adolescents and youth; with more than half the population considered youth, this poses a problem.<\/p>\n
Michelle Williams, owner of Om Shanti Belize, noticed that there was a need for youth to not only be heard, but to be healed. Therefore, in 2014 she pioneered an outreach program and nonprofit organization called Rhythm of Change (ROC), with the intention to heal and inspire children and youth through the practice of Yoga.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ROC-Logo-FullSizeRender.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started teaching on the streets of Belize city during \u201cDays of Healing,\u201d a grassroots initiative dedicated to peacebuilding in areas which experience tremendous gang violence,\u201d Michelle said. \u201cAny given chance, I would speak about the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Om-Shanti.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
ROC introduces the peaceful practice of yoga into areas of Belize city that seem forgotten, which validates the children and creates hope where it matters \u2014 inside them.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
As one 8-year-old said, \u201cYoga reminds me of peace.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Yoga-reminds-me-of-peace.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The yoga classes are now given in schools, where the impact has begun to create a sense of peace. \u201cWhen I do yoga I feel like a different person,\u201d said a 10-year-old from Saint Martin de Porres Primary school. \u201cI feel less stressed and more relaxed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/span>Giving children an outlet in an environment that at times feels unsafe is a powerful gesture that can contribute to lasting positive change in the children, and ultimately in the country.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Michelle-Yoga.jpg\")
\u201cYoga saved my life,\u201d affirms Michelle, which is why she wanted to share it with as many people as possible. \u201cI started with monthly community classes, then started teaching youth on the streets with yoga mats donated to us. Some started to post pictures on Facebook and the response on social media was incredible.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0ROC also offers \u201cIntroduction to Mindfulness\u201d workshops throughout the year to the public and twice early to school counselors within the Ministry of Education. This is facilitated by Jeremy Enriquez. Mr. Enriquez has a strong background in Eastern and Western psychology and \u00a0has attended numerous Vipasana 10 day retreats abroad. He recently introduced mindfulness to the men and women of he Belize Defense Force .<\/p>\n
Jenna Lipman, a teacher, commented on the benefits that these yoga classes continue to have on her students: \u201cI see yoga giving my students tools to manage stress. Many of them live in high-stress environments and that stress gets carried with them to school. When students can focus on breathing and listening to their emotions instead of fighting, it benefits the child and everyone around them.\u201d<\/p>\n
ROC\u2019s focus is prevention through early exposure to yoga at the elementary school level. Classes are also taught four times a week at the Juvenile Detention Center in Belize. The yoga classes serve as a bridge for youth to create a different path in their lives, offering them coping skills to deal with anger and stress.<\/p>\n
Last year, ROC\u2019s initiative expanded, and now includes weekly classes within the female section of the Belize Central Prison. The impact has been tremendous. According to one of the female prison program coordinators, \u201cGenerally the incidents in the female\u2019s section is down; we certainly can attribute this in part to the ongoing program activities. We truly appreciate the consistency and dedication of the volunteers. We have had only three reported incidents since January 2017.\u201d<\/p>\n
By: Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy<\/p>\n
I am a writer, performance artist, Renaissance woman and yogi. I have written and directed five original stage plays and was a recipient of the Women in Art Artist Award. As a performance artist, I am a featured soloist in Francis Reneau’s Belizean patriotic showcases. I am a choreographer and a member of the Belize National Dance company where she teaches Middle Eastern Dance. I am as a dedicated yoga teacher certified in Hatha Yoga and proud to be a Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC) Global Ambassador.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div> The rhythm of the heart beats steady and sure while pumping blood to our organs. The breath silently slips into our lungs, expanding and releasing. Our bodies move with each inhalation and exhalation, focused and calm, as it orchestrates this union of the mind, body and breath.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one. Namaste.