Days 6 & 7 of the (now) 15 Day Yoga (& occassional pilates) Challenge

I challenged myself in Day 6 by opting to do my yoga practice during 'siesta' time. Typically between the hours of 2pm and 4pm I have zero energy. Back in the days when I was teaching in the classroom, I dreaded a schedule where I taught classes toward the end of the school day. My mind is slower, my body feels more exhausted and my energy levels wane in the hours between lunch time and the end of the work day. It definitely is not the ideal time to do a yoga practice - at least not for me.
However, as I am preparing for the trip to India where I will be practicing yoga asana at various times of the day for a month straight, I thought it might be a good idea to get out of my yoga-in-the-morning & -late-morning habit.
What a challenge it was to just get the mat rolled out! Each time I thought to get started, that little voice in my head kept repeating, "C'mon Julie, let's go make a cup of tea and just sit down for 5 more minutes." With promises to myself of a reward of a cuppa if I just got though my daily practice, I rolled out my mat and got started.
I made a concerted effort to incorporate the cues I learned in the Ashtanga practice on Saturday which got my hamstrings and quads working much harder. That allowed my lower back to take a well-deserved break. It also helped to engage and strengthen those deeper core muscles that always seem to want to just sit back and take a nap when I'm doing any sort of physical activity. As I moved through the practice, I felt my energy levels rise and my mood lift.
By the time I finished the session, I was feeling great! I no longer wanted or needed a cup of tea to give me that late day caffeine pick-me-up and I found I had the energy to prepare a super delicious and healthy dinner.
On Day 7 I continued to get out of my comfort zone by practicing a little later in the day. This time I had spent all day marking exam papers so by half past five in the evening I was ready to move my body and stretch. No promises of tea rewards needed to get on my mat today!
So, I'm just about half-way finished with this particular challenge and I'm enjoying the changes it brings to both my mind and my body, not to mention my spirit. I'm beginning to feel more comfortable about not going 100% into every posture and just allowing my body to lead the way, rather than allowing my ego to tell me what I should be doing.
So much of yoga is about letting go: letting go of the past, letting go of the need to worry about the future, letting go of preconceived notions we have about ourselves and our bodies and especially letting go of our egos.
I'm not the perfect yogi, nor am I the perfect yoga teacher and through my practice I'm learning to let go of the desire to be the perfect anything.
I am enough as I am.

My 14-Day Challenge Is Now 15

Days 4 and 5
I've just finished Day 4 of Do Yoga Yoga With Me's 14-day Challenge. But in reality, it's day 5. Yesterday I opted out of the online challenge in favour of Walid's 75-minute Ashtanga Yoga class at The Hundred.  I normally don't do Ashtanga yoga so I wasn't sure what to expect from this particular style as it has a reputation for being physically tough. Wow! What an amazing session. It isn't often that I get to attend a class where the instructor offers loads of helpful hints and adjustments catered to my specific needs. I felt like a beginner but for all the right reasons. It was as if I was learning all sorts of new information about my body and the way I move. It helps that I've been doing pilates with Walid since September 2016, so he is familiar with my past injuries, my strengths and areas that need improvement. (notice that I didn't use the word "weaknesses"?) Then yesterday afternoon I attended swim training with Speedo Swim Squad. Dan, one of the coaches, was so great in helping me address some strength building in my quads and hamstrings. By the end of the session, I was feeling like a strong mermaid, speeding through the lanes...okay - strong and tired - but a mermaid nonetheless!

Today I applied Walid's cues and adjustments to my Day 4 (reality Day 5) online session with Fiji McAlpine and what a difference it made in my practice! The strength I feel in my body and the overall benefit and enjoyment I got out of the session is noticeable. I think this is a lesson to me and perhaps for others that sticking with one yoga teacher or style isn't always in the best benefit for your body. Change it up, listen to the cues and advice. Also incorporating other physical movement, like swimming, jogging, tennis, etc is a great way to get a deeper understanding of how you move, what areas need more attention and what areas need to take a break. For example, I often allow my lower back to do the work when really my hamstrings and quads should be the main players. The result has been thigh muscles that aren't as strong as they should be and a lower back that is overstrained. Does that sound familiar to anyone else?
I'm looking forward to incorporating what I've learned in the last couple of days with my clients.
Onward and upward!

