By Southern in Saudi
Date: April 2025
Category: Wellness & Culture
This afternoon, as the sun dipped low over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, I met up with my longtime friend Mecah Wills for a walk through Richard Bödeker Park. The park was alive with the sounds of children playing, the bubbling of fountains, and the gentle breeze moving through the trees—a serene backdrop for catching up and diving into a conversation about wellness, change, and life in Saudi Arabia.
Mecah, a native Canadian, moved to Saudi in early 2017 after spending time living in Ghana. “I was ready for a new adventure,” she told me, and that adventurous spirit has stayed with her ever since. We’ve known each other since her early days here, and I’ve seen firsthand how she’s built a life and community through her passion for yoga.
When she first arrived, yoga was still in a gray area—misunderstood by many and only just beginning to find public acceptance. “I remember walking into gyms and seeing women working out intensely, but without much attention to mindfulness or overall wellness,” Mecah recalled. “It’s been inspiring to witness the shift—more women are now embracing the connection between body and mind.”
As we paused near one of the fountains, Mecah moved through a few of her favorite poses, sharing how yoga is more than a physical practice. “It’s about learning how to listen to yourself, to be present, and to understand what your body needs.”
She encourages anyone—local or expat—to explore different studios and teachers until they find what fits. “There’s no right or wrong way to start,” she said. “Just begin somewhere.”
Mecah also had some advice for fellow expats: “Step outside the expat circles. Learn the history, visit the old neighborhoods, talk to people. Saudi Arabia has so much depth—and it’s worth discovering.”
If you’re interested in yoga or want to connect with Mecah, you can follow her on Instagram: @mecahwills
It was a refreshing conversation and a beautiful way to end the day. I look forward to continuing our conversation soon—with a follow-up podcast episode where Mecah will share even more about her journey, the evolution of yoga in the Kingdom, and her personal transformation since arriving in Riyadh.
Stay tuned for the upcoming podcast launch, where this conversation—and many more like it—will come to life.