Simple breathing, sound relaxation, and meditation techniques are taught to relax the individual.
“From what the participants say it looks like for some of them life will never be the same after this course. It gave hope to those that were lost in hopelessness, lost in despair, joy to those who were surrounded by misery, peace to those whose life was in turmoil.” – Zethu Xapile, Hospital Manager, Mitchell’s Plain CHC
These techniques teach people how to handle negative emotions such as anger, regret and depression. By dealing with these emotions, there is a sense of peace and relaxation. What follows is mental clarity, confidence and focus to find solutions for challenges faced in the rural areas – be it substance abuse, infrastructural problems or lack of basic amenities.
When empowerment starts with individual transformation, it is sustainable. Communities are made up of individuals and empowered people naturally lead their communities towards progress.
A major component of the workshop is to foster community development and service. The values of responsibility for oneself and the needs of others, teamwork, sharing and service are kindled through a number of processes. This ensures that a strong community spirit and ownership of society is built, with cultural appreciation encouraged. On closure of the course, participants choose to contribute to a group community project with the aim of uplifting and empowering the community in which they live.
Breath Water Sound Workshop has been successful in:
- Eliminating Stress
- Reducing alcoholism and drug abuse and abusive behaviour patterns
- Increasing, energy overall health and mental well-being
- Reaffirming basic human values
- Inspiring greater responsibility and a feeling of belongingness
- Building communities and the community spirit
Breath Water Sound provides support for those living with HIV/ AIDS:
by alleviating depression and stress of those living with AIDS and their caregivers, family members and the community
- by boosting energy and the immune system
- by providing education on proper nutrition which empowers people to take better care of their bodies
- a strong sense of belongingness is fostered, encouraging people to share their status
In South Africa BWS program has been rolled out to schools, churches, rehabilitation centers in the Gauteng, Pretoria and Cape Town areas.
Programs around the country
BWS course with 400 learners from Portia Primary School’s Foundation Phase in Cape Town:
It was so wonderful for us to be at Where Rainbows Meet and even the very young children were receptive to the personal development techniques, games and lessons on peace building, health and nutrition. Usually our Breath, Water, Sound courses are run for 7-12 year olds as well as adults, but we adapted the teachings to make it suitable for the younger age group and the course worked very well.
Thank you once again for welcoming us so warmly and to all the teachers that assisted us with the children. Their support was invaluable. Thank you for all that you do for the children and the community of Vrygrond and brining so much light and joy into these children’s lives.
With the University of Cape Town cleaning staff it is so special to hear how the knowledge and meditation techniques taught on the course has brought such peace and positivity in the lives of the participants, especially when experienced at the workplace with their colleagues.
Orange Farm at the Bokamoso – Skills & Economic development Centre
The feedback from participants was positive. They were able to understand themselves in relation to their body and mind. The power of the mind- empowered learners to understand that all starts in the mind and positive thinking is the key to that philosophy.
Learners were happy and they have started to exercise all the techniques learned in that workshop and changes are starting to occur. But with the understanding that BWS it’s a journey which ought to be undertaken with
commitment.