Day 3, The GetUpDressUpShowUp Day

Last night I slept less than 5 hours and those were very restless hours of tossing and turning where I woke up several times with pain in my joints, general discomfort and a busy mind. I finally gave in and got out of bed when I heard the call to prayer echoing through our neighbourhood around 6am.
Shuffling downstairs to make my morning cup of tea, I was tempted to give Day 3 a miss on this 14-day yoga challenge. I mean, I had plenty of legitimate excuses not to do yoga today: no sleep, swollen joints, painful back, and general grumpiness. The thought of skipping my yoga practice today was dismissed almost as quickly as it popped into my mind because I kept picturing myself at the ashram in India, day in and day out having to get up, dress up and show up no matter what. I need to prepare myself physically and mentally for the challenges of the 300-hour yoga teacher training which will begin next month. This was definitely turning into a get-up-dress-up-show-up sort of day.
Around midday after running a few errands and preparing what I hope will be a delicious vegan dessert for a dinner party tonight, I decided to roll out my mat for Day 3. Within the first few minutes and to my pleasant surprise, the practice felt more accessible than it has in the last few days. I didn't have to retreat to child's pose while Fiji led me through a brief yet powerful vinyasa flow session and I felt stronger overall. It's only Day 3! Imagine how I might feel at Day 10 or by Day 14!
It seems that getting up, dressing up and showing up was better for my yoga body and mind than hiding under the covers and staying in bed. My mood has brightened, my body feels just the right balance of strength and exhaustion and my mind is alert yet uncluttered. All of this and today's practice was only about 30 minutes long.
Bring on Day 4! 

Day 2

I've just finished Day 2's 30-minute practice with Fiji McAlpine. Going into it, I felt tired and achy as I had unexpectedly covered a Yin class last night for a teacher who was ill and already had a challenging pilates session this morning. This afternoon's session with Fiji was spent going over some of the basics in alignment. I think that it is a wonderful aspect of life as a yogi that even after all these years of practicing yoga asana, there is always more to learn. The cues and reminders she gave helped me to benefit more from my practice. In turn they will also help my students as I will incorporate these insights and knowledge into my own teaching.
I often hear students make negative comments about being "Only a beginner" or asking "What do I need to do to be advanced?" Personally, I don't believe in these particular levels of yoga practice. Bodies respond differently everyday. Even the most flexible and well practiced -dare I say, advanced- yogi has days when he falls out of a posture or has difficulty getting through a basic practice. I see one's yoga practice like the ebb and flow of the tide. There are days when it seems effortless and smooth and other days when those waves come crashing to shore only to be quickly and almost violently pulled back out to sea. I definitely don't feel effortless or smooth today. In fact, it feels like months since I have felt that way. However, that is part of this life-long yogic journey. Getting through the crashing and pulling helps me to appreciate the days that my body smoothly moves from one asana to the next. Coincidently, those 'smooth days' are also the days when my mind is clear, my heart feels full and my spirit soars.
So, if you struggle to get motivated to move your body or feel frustrated with what your body won't do, take comfort in the knowledge that you're not alone. We're all on this journey together.  Why not try a class or one of the challenges on Do Yoga With Me's website? It's free, you can do it in the privacy of your own home or during your travels and there are plenty of sessions to choose from.


  

Getting Back on the Mat

Day 1

Over the past several months my personal yoga practice has waned. Whether it has been due to a tighter schedule, a desire to devote more time to my artwork or just feeling tired and achy, lately I seem to be able to find all sorts of reasons to leave my mat rolled up in a corner of the room to gather dust.

