Belize Joins Global Yoga Day with Free Classes  

Across the globe, people are preparing to roll out their mats as International Day of Yoga is observed this June twenty-first, and Belize is right there with them. This year, free yoga sessions are popping up in communities from Placencia to Punta Gorda, Belmopan to Caye Caulker, and here in Belize City. The day, established by the United Nations, celebrates the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga, and organizers say more Belizeans are embracing that balance every year. We caught up with yoga instructor Ashanti Ruggles, who is encouraging everyone, no matter their experience level, to take part in the nationwide celebration.

 

Ashanti Ruggles, Vice Chair, Black Orchid Wellness

“It’s a day where no matter how much you make, how much you have in your bank account, how much cash you have, that you can do yoga, because it’s free. So that people and places all over the world celebrate International Yoga Day for free so that people can, of all ages and backgrounds, can access this beautiful practice, because it’s so transformative. Not just for your body, because there are many other ways to move your body which are healthy and great, but yoga is a very holistic practice where you get to really calm your mind, so there’s that mental aspect of the practice. And there’s also a very spiritual aspect when it comes to traditional yoga. You can go to Placencia covered basketball court, so they’re having their yoga day tomorrow at nine a.m. In Punta Gorda, it’s being held at Copal Tree Yoga Pavilion, and that’s going to be at ten a.m.. In Independence Village, they’re celebrating it on Father’s Day, so actually on June twenty-first, and you can go to the basketball court behind Altitude Gym, and they’re having it in the afternoon from four to five. And then in Belmopan they’re having it at the National Assembly building steps at seven thirty a.m., and this is happening tomorrow. In Caye Caulker they’re having it on Father’s Day, so on June twenty-first st at six p.m at Ceiba Yoga. So you can follow them. They have a Facebook page and I think even an Instagram page. And then in Santa Elena you can follow Black Orchid’s page, Black Orchid Wellness, and we’re having it tomorrow. I will be personally teaching that class at eleven a.m. at Black Orchid Wellness in Santa Elena, so I’m really looking forward to that. And finally, we’re having an event in Belize City at Digi Park, but this is happening until June twenty-seventh, and Ida is leading that class, and that’s happening at six thirty p/m/ at Digi Park. So just reach out to these different locations, or you can just show up if you happen to not be on social media and find them, because it’s free. So just bring those items with you and get to experience the wonderful benefits of yoga for free. “

 

Ruggles encourages all interested Belizeans, regardless of age, gender or body type, to give yoga a try. 

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: