The first Friday of 2012 and I spent the afternoon nourishing my soul and lengthening my limbs at Dubai Internet City’s YogaFest. ‘full moon friday’s’ are held every month on the expansive lawns of Internet City’s ampitheatre. The event is totally free … and as it happens totally fab.
Three hourly sessions were held … three different types of yoga and three different instructors. I went to Full Moon Yoga. The gorgeous setting was only heightened by dusk falling and the sun setting. Add to this, the light from the glow stick bracelets that adorned all our wrists (mine pink, needless to say!) and of course, the light from the moon itself.
The event is run for all in the community by the yoga community. You needn’t be a yoga buff to join … as is always the case with yoga, it’s very much a personal practice so you work entirely within your own comfort zone and key your mind totally focused on the self.
Starting with some flexibility, balance and standing strength, once warmed up we moved on to some dynamic moon salutations and warrior poses. We finished as always with a stint of uber relaxing yet totally recharging meditation and relaxation.
I spoke with Elaine Kelly, the organiser of the YogaFest events afterwards … she said it’s a great way to experience other types of yoga … of which there are so many … and this applies to the teachers as much as the students. We often become attached to specific classes or teachers … and therefore, specific types of yoga.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to encourage us to bring some calm to our chaos, some peace to our pace.
The entire concept is really pretty special. Here, amidst the offices of some of the world’s greatest companies, in probably one of the most dynamic, corporate and fast-moving cities in the world, come together a community from all four corners, of all levels of yoga experience and all walks of life, to practise yoga outdoors. Few countries alone, at the beginning of January, even have the climate to accommodate this!
The icing on the cake was Barry, the instructor who took the Full Moon session. He was simply far too hot to handle and clearly, every female on the lawn thought same. Barry … you can talk me through my asanas any day!
Forthcoming dates:
10th Feb 2012
9th Mar 2012
6th Apr 2012
Visit YogaFest on Facebook to keep up to date!
January 8th, 2012 → 4:11 am
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