I still practice a once or twice per week with Liberty of Urban Yoga at HAPI or swing yoga with Deena, do pilates at The Hundred with Hened and Walid and continue to swim 2 days per week with Speedo Swim Squad but for whatever reason, I just could not motivate myself to devote regular time to yoga asana.

As a yoga teacher, I feel a sense of guilt and even hypocrisy not practicing asana at least 5 times per week.  The other day I swear I saw my yoga mat roll her eyes at me as if to say, "And you call yourself a yoga teacher?"  Last week during a conversation with a woman who was describing her 97 year-old mother who still lives independently and walks everyday, she quoted her mother as saying, "If you don't use it, you lose it!" 

With that phrase echoing in my head and the realization that I will be heading to Rishikesh, India next month to complete a 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training course at Shiva Yoga Peeth, I was motivated to finally dust off the mat and give myself the kick-in-the-backside-asana. I'm a goal oriented person so being able to set even a small goal is an effective way for me to start good habits. I have used Do Yoga With Me in the past and they now have 14-day and 21-day yoga challenges so I thought, why not? It is a donation-based website so you can stream classes for free or chose to donate. You can also pay to download classes and take them with you, which is great when you're traveling. 

I've just finished Day 1 of the 14-day challenge with Fiji McAlpine leading the class. She has such a great way of giving cues and information and a really soothing voice. The practice was a very manageable 45 minutes but I must humbly admit that there were many times when I retreated to child's pose rather than do what Fiji was prompting me to do. But then again, yoga is not about keeping up with the instructor or with the other people in class, is it? It's about listening to your body, understanding what your body and mind need even if that is in conflict with what the ego wants. Now after that brief yet challenging first day, I find my yoga mat covered in hard-earned sweat, instead of dust. If she could, I think my mat might give me a 'high five.'

I'm looking forward to Day 2! 

Want to join me in this challenge? Check out www.doyogawithme.com and go to the 14-day challenge. If you don't use it, you'll lose it!

FREE Beach Yoga Discontinued

Over the past several weeks participation in FoYD's community based, free beach yoga classes has dwindled significantly. This is bittersweet as when I began offering free beach yoga classes five years ago, I knew of no other completely free regular group classes offered in Dubai. Fast forward to today and there are many, many community-based free yoga classes offered on the beach, in parks and in studios. You could literally participate in yoga every day of the week somewhere in Dubai without paying a single fil. It's wonderful and exactly what I had hoped would eventually happen.

So, now I am ready to hand off the baton, as it were, to my fellow Dubai yoga teachers.

I will continue to offer private individual and private group yoga classes but Wednesday night YogaWalk and Saturday Sunrise Beach Yoga will be discontinued.

If you would like private classes, please feel free to contact me. I offer the following types of yoga & meditation:

• Hatha
• Hatha Flow
• Yin Yoga
• Pre/Post-natal Yoga
• Gentle Yoga
• Guided Meditation and Walking Meditation
• Yoga for back pain
• Yoga for Members of the Military/Law Enforcement and for Victims of Trauma

Thank you for sharing the beach yoga practice with me. It has been an absolute joy to be part of your yoga journey and I hope to continue to share the practice with you in private lessons.

Rain, rain and more rain for Dubai

17 Feb 2017
The rain is still coming down!

Due to the ongoing and expected rain, Saturday Sunrise Beach Yoga is cancelled for Saturday, 18 February 2018. Weather permitting, our outdoor yoga classes will resume next week. Namaste.

Class Cancellation Sat 4 Feb 2017

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Due to high winds, Sunrise Beach Yoga is CANCELLED on Saturday 4 February 2017. Class will resume as scheduled on Saturday, 11 February 2017 at 7am.

Love Yourself thru Yoga this Valentines Day!

