What's new with FoYD?

FoYD Class Schedule 1 March 2014 – 30 April 2014 Email fieldsofyoga@gmail.com for bookings & information
Day	Class	Time	Location	Rate
Mondays	Hatha Flow Yoga	7:30pm-8:45pm	FoYD Home Studio in Umm Suqeim 1	50 aed per person
Saturdays	Sunrise Beach Yoga	7am-8:15am	On the beach adjacent to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant	FREE

 

Let Your Voice be Heard!

 Ideally a yoga studio's schedule reflects the desires and needs of its community as well as talents and expertise of the teachers. There have been a couple requests from our community to add  Early Bird Morning Yoga, Mommy/Baby Yoga, Pre/Post-Natal Yoga and Yin Yoga to the schedule. In order to add these to the schedule, I need to hear from you.  If you are interested in taking any of these classes, please let me know which class(es), days/times work best for you.  Simply email me and let your voice be heard. Let me assure you that your voice does make a difference in the design of the schedule!

Monday PM Hatha Flow (7:30pm - 8:45pm)

The start time of Hatha Flow has changed.  Class will now begin at 7:30pm which will hopefully accommodate those yogis who were struggling with traffic, family responsibilities and work schedules.  I hope to see more of you on your mats and sharing the practice with me on Monday evenings at the home studio. Contact me for bookings and location map.

Home Studio Garden Space

Home Studio Indoor Space by Candlelight

Yoga Bolsters for Sale 

Yoga bolsters are an indispensible part of your yoga practice. These wonderful cotton yoga bolsters are fantastic for both stretching and restorative asanas.
Filled with 100% natural cotton, they come with a zippered, removable, washable, and durable 100% cotton canvas cover that easily wipes clean and can be used indoors or out. Each has a convenient carrying strap to easily tote the bolster to and from class. These are made locally right here in Dubai which results in a much smaller carbon footprint.
With your body firmly supported by one of these, you are assured of the deepest, most refreshing relaxation.

Available in Navy Blue  175 aed each

Contact me to get your bolster today!

2-Day Yoga Retreat in the UAE

Check out this great 2-day yoga retreat (28 & 29 March) led by Marcellene and Diana Azavedo of Radiance of Yoga. The cost is reasonable (1500 aed) and includes accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Fujairah as well as yoga and meditation sessions in the sprawling gardens and private beach. There are other activities on offer at the hotel as well. What a fantastic way to spend the weekend!

Recipe of the Month

I've always been one of those people who can very easily put on weight. I am not naturally skinny and I cannot eat whatever I want. As I get older, I find -to my irritation and frustration- that I have to be even more careful about what I eat as my metabolism has slowed and my weight has a direct impact on how my body feels. It also has a profound impact on the level of enjoyment of my yoga practice.  But the truth is, I love food. I love a fat veggie burger with all the toppings and a side of hot, crispy french fries accompanied by a fizzy drink. I love cake layered with fresh, sweet cream and fruit. I love a hearty meal followed by a large scoop of mint-chocolate chip ice cream. So in order to avoid weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, I have no choice but to exercise restraint. Lately, I have been making a concerted effort to find delicious recipes that are low in fat, low in carbohydrates and low in sugars yet still satisfy my cravings for the previously mentioned foods. I don't believe in dieting per se, I believe in lifestyle changes -with an occasional indulgence.
So if you're in the mood for a sweet treat but want to avoid unnecessary sugar and fat, try this easy, delicious dessert recipe. The original recipe came from Cooking Light magazine but I've modified it to make it even healthier.

