Summer is on its way!

FoYD Class Schedule

1 May - 15 June 2014

Contact fieldsofyoga@gmail.com 

for bookings and information

Now that most of you have returned from spring travels or said good-bye to visiting family and friends, it's time to focus on yourself and your well-being. Below I've included information on yoga classes, yoga holidays and a super easy recipe to keep the body healthy and going strong. 

PRIVATE CLASSES

There are many reasons to sign up for private lessons including a busy schedule, getting individualised classes and instruction and the luxury of practising when it is convenient for you. Did you know that the price for private classes is valid for 1-5 people? You and your friends can share the cost and still get yoga sessions that cater to your needs. Classes can take place at the beach, in a park, at your home or at my home studio. Your body, your practice, your choice! Sign up and pay for a package of 10 classes and save 500 AED! Contact me for more information and price list for private yoga sessions.

When you sign up for private yoga sessions, your pet can practice with you! ;-)

GROUP CLASSES

Sundays:
HATHA FLOW, 10:30am-12:00pm at Eco Yoga Sanctuary

Mondays:

TEEN YOGA, 4:30-5:30pm at Eco Yoga Sanctuary

HATHA FLOW, 7:30pm-8:45pm at the home studio in Umm Suqiem 1

Tuesdays:
YIN YOGA, 8:30-10pm at Eco Yoga Sanctuary

Wednesdays:

YIN YOGA, 7:30pm-8:45pm at the home studio in Umm Suqiem 1

Saturdays:

SUNRISE BEACH YOGA (until 31 May), 6:30am-7:45am, on the beach adjacent to Bait al Bahar Restaurant

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What to bring:

Please bring your own yoga mat, bottle of water and a small towel.

For Yin Yoga, if you have your own blocks, please bring them.

Arrival:

Yogis are welcome to arrive for the home studio evening sessions from 7:10pm. Please feel free to use the yoga space for meditation and quiet reflection. In consideration of the peaceful space and our fellow yogis, please turn off mobile phones before entering the yoga space.

Pre-booking:

It has been fantastic to see so many yogis at the home studio evening classes. Our space is somewhat limited so please be sure to book your spot early by either sending me an SMS or an email. For classes at Eco Yoga Sanctuary, please contact the studio for bookings

YOGA RETREATS

MALDIVES

Start your summer off with this relaxing & rejuvenating Dive / Yoga Retreat in the Maldives on a yacht. See the attached flyer for details about the May 2014 retreat or contact Yoga Retreats.

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SRI LANKA

In late August, Radiance of Yoga's Diana & Marcellene are hosting a wonderful retreat in Sri Lanka. This affordable retreat is sure to fill up soon! Contact Radiance of Yoga directly for more information and bookings.

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THIS WEEK'S RECIPE

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Pinapple, Mint & Ginger Cooler

As temperatures are going up in Dubai I've been in the kitchen concocting cool, refreshing and cleansing drinks to rehydrate the body.  This pineapple, mint & ginger cooler really hit the spot after a sweaty Hatha Flow practice on a hot afternoon.

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh pineapple (peeled & cut in chunks)

1 handful of fresh mint leaves (washed & stems removed)

2 teaspoons of fresh ginger (peeled & finely grated)

1-2 cups of very cold water

Agave syrup to taste (optional)

Instructions:

Place pineapple, mint, ginger and 1 cup cold water in blender. Pulse until roughly blended then add remaining water 1/4 cup at a time (blending on high speed between each addition) until it reaches the consistency that you want.  Taste, then add agave syrup to your taste. Pour into tall glasses and serve immediately. (Serves 2)

Summer Notice: Please note, FoYD classes will be paused during the summer from 16 June until mid August.

Sunrise Beach Yoga UPDATE for 15 March 2014

It's a bit wet outside from last night's rain but I still plan to be on the beach this morning at 7am for anyone who wants to join me for Sunrise Beach Yoga. The rain has stopped, the air is fresh and there's a nice breeze. Let's go for it, Morning Yogis!

See you on the beach in Umm Suqeim 1, next to Bait al Bahar Restaurant and just north of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC)

 

Yoga Retreat in Dubai!

Updated Class Schedule:

• MONDAYS: Hatha Flow in the Garden 7:30pm-8:45pm, 50 aed per person
• WEDNESDAYS: Yin Yoga, 7:30pm-8:45pm, 50 aed per person
• SATURDAYS: Sunrise Beach Yoga, 7am-8:15am, FREE class

Private Lessons available throughout the week, morning, midday and evenings

FULL DAY SILENT RETREAT IN DUBAI

I'm very happy to announce that Jan Maddern and I have teamed up to offer you a day-long Silent Retreat right here in Dubai.  The day will include a silent beach walk, various types of meditation, 3 different yoga classes (Hatha Flow, Yin Yoga and Restorative yoga), two freshly prepared vegetarian meals and all participants will receive their own meditation cushion and yoga bolster to keep! This fantastic event will take place on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 7am-5:30pm. Now you can escape your busy life in Dubai without booking a flight. What a great opportunity to recharge your batteries! This retreat is open to all, no matter your level of yoga so please share the information amongst friends, family and colleagues.  For more information and registration, please contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY EVENING YIN YOGA CLASS

Yin Yoga is back on our weekly schedule! Join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:45pm for this deep, gentle stretch and meditative practice. Yin is a great complement to other fitness activities such as running, cycling, weight lifting and resistance training as it helps to gently stretch deep connective tissue in the body to allow for more flexibility. By working the fascia and other connective tissue in the body, athletes are less prone to injury and pain caused by tightness in those areas. Haven't tried Yin before? Why not join us on Wednesday and experience it for yourself? Pre-booking is essential: fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

Our candle-lit Yin Yoga space

SATURDAY SUNRISE BEACH YOGA 

Every Saturday there is an opportunity to take advantage of this FREE beach yoga class. Set your alarm clocks and join us bright and early on the beach in Umm Suqeim 1 (adjacent to the Bait al Bahar Restaurant & just north of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club). From 7am-8:15am this mind awakening, body invigorating and soul soothing Hatha Flow class is caressed by the sea breeze and serenaded by the rhythmic waves. For more information, map & directions, contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

 

MONDAY EVENING HATHA FLOW

We had a nice big group of yogis last Monday evening for the evening Hatha Flow in the garden.  I hope to see even more of you on your mats and sharing the practice with me this week from 7:30-8:45pm. Let's take advantage of every Monday evening outdoors before the temperatures get too high.

Our garden yoga space

CUSTOM MADE YOGA BOLSTERS FOR SALE!

There are still a few yoga bolsters available. These navy blue bolsters have removable and washable durable cotton canvas covers and are filled with 100% natural heavy cotton. They have a convenient carrying strap for toting to and from class.  They are offered at the affordable price of 175aed each and are made locally in Dubai resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.  To get yours today, please contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com

PRIVATE YOGA LESSONS

There are many advantages to taking private yoga lessons including scheduling the class at a time that is convenient for you, having the class in the privacy of your home or office and enjoying a class that is tailored to your specific needs.  Private lessons are also a great way for friends or partners to share in yoga together without having to rush out to a yoga studio.  I offer private lessons throughout the week from early morning to evening.  For more information, rates and availability, contact me at fieldsofyoga@gmail.com. 

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

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.