Beach Yoga

·       YogaWalk, Wednesdays, 6pm-7:45pm

This unique practice combines a short yoga practice with a 5 Km walk. We follow up our walk with guided meditation and yoga nidra. All levels are welcome to join! Rate: FREE Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HnhPeUi4dPD2

  

·       Saturday Sunrise Beach Yoga, 7am-8:15am

Start your day off right! Join us on the beach for this mind awakening and body invigorating yoga practice. You will feel energised and ready for the day ahead. Rate: donation based, Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HnhPeUi4dPD2

Cake Cleanse

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These are two words we don’t usually use together. However, Cake Cleanse is the clever name of Deborah Schipper’s nutritional plan, recipe book and website that features delicious and indulgent recipes. These recipes have no processed sugars and are free of the unhealthy fats and additives normally found in desserts and savoury treats. Take a peek at Cake Cleanse and try out some of the mouth-watering recipes!

Private Yoga Sessions

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Private yoga (and/or meditation) sessions are now available during the day on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and several evenings per week. By opting for private lessons, the time, day, location and yoga practice is organized to suit your specific needs. Yoga and meditation sessions can be for you, you and a partner or for you along with a group of friends. Recovering from a pregnancy or from injury? Have a demanding schedule? Don’t like to practice yoga in a room full of other people? Then private sessions are for you! Spaces are filling up quickly so be sure to book your private yoga/meditation sessions soon. Contact Julie at +971 (0)50 284 4374 to book your private yoga session today!

FREE and nearly free Yoga in Dubai

Did you know that you can enjoy FREE yoga classes in Dubai at least 5 days per week? Here are links to several free (or nearly free) yoga classes in and around Dubai. Check ‘em out!

Mondays:

·       The Beach, JBR 7am-8am

Wednesdays:

·       The Beach, JBR 7am-8am

·       YogaWalk, Umm Suqeim 1, 6pm (see above)

Thursdays:

Kriya Yoga, Taijitu House of Om, 8am

Fridays:

·       The Beach, JBR 7am-8am

·       Taijitu House of Om, Hatha Yoga, 8:30am

Saturdays:

·       Sunrise Beach Yoga Umm Suqeim 1(see above), 7am

There is something for everyone in every price range and at every level of yoga experience. Beginners and experienced yogis are welcome at all of the above-listed classes. Know of other free yoga or meditation classes in Dubai? Send me the information and I'll post it here!

For more information about yoga classes, meditation sessions and private yoga sessions, please contact Julie at +971 (0)50 284-4374

Beach Yoga, Meditation, Delicious Food...the list is endless!

YogaWalk WEDNESDAYS at 6pm (FREE class!) 

This combination of Hatha Flow yoga and a 5Km walk has been a welcome newcomer to the Dubai yoga community. All levels of yoga practitioners are welcome, including raw beginners. Do you think that you're not flexible enough for yoga? Congratulations! That means that yoga is perfect for you!   

Where: Next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant, end of Jumeirah 3/beginning of Umm Suqeim 1. Bring a mat, a bottle of water and comfortable walking shoes. Pre-booking encouraged fieldsofyoga@gmail.com or +971 (0)50 284 4374

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SATURDAY SUNRISE BEACH YOGA, 7AM (Donation based class)

In response to many requests and in an attempt to help fund the 4 yoga teacher trainings I am doing between Nov 2016 and July 2017, I have once again added Saturday Sunrise Beach Yoga to the FoYD offerings. Join me for this gentle beach-side Hatha Flow yoga practice. It's a beautiful way to start your day!  

Where: Next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant, end of Jumeirah 3/beginning of Umm Suqeim 1. Bring a mat, a bottle of water and a small towel. Pre-booking encouraged fieldsofyoga@gmail.com or +971 (0)50 284 4374

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION - Does life happen to you or does life happen?

"When life just happens, you empower yourself with the decision of how to move forward." Take a moment to read this interesting (and short) article about how to become more resilient. Empathy and how we react to events in life can make the difference between being resilient or agitated. 

11-MINUTE MEDITATION WITH DAVID MAGONE

Want to try meditation but need a little guidance? Click here to do this lovely, soothing, and easy meditation with David Magone. I'm excited to be enrolled in meditation teacher training with David Magone in June 2017. Want to enroll too? Check out this link for more information. 