Strawberries in Lemon-Agave Syrup

Ingredients

• 4 cups quartered small strawberries 
• 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons + 1/2 teaspoon Agave syrup
• 1/4 cup whipping cream (or for a non-fat option, use fat-free Greek Yoghurt)
• a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves 

Preparation

1. Place berries, juice, and agave syrup in a large bowl; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill 20 minutes.
2. Place cream in a medium bowl; stir constantly with a whisk until soft peaks form. Serve whipped cream with berry mixture. (If using Greek yoghurt, place a generous spoonful of yogurt over the strawberries.
3. Top with a sprig of fresh mint leaves

Yoga Tutorials of the Month

I had the great fortune of taking a 2-day inversion workshop with Kathryn Budig in Nov 2012. Here is a Gaiam video of her teaching Bakasana (crow pose), one of the postures we learned from her. I often encourage my students to use the 'birdy perch' when they're first attempting this pose.

Esther from Ekhart Yoga is one of my favourite teachers for online yoga tutorials. Her explanations are clear, easy to follow and not too long. In this video tutorial she gives a great explanation for Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana) pose.

Updates, News and Yoga Links

Want all the latest updates, yoga links and FoYD news? It's easy, just 'like' our Facebook page!

Class Cancellations and other news...

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Due to road closures for the Dubai Tour bike race this weekend, I'm sorry to announce that the Sunrise Beach Yoga session for 8 February is cancelled. For more information about road closures in and around Dubai from 6-8 February, follow this link: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/emergencies/major-diversions-in-place-for-dubai-tour-1.1286164 

The following week (14-15 February) Yogafest will be held at the Dubai Internet City Amphitheatre. This is a FREE event and yoga, meditation, pilates, family and food events will take place from 7am-7pm both days. Check out their website and register for this worthwhile event.  Due to the overlap of YogaFest and the Sunrise Beach Yoga session timings, theSunrise Beach Yoga class is cancelled for 15 February.

Sunrise Beach Yoga will return to its regular schedule on Saturday 22 February.

YOGA AT SAFA PARK - FRI, 7 FEBRUARY

The good news is, there is another opportunity to join me for an outdoor yoga session this weekend. I will be teaching withOpen Air Yoga Dubai on Friday morning (7 February) at 8:30am at Safa Park. To find us, go through the new (temporary) Gate 5 and follow the path to the Ripe Market. You will find us to the left of the Market under the palm trees. This is a donation-based yoga class and all proceeds in February will benefit Babies Behind Bars - a very worthwhile charity right here in Dubai. After our yoga session, stick around and try Acro Yoga with the OAYD teachers or head to the market for a freshly made latte and delicious breakfast.  What a fantastic way to begin the weekend!

YOGA UNDER THE STARS

Another opportunity to practice yoga in the fresh air presents itself each Monday evening. Now that the weather has warmed up a bit, we've moved our Monday evening Hatha Flow class outdoors to the garden. It feels so great to flow through the practice under the moon and stars serenaded by the birds as they nestle down for the evening. All levels are welcomed to Hatha Flow and the reasonable 50 aed per person rate makes the class very affordable.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Many of us are trying to lessen the amount of carbohydrates we eat each day by eliminating bread, pasta and rice from our daily diets.  If you miss those lovely pasta dishes as much as I do, consider making zucchini (courgette) pasta. It maintains the texture of noodles without the heaviness of the carbohydrates.  There are also loads of recipes to go along with zucchini noodles.  Enjoy! 

If you would like more information about anything listed here or would like to attend one of my yoga classes, please contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

New Year, New Possibilities!

Happy New Year!
Each new year brings new beginnings and reasons to take a closer look at our lives, our behaviours and attitudes and to open ourselves to positive changes.  In that vein, I am offering a number of opportunities to incorporate yoga into your lives in 2014. A 4-part meditation workshop, morning and evening drop-in classes and private yoga lessons throughout the day are all on offer. Prices range from free lessons (yes, you read that correctly!) to 50aed for drop-in classes and higher for private lessons so that in these trying economic times, there is something for everyone. Take a look at the schedule below and contact me for more information, rates and availability.
May 2014 bring you a deeper sense of peace, self acceptance and happiness.
Namaste,
Julie

