And while yoga may seem intimidating to those who can’t touch their toes, the ROC has worked hard to bring forth individual, social, and environmental practices that shows yoga’s effects are diversely positive, and not just physical. In previous years, ROC provided yoga to Female Section of the Kolbe Foundation in Belize Central Prison, offered free children and senior yoga classes in Placencia. Plus, even facilitated Yoga Teacher training scholarships to the SVYASA Yoga Research University in Bangalore, India, which was provided by the High Commission of India. Additionally, Om Shanti Belize — a registered Yoga Alliance Teacher Training school — offered scholarships to Belizeans as well.
How the Belize International Yoga Festival (BIYF) started

BIYF 2019. Photo by Mickey Mercury
Being the first of its kind in Belize and the region, the Belize International Yoga Festival is a family-friendly affair. Not to mention, BIYF is ROC’s signature fundraising event. In 2019, BIYF saw over 30 presentations, classes, and holistic workshops by both local and international facilitators under multiple tents; agenda items included Children’s Yoga, Ayurveda Workshop, and even a Belizean twist — Yoga & Kriol Drumming. All this, and more, was held on the Harbour View Greens of the historic Fort Street in Belize City.
“The festival is a time for positive interactions which is vitally important for the well-being of our community, country and the world especially in these times. BIYF2020 is for EVERYBODY!”
– Michelle Shanti Williams, founder of Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC) and The Belize International Yoga Festival
Fear not, aspirational yogis; the Belize International Yoga Fest has a practice for all ages and walks of life designed to leave you with a positive mark. Whether you’re interested in a motivating talk, holistic workshop, or sharpening your practice on or off the mat; Belize’s yoga community continues to grow with open arms. If you’re interested in balancing mind, body, and soul, then tune in virtually to the Belize International Yoga Fest on December 6 from 6 am to 6 pm. Nonetheless, viewers can enjoy a day of yoga, meditation, music and roundtable discussions with modern day visionaries from 21 different countries.

Mindful mediation at BIYF 2019. Photo by Mickey Mercury