DELICIOUS & HEALTHY HOLIDAY RECIPES

Recently I've watched the documentary Forks Over Knives and I am struck by the overwhelming evidence that a plant-based diet is the most beneficial way for us to eat. If you've never tried vegetarianism or veganism, the thought of never having a juicy steak or hamburger again might be unthinkable. However, you might consider making one or two days per week, 'Vegan days' or 'Vegetarian days' . To help with that, here are a few delicious recipes from Nest and Glow. They offer mouth-watering, healthy recipes that are accessible to both novices and seasoned vegans. Give Vegetarian Tuesday a go! You never know, you just might like it

MINCED PIES RECIPE  http://www.nestandglow.com/healthy-recipes/raw-easy-mince-pies-gluten-free

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER 'CHEESE' (non-dairy, vegan recipe)

http://www.nestandglow.com/healthy-recipes/roasted-cauliflower-cheese

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DECEMBER AND JANUARY CALENDARS

Due to the holiday season, not all group classes will meet on their regular days. Take a peek at our December and January calendars and meet us on the beach for the group yoga classes!

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As a reminder, private yoga lessons are still available. Time slots are filling up quickly so be sure to book yours today. Private lessons are a fantastic holiday gift for a friend or loved one...or for yourself! For more information about private yoga lessons, please contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.comor +971 (0)50 284 4374.

Saturday Sunrise Yoga RETURNS!!

Saturday Sunrise Yoga (Saturdays, 7am, next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant, end of Jumeirah 3 - DONATION based class)

In hopes of offering more ways to meet your needs, I have signed up for some exciting yoga teacher trainings in the coming months, including swing yoga, meditation and the advanced 300 hour yoga teacher training. In an attempt to fund my studies, I will be offering Saturday Sunrise Yoga classes on a donation basis (pay what you would like to contribute!). Come and begin your Saturday with this peaceful, gentle yoga practice, caressed by the morning breeze, serenaded by the song of the birds and the rhythm of the waves, this 75-minute practice is not to be missed! All levels welcomed and encouraged to join. To register, simply send an SMS or WhatsApp message to me at +971(0)50 284 4374 or email me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

Saturday Sunrise Yoga Calendar

12 November

19 November

26 November NO CLASS

3 December NO CLASS

10 December

17 December

24 & 31 December NO CLASS

7 January

14 January

21 January NO CLASS

28 January

4 February

11 February

18 February

25 February

YogaWalk (Wednesdays, 6pm, next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant, end of Jumeirah 3 - FREE class)

Our Wednesday evening YogaWalk session will continue as a FREE class. We meet each Wednesday at 6pm on the beach adjacent to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant. We begin with a 20-30 minute body warming yoga practice, then take a 5Km walk - each yogi going at his/her own pace and we finish with gentle stretches, meditation and yoga nidra.  Participants have reported better sleep, reduced stressed levels and more energy after participating in YogaWalk. All are welcomed!

Are you sure you're not diabetic?

Did you know that according to some statistics as many as 45% of the world's Type 2 diabetics go undiagnosed? The Dubai swim community recently and very tragically lost one of its newest members to this horrible illness. Chisela Kanchela was a 29 year old swim coach with Speedo Swim Squad and had only arrived in Dubai two months ago. He was also an undiagnosed diabetic who passed away last week after falling into a diabetic coma. As one of his trainees, I am shocked and saddened by his death. Let's let Chisela's tragic passing be an opportunity to examine our own health and habits. The NHS has developed a quick and easy self check for risk of diabetes online (http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Diabetes.aspx).  If you experience a combination of these symptoms of diabetes, please seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible.

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger (especially after eating)
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)
• Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
• Blurred vision
• Headaches

Fields of Yoga Dubai News for November

YogaWalk!