Fields of Yoga Dubai Jan/Feb 2014 Schedule

timings	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
am	Private lessons available	Private lessons available	Private lessons available	Private lessons available	Private lessons available	No lessons	Sunrise Beach Yoga 7am-8:15am
mid-day							Private lessons available
pm		Hatha Flow 7pm-8:15pm	Meditation Workshop (Feb Only) 7pm-8:30pm		No lessons		No lessons

Drop-in Classes
Hatha Flow
(Mondays 7pm-8:15pm, multi-level, 50 aed per person [men & women welcome]) 
This core-strengthening, mind focusing practice is a great way to end the day. We begin with breathing exercises and meditation, then move on to a gentle warm up and deep stretches. We then add in core strengthening asanas and move to more dynamic, sweat inducing postures. Next we find our way to standing balances, inversions and twists and of course, a sweet savasana / yoga nidra wraps up our practice. Modifications are given so that beginner, intermediate and advanced yogis can participate and enjoy all aspects of the yoga practice. Pre-booking essential fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

Sunrise Beach Yoga 
(Saturdays 7am-8:15am, multi-level [men & women welcome] This is a free class!) 
With the caress of the morning breeze, the song of the waking birds and the rhythm of the lapping waves on the shore, our Sunrise Beach Yoga class is the ideal way to gently wake the body and mind and get the blood pumping in the morning. Participants have reported feeling more energetic throughout their day after starting with Sunrise Beach Yoga. Bring a swimsuit and join us for a refreshing swim after the practice! Pre-booking essential fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

Private Yoga Lessons
There are a variety of reasons to try private yoga lessons: a hectic schedule, a preference for practicing yoga at home, or a desire to practice with a small group of friends or a partner. These are all great reasons to try private yoga lessons.  Private lessons are available on a one-to-one or small-group basis. The more individual teaching/learning environment allows us to focus on areas that are most important to you. Lessons are available throughout the week and throughout the day. (see schedule above)  Yin Yoga, Yoga Plus, Hatha Flow Yoga, Pre-natal Yoga and Meditation classes are all available through private lessons. Contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com for more information, rates and availability.

Meditation Workshop
If you or someone you know suffers from stress, loss of sleep, poor health or just has difficulty quieting the mind, this meditation workshop is an ideal first step toward addressing those issues. This 4-part workshop, led by Jan Maddern*, will introduce participants to various types of meditation and very practical ways to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. The class will meet on Tuesday evenings 7pm-8:30pm, on the 4th-25th of Feb 2014 at the home studio in Umm Suqeim 1. Space is limited so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. The class is open to all, no matter his/her experience with yoga or meditation. If you think you are the only person who struggles to quiet the mind for meditation, you are not alone! Take a look at this Yoga Journal article to find similarities in your own thoughts and behaviours. All participants in the workshop will receive their own meditation cushion and materials to keep. For more information and to book your spot, please contact me prior to 4 Feb 2014 at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

Julie enjoying some quiet time on the beach.

*About Jan Maddern:  

Jan comes from a corporate background in communications, occupational health and safety and educational/technical writing. She has been teaching yoga in Dubai for the last 16 years and running workshops on women’s health issues. She has regularly contributed yoga articles to women’s magazines and newspapers in the region.  

Her last two books ‘Yoga Builds Bones’ and ‘Yoga Burns Fat’ were published by Fairwinds Press in the USA in 2002. In 2004/5 she completed Diplomas in yoga teaching and yoga therapy with the Phoenix Rising Yoga School in Massachusetts USA. She is currently completing her 4^th yoga book on yoga techniques for writers and has been a member of the Dubai Writers’ group for the last 16 years. (http://www.zeus-publications.com/yoga_off_the_mat.htm) 

Yoga Bolsters for Sale!