<\/p>\n The practice of Yoga continues to grow, with countless studios on every continent. Both teachers and practitioners spread the message of balance, compassion and self-realization with the intention to increase overall wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n O<\/span>ne such place is Om Shanti Belize: Yoga and Wellness Center. It provides an oasis-like realm to those needing a revitalized boost in the morning or a relaxed evening after work. It is nestled in Belize, a country known for tourist attractions such as the barrier reef, ancient Mayan temples, and plush green rainforests.<\/p>\n Michelle Williams, owner of Om Shanti Belize, noticed that there was a need for youth to not only be heard, but to be healed. Therefore, in 2014 she pioneered an outreach program and nonprofit organization called Rhythm of Change (ROC), with the intention to heal and inspire children and youth through the practice of Yoga.<\/p>\n \u201cWe started teaching on the streets of Belize city during \u201cDays of Healing,\u201d a grassroots initiative dedicated to peacebuilding in areas which experience tremendous gang violence,\u201d Michelle said. \u201cAny given chance, I would speak about the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga.\u201d<\/p>\n ROC introduces the peaceful practice of yoga into areas of Belize city that seem forgotten, which validates the children and creates hope where it matters \u2014 inside them.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n As one 8-year-old said, \u201cYoga reminds me of peace.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The yoga classes are now given in schools, where the impact has begun to create a sense of peace. \u201cWhen I do yoga I feel like a different person,\u201d said a 10-year-old from Saint Martin de Porres Primary school. \u201cI feel less stressed and more relaxed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Giving children an outlet in an environment that at times feels unsafe is a powerful gesture that can contribute to lasting positive change in the children, and ultimately in the country.<\/p>\n Jenna Lipman, a teacher, commented on the benefits that these yoga classes continue to have on her students: \u201cI see yoga giving my students tools to manage stress. Many of them live in high-stress environments and that stress gets carried with them to school. When students can focus on breathing and listening to their emotions instead of fighting, it benefits the child and everyone around them.\u201d<\/p>\n ROC\u2019s focus is prevention through early exposure to yoga at the elementary school level. Classes are also taught four times a week at the Juvenile Detention Center in Belize. The yoga classes serve as a bridge for youth to create a different path in their lives, offering them coping skills to deal with anger and stress.<\/p>\n Last year, ROC\u2019s initiative expanded, and now includes weekly classes within the female section of the Belize Central Prison. The impact has been tremendous. According to one of the female prison program coordinators, \u201cGenerally the incidents in the female\u2019s section is down; we certainly can attribute this in part to the ongoing program activities. We truly appreciate the consistency and dedication of the volunteers. We have had only three reported incidents since January 2017.\u201d<\/p>\nYoga \u2014 a spiritual science and art, widely known for its physical postures or Asanas, goes far beyond the bodily movements. Practitioners learn to connect to themselves, to an inner knowing, to an essence within that is a part of every other being, the environment, the earth and the entire universe.<\/p>\nHowever, like any country it has its challenges. One being a rise in violence among adolescents and youth; with more than half the population considered youth, this poses a problem.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\u201cYoga saved my life,\u201d affirms Michelle, which is why she wanted to share it with as many people as possible. \u201cI started with monthly community classes, then started teaching youth on the streets with yoga mats donated to us. Some started to post pictures on Facebook and the response on social media was incredible.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0ROC also offers \u201cIntroduction to Mindfulness\u201d workshops throughout the year to the public and twice early to school counselors within the Ministry of Education. This is facilitated by Jeremy Enriquez. Mr. Enriquez has a strong background in Eastern and Western psychology and \u00a0has attended numerous Vipasana 10 day retreats abroad. He recently introduced mindfulness to the men and women of he Belize Defense Force .<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Yoga.jpg\")
hantibelize@gmail.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for volunteer details and requirements.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Aloma-300x225.jpg\")
Vice Chairperson Aloma Hall commented, \u201cI am deeply driven to help improve and positively sustain these two entities knowing that we are all connected. Helping one will help the other and harming one will harm the other. Therefore, I choose to help!\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Kathryn.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Michelle-Spa-Pic.jpg\")
PORTRAIT OF MICHELLE WILLIAMS<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n