As it is Wednesday, there is another opportunity to join us TONIGHT at 6pm for YogaWalk on the beach next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant (just north of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club). Grab a pair of comfy walking shoes, your yoga mat and a bottle of water for this unique yoga practice. We begin our moonlit session with a gentle yoga warming practice, then set off on a 4.5Km walk and finally finish off back on our mats with yoga stretches, meditation and yoga nidra, caressed by the seaside breeze and serenaded by the rhythm of the waves. Participants have reported lower stress levels, better sleep and uplifted moods after participating in YogaWalk. As always, YogaWalk remains a FREE class!

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Solar Light Donation?

Now that the sun sets earlier, we are in need of a string or two of solar lights for our beach YogaWalk practice. (Our candle-lit lanterns are proving a little difficult) Do you have a string of solar lights that you would like to donate or lend to our practice? If so, please let me know or just bring them along tonight.

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Dubai's Community Art Scene

Want to contribute toward a stronger sense of community in Dubai? This Saturday 5 November at 6pm there is a Members Exhibition at the Dubai International Art Centre in Jumeirah 1. All artists are residents of Dubai and this is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and purchase beautiful pieces at excellent prices. More information, go to: http://www.artdubai.com/Gallery76-upcoming-exhibition.html On a personal note, three of my pieces will be on display at the exhibition. (DIAC  Street 75b, Villa No 27, Jumeirah Beach Road, Near Town Centre)

'Tis the Season!

As we head closer to the winter holidays, the sweet and often unhealthy treats start to make their appearance at work and at home. As an option to the corn syrups, processed sugars and the like, here is another wonderful recipe from the Nest and Glow website. These chocolate and nut butter cups will satisfy your sweet tooth and give the the anti-oxident benefits of almonds and dark chocolate. It's a win-win recipe! http://www.nestandglow.com/healthy-recipes/raw-chocolate-almond-nut-butter-cups

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YogaFest 2016

Mark your calendars for YogaFest on 11 November at Dubai Internet City Amphitheater. Come and enjoy free full moon yoga sessions hosted by the House of Yoga. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1780694178841480/ for more information.

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For more information on these events or private yoga sessions, please feel free to contact me via email or WhatsApp (+971 50 2844374)

New Season, New Opportunities!

FIELDS OF YOGA DUBAI

Private Yoga Lessons

+971 (0)50 284 4374

3 September 2016

I think it was John Lennon who said, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." Last spring I announced that we were moving out of the UAE but then life happened and here we still are in Dubai getting back into our new-school-year routine.

PRIVATE YOGA LESSONS (1-1 or group) 

Now that I have overcome jet lag and a surprise 'welcome-back-to-Dubai' flu, I am happy to offer private lessons once again. Private lessons can conveniently fit into your busy schedule, can take place at my home studio or your home, at the beach or in a park. Another reason to choose private lessons is that you get a yoga session that is designed just for you!   I offer private lessons every day except Friday, from 6am to 8pm. Sessions are filling up quickly so be sure to book your private lessons today! The rates (below) are valid for up to 5 people so if you have friends who would like to join you, you could share the cost.

You can choose from Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Pre/Post-natal yoga and meditation for all levels.  Private lessons are 75-minutes long and the rates are as follows. If you would like additional information regarding private yoga lessons, please let me know.

PRIVATE LESSONS - RATES

1 lesson (pay-as-you-go): 350aed

10 pre-paid lessons: 3000aed (3 month validity)

YOGA WALK

I'm very excited to offer this FREE yoga + walking session every Wednesday evening from 6pm-8pm. We'll begin on the beach with a few yoga stretches then have a well-paced walk for a designated distance (increasing our distance each week). We will finish where we began with more yoga stretches and a bit of meditation. Our start/end point will be next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant (end of Jumeirah 3/beginning of Umm Suqeim 1). Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  ALL are welcome!

If you would like to register for any of the yoga options mentioned, please contact me via phone or WhatsApp (+971502844374) or by email (fieldsofyoga@gmail.com)

All Good Things Must Come to an End

It has been my sincere pleasure to offer the free Sunrise Beach Yoga for the past 4 years. I have enjoyed meeting yogis from all corners of the world. I have seen raw beginners become transformed and devoted to their yoga practice and I have watched my yoga teacher colleagues turn off the 'teacher voice' in their head and just surrender to the practice. The yoga community in Dubai has grown exponentially in the last 4 years and it has been an honour to be part of that growth.