There are many benefits to using yoga bolsters, both during your asana practice and as a support in yoga nidra postures. From supported postures that open up the chest and shoulders to savasana (corpse pose) with a bolster under the knees, resting on the bolster allows "your body [to] feel deeply supported..., which in turn allows you to release, relax and rejuvenate." Take a look at this article by Carole Forgarty to learn more about the beneficial uses of yoga bolsters. 

These bolsters are made with removable and washable, durable canvas covers that can be used indoors or out. They easily wipe clean and have a thick cotton filling and convenient handle for toting the bolster to/from class. They're made locally in Dubai resulting in a smaller carbon footprint!
Contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com for more information and/or to purchase a bolster.

FoYD Update for Oct/Nov 2013

FoYD Class Schedule

Mondays & Wednesdays 7pm-8:15 pm 

Hatha Flow in the Garden @ the home studio in Umm Suqeim1

Tuesdays (pm), Wednesdays (am)  & Saturdays (pm)

Private Lessons -book yours today!

Saturdays 7am-8:15am 

Sunrise Beach Yoga

Public Beach, Umm Suqeim 1 

adjacent to Bait al Bahar Restaurant & DOSC 

FoYD classes are off and running this season. I've met many new faces over the past month and I feel truly honoured to have the opportunity share the practice with so many new yogis.

This week and next (30 Oct & 6 Nov) I've added a Wednesday evening class. If the Wednesday evening class is well attended then I will add it to the permanent schedule so be sure to come along if this suits your schedule. (pre-booking encouraged fieldsofyoga@gmail.com)

Tonight's (Mon 28/10) class in the garden will focus on core strengthening and hip openers. Please come and join us for this rejuvenating practice! Class begins at 7pm and the rate is 50aed per person. Email me for a location map.

This week's (lacto-ovo) vegetarian recipe:

photo credit: Vegetarian Times

This delicious roasted pear salad recipe is great for sharing with friends. The combination of sweet and savory flavours really satisfies those end-of-the-day food cravings. Make a double batch and share with a friend; the salad will taste even better!

Inversion Tutorial
In classes over the past few weeks we've been trying different inversions (crow, tripod headstand and traditional headstand). I found this nice short tutorial on YouTube for tripod headstand.  A couple bits of important information before you try this fun posture:

a) always do a bit of a warm up before attempting the posture.

b) I suggest doing this on a double mat with a few blankets behind you, just in case you fall out of it.

c) Remember to engage all the muscles in your core body in order to support the weight of your entire body and be sure to continue to press through the hands, keeping the arms at a 90 degree angle.

d) If you suffer from high blood pressure or glaucoma, it is best to skip this inversion. Perhaps try bridge instead!

Photo credit: Yoga Journal, Model: Kathryn Budig

For a more detailed written tutorial, check out Kathryn Budig's Yoga Journal article. Have fun with it and if you begin to fall out of the posture, remember to tuck your chin and roll...and smile!

Yoga Bolsters for Sale

In less than 2 weeks another batch of yoga bolsters will be ready for purchase. The last order completely sold out so be sure to order yours in advance. These are made locally (smaller carbon footprint!) and are filled with thick, heavy cotton. The removable and washable cover is made of durable cotton canvas that wipes clean easily and can be used indoors or out. These bolsters are only 175aed per piece. Contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com if you would like to order your yoga bolster.

I hope to see you on your mats and sharing the practice with me soon.

Eid Mubarak Everyone!

FoYD Classes are cancelled for the Eid holiday on 12 and 14 October 2013.

Class will resume as per our regular schedule on Saturday, 19 October at 7am for Sunrise Beach Yoga.

Namaste!

 

New FoYD Class Schedule 

14 Sept - 31 Oct 2013

Mondays: 7pm-8:15pm

Hatha Flow (all levels welcomed)

Rate: 50 aed per person, pre-booking encouraged

Tuesdays:
Private Lessons (all levels)

To book your private lesson for 1-5 people, please contact me. (fieldsofyoga@gmail.com)

Rate: Prices vary depending on number of people and number of lessons booked.

