MY STORY
Namurembe Rita Brown, 30, is a Ugandan Acholi who arrived at Kakuma Refugee Camp in 2000.
She completed her primary, secondary, and tertiary education there, focusing on social work (diploma) and an Associates of Arts in Business Administration.
She previously worked voluntarily as a healthy choices facilitator for the International Rescue Committee, teaching life-changing topics such as reproductive health to school dropouts and drug addicts.
She enjoys jogging and going to the gym, but a previous attack while jogging made her join a gym through a friend who worked at LWF. The gym was affordable and had other refugee members. However, they were all barred from entering the compound after 5:00 PM due to a policy of not allowing refugees in at that time. After being barred from the gym, she started exercising at home by skipping rope and dancing. A Somali friend introduced her to yoga, which was free at a nearby youth center. Despite experiencing pain and needing painkillers after each session, she was committed to the practice and eventually improved her skills.
Yoga has taught her about healthy eating and self-care, positively impacting her personal life. She offers private lessons for income and has gained the trust and respect of her community through her dedication to service. Yoga helped her overcome back pain and other discomforts caused by a lack of exercise. Dancing is her hobby, and watching movies is how she relaxes at home. She is active on social media, sharing her clips and photos on Facebook and Instagram. A follower named Rollins Salim contacted her and introduced her to Yoga Alliance Foundation, where she became a member and alumnus.
She initially chose Baptiste yoga because it had a positive impact on her relationship with herself and others, and was more than just a physical practice. It emphasizes being a Yes to oneself, being ready as a yogi, and giving up what holds one back. The practice helps her work through emotional baggage and become more empowered, allowing her to relate better to others. It also provides her with a quiet private time to listen to her heart. Baptiste yoga’s personal inquiry work and meditation practices have helped her discover and overcome negative beliefs, making her a more compassionate person. On her mat, she can practice skills like patience, perseverance, and self-love that carry over into daily life, freeing her from depression, anxiety, and stress.
The Baptiste community has become like family to her. She can be herself around them and they show her compassion and love. The poses and sequence are also incredible. She’s tried other yoga types and poses, but Journey into Power sequence keeps offering her something new to discover every time. Baptiste yoga lets her dive deeper into learning, and she’s fascinated by how minor changes in alignment can transform a pose. Daily exercise benefits your health and stress levels. Along with flexibility, it improves stamina, strength, and balance.
KEY BENEFITS OF YOGA
Yoga sequences promote mobility and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the present and awaken your energy. These includes:
- Improve flexibility
- Physical fitness
- Stress relieve
- Active lifestyles
- Improving self-esteem and many more
Building A Community
Baptiste Yoga Practise (A combination of breathing exercises, meditation, and poses to bring the mind and body together) gives us a way to give back that is meaningful to us. Through mentoring or volunteering with youth programs.
YOGA IS FOR EVERYBODY
Yoga brings positive results to your health and stress levels. It helps you developed mobility and the peace of mind that allows you to focus on the present and awaken energy. Yoga is for all ages, it’s all body sizes, and for everybody. Take action and make the difference today.
Let's Connect
We cannot rest until we have created a healthier and happier community. Let us make a difference today by working together.