DURHAM --  A Raleigh man says he's been meditating for years and now wants to give back to those who haven't found inner peace in their lives. 

  • Mike Belmares travels to Durham to offer a free yoga class at the Ronald McDonald House.
  • The goal is to help relieve stress related to challenges of child illness. 
  • More information at the RMDH's website

Mike Belmares travels to Durham once a week to offer a free yoga class for families at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and Wake Counties. It's a new opportunity which staff say is helping their residents. 

"Having things like yoga so families can come in, relax together at night, have time to unwind to take care of themselves because the better they take care of themselves the better they can take care of their child which is most important right now," said Stephanie Whigham, the director of family care at the Ronald McDonald House.

Belmares says no one in the class is an expert. Everyone is allowed to go at their own pace and even kids are allowed to join in with parents, to help them relieve stress or concerns that come with the challenges of child illnesses. 

"It's got to be stressful. you're sitting there, you're worried. You;ve given up you're job the problems are mounting up, the bills, the interpersonal family problems. I mean it's crazy," Belmares said. 

Families say it's been helpful too, even beneficial for doctors during surgeries when children with anxiety are able to use yoga techniques. 

"If he gets anxious about something...I just look at him and he looks at me and we just breathe together... and it helps," said Cyndi Fowler, the mother of James Fowler who needed a heart transplant over the summer. 

Belmares will continue to teach classes for families that come through the house. 

RMHD says they would love to see more talented people volunteer at their home. For more information go to https://www.rmhdurhamwake.org/