Saturdays: 7am-8:15am

Saturday Sunrise Beach Yoga (all levels welcomed)

Rate: FREE!, pre-booking encouraged

 

Retreat Yourself!



Ever since I spent a month in Goa, India at Ashiyana where I did my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC), I have longed to return to India or travel to some other exotic location for a yoga retreat. At first I had dreams of taking a group of yoga students to share some of that magical experience with them. Then I thought, No, I'll go by myself and have some 'me' time." But then my work schedule, my budget or my responsibilities at home remind me that escaping reality for a week, a fortnight or a month is just not possible. It's hard enough getting time away with my family. How can I possibly say to them, "No, sorry, I will not be joining you for the one holiday you have this calendar year. I'll be going somewhere by myself." It feels so selfish. Then somewhere along the way I realised that I don't have to travel to create the experience of a yoga retreat. There are certain elements that I could create right here at home and if I could do that, imagine how much more enjoyable my daily life could be.

St. Augustin said, "People go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering." We don't have to hop on a plane and travel to a far off land to look deeper into our own soul, to clear our minds or strengthen our bodies. We can do that right here at home in what I'll call a 'Retreat Yourself' experience. Consider these 7 steps toward a path to 'Retreat Yourself.'


Step 1 DECLUTTER

There is something liberating about living out of a suitcase for an extended period of time. It is a refreshing reminder that we don't need all the stuff that fills our homes. If I can return from a month away happy and relaxed having worn the same four outfits and same two pairs of shoes over and over again, why do I need all the shelves, drawers and closets full of clothes I have become so accustomed to? Typically at an ashram or yoga centre there are minimal furnishings . Look around you. Do you really need everything that fills the four walls of your home? In preparation to 'Retreat Yourself', go through the rooms of your home and choose to either put away, give away or throw away every item in your home. By giving away, we benefit others. By putting away, we clear our minds. By throwing away, we rid ourselves of all that is not useful to ourselves or others. What a cathartic release!

Step 2 KID- / PARTNER- / PET-FREE TIME
Decide on an hour, a day or even a week that you will have to yourself. That's right, all to yourself.  Get a neighbour to take your children (and then you can return the favour!), give your partner an excuse to go do whatever s/he wants for the same amount of time, take the dog to the kennel and lock the cat in the other room. When you take the time to meditate, do yoga, sit in silence or do some journal writing, it needs to be time by yourself. That is one of the luxuries of going away to a retreat but you don't have to jump on a plane to create that environment. If you have three or more children and a demanding spouse it gets difficult to get some 'Retreat Yourself' time but it's not impossible. Call on friends and family for help. Hire a babysitter who will take your kids to the park, the mall, or the cinema for a few hours. Do what you have to do to create time for yourself. Stop saying, "I can't" and start saying, "I can if I..."

Step 3 DIGITAL DETOX

This part is the easiest aspect of Retreating Yourself but we convince ourselves that it is the most difficult. Unplug it or turn it off. It's that simple. No, don't put it on 'silent.' Turn it off. Humans in the developed world lived for thousands of years without Facebook, mobile phones, instant messaging and email. You can live for a day, a week or (gasp!) a month without it too. When I mention this I always get the reply, "Yes, but what if there is an emergency?" What type of emergency would warrant you being in constant contact 24/7? Why can't you appoint someone else to handle the emergencies for that particular hour, day or week?  If you already practice yoga, then you probably know some like-minded yogis who would agree to be your emergency contact and then you can be theirs. Repeat this mantra: "I allow myself to unplug from the world. I allow myself to unplug from the world. I allow myself to unplug from the world..."

Step 4 VOLUNTEER

Karma yoga, as described by the Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Centres, "purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward." Karma yoga is an important part of any yoga retreat and is the act of giving to others without concern for the benefit to self. Also it is part of the four paths of yoga. "By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up [to the Divine], you learn to sublimate the ego." There are countless ways that you can do this right at home. 