Last week I sent a schedule for our February yoga sessions. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at the situation) I will have knee surgery this Saturday afternoon with several weeks of recovery. Additionally, I am preparing for a move back to the USA. In short this means that this Saturday, 6 February will be the LAST Sunrise Beach Yoga session.

Please come and join me for this last session together! The sunrise, the water, the breeze and peaceful hour are worth sacrificing a bit of sleep - oh and the yoga isn't bad either!

Our session will begin at 7am, in our usual spot, next to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant at the end of Jumeirah 3, beginning of Umm Suqeim 1, just north of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC).

If I don't see you on Saturday, I'll take this opportunity wish you peace, happiness and much laughter on your life's journey.

Namaste,

Julie

Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude

At the end of every yoga class I teach I ask my students to 'take a moment to have a thought or prayer of gratitude.' At that point in the day, after a full-body yoga workout, calming breath work and relaxing savasana, it's not a huge challenge to have grateful thoughts flood our mind and heart. When times are good, our thoughts are positive. Just like when we hear the sound of our child's voice or receive a warm, generous hug from our partner, it's natural to feel thankful for the love and opportunities in our lives.
But what about those other times? Is it possible to have thoughts of gratitude during the times when we're stuck in traffic, late for an appointment and that annoying other driver decides to jump the queue because he is that much more important than the 50 other drivers waiting to make the same turn? Or how about the times when that loving partner has done the very thing that you have asked him/her kindly five million times not to do? Is it possible to have feelings of gratitude for that person at that moment?

Can we weave these thoughts and prayers of gratitude into both the positive and negative moments of our lives?
A year ago when my son was visiting for the holidays we were driving around Dubai and we were stuck in one of those aforementioned traffic jams, complete with queue jumpers. As the driver, I was noticeably frustrated and I'm sure that there were more than a few colourful, angry words coming from my lips. Noticing my angst, my son calmly said, 'Mom, don't get so upset. This just means that we get to spend a little more time together." What a turn-around his words caused to my mood and attitude. Suddenly the queue jumpers weren't selfish jerks, they were people who gave me the chance to spend a little more time with one of the most important people in my life.

Similarly, instead of being upset about an argument with a loved one or colleague, I can feel thankful that we have the opportunity to face issues that need to be cleared up.
Over a year ago I wrote about a being attacked in a taxi during a trip to Central America. When I was eventually released from the taxi by the driver and his accomplice I was emotionally shaken but not seriously physically hurt. I remember that I felt flooded with feelings of gratitude. I felt grateful to God for providing inner strength in a situation where I felt powerless but I also felt grateful to the thieves who attacked me. As strange as it may sound, I still feel grateful to them for not doing all of the horrible things that they could have done.  They had a choice about how far they would take their criminal activity. I had a choice about how I would deal with the feelings I had in the aftermath of the attack.
Each and every one of us can choose which attitude we will adopt in our daily lives. Will you choose an attitude of blame, anger, frustration and negativity or will you adjust your focus to see all that this particular challenge offers you then offer a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity?
Spring is a time of renewal, a time of starting over. Why not give your attitude a make over and adjust your focus to highlight the countless opportunities in your life to concentrate on gratitude?

Fields of Yoga Dubai 
April & May 2015 Class Schedule

Mondays @ the home studio, 60 aed pp 

HATHA FLOW in the Garden 7:30pm-8:45pm

Wednesdays @ the home studio, 60 aed pp 

YIN YOGA 7:30pm-8:45pm

Saturdays @ beach in Umm Suqeim 1

 SUNRISE BEACH YOGA 7am-8:15am

prebooking essential: fieldsofyoga@gmail.com or 
+971(0)50 284 4374 SMS or WhatsApp