Look around you, there are people in need of your time, energy, creativity, strength and compassion. You could volunteer by offering to clean the sanctuary of your church, mosque, temple or synagogue once a week. Not religious? No problem, head down to the local hospital and offer to read stories in the children's ward. You don't feel comfortable around children? Why not contact your local homeless shelter, battered women's shelter or soup kitchen and offer to serve meals - or do whatever they need for an hour a week or a month? There are opportunities to practise karma yoga every single day. Make this important branch of yoga not only a part of your 'Retreat Yourself' time but part of your daily life.

Step 5 SPEND TIME IN SILENCE
Choose a particular time during the day when you will be silent. Once you stop talking, you begin to listen. You will listen to others, listen to your internal thoughts, listen to nature and even listen to the silence around you. Ask your family members to help you by honouring this time.

Allow your phone calls to go straight to voice mail. Ignore the text messages and emails and turn off the television. Use the time to journal your thoughts. Make a small sign that says, "I am in silence" so that when someone talks to you, you don't have to break your silence to explain why you're not talking. Spending time in silence is powerfully healing and beneficial and is a normal part of many yoga retreats.

Step 6 DETOX and EAT WELL
There are countless ways to detox and improve your overall eating habits. At an ashram the menu is limited and yogis usually take part in the preparation and clean up of the meals. It becomes a ritual, a habit and one that is not only satisfying to the belly but to the soul. You not only prepare meals for yourself but for others and when done with love and compassion, I believe those feelings are shared through the food you prepare. In the developed world, we tend to look at food as a reward to feed our emotions, rather than a fuel for our bodies. A detox diet does not have to be limited to juices and water. You can begin by eliminating certain elements from your daily eating habits and consider food as a fuel, rather than a reward. Some suggested items to eliminate from your daily diet are:

     a) alcohol
     b) caffeine

     c) all processed cane and corn-based sugars

     d) all fast food

If you start by eliminating the above and begin to notice a positive difference in your mind and body, you can then consider eliminating the following as well.
     e) products made from white flour
     f) meat products
     g) dairy products

By changing your eating habits step by step you can transition into a healthier lifestyle rather than drastically switch to a diet that you plan to follow for a limited time. Be patient with yourself.  It took a long time to get into your current eating habits. Give yourself time to change them.
As you begin to eliminate the not-so-good stuff listed above, you will find that you will naturally replace them with healthier options like fresh fruit, vegetables and alternate protein based products, such as soy and legumes. You might even find yourself exploring vegetarian recipes and menus.  You will notice a difference in the way you feel. Enjoy it!

Step 7 YOGA, YOGA and MORE YOGA

And finally, a yoga retreat would not be a yoga retreat without the yoga. In order to Retreat Yourself, create a small, sacred yoga space that is for you. You don't have to have a statue of Buddha or Ganesh in the space if those are not part of your belief system but there should be symbols that are sacred to you.  For example, I like to burn a bit of incense before I practice in my yoga space because for me it feels cleansing. I also have a copy of the Lord's Prayer and an OM symbol in my space because those are sacred to me. Make it personal and meaningful to you.

Try to do your asana practice everyday. It doesn't have to be complex or difficult. You can begin with simple sun salutations then add standing balances and twists then finish off with restorative poses. If you don't always feel like doing a self practice, you can always pop into your neighbourhood yoga studio. Alternatively, classes are offered online at YogaGlo and you can choose from a wide variety of classes led by well-known teachers. There is a 15-day free trial and after that it is only $18USD per month. That's less than one class costs in most major cities.

So, there you go a yoga retreat in a few simple steps. Take time for yourself, de-clutter your space, spend time in silence, volunteer, turn off the mobile devices, eat well, and do yoga. Your retreat is closer than you think. It's right inside of you.