Welcome to Yoga From The Heart Dumfries with Jill Dobbie
'Yoga for mental & physical well-being '
About
My name is Jill Dobbie and I've been practicing yoga since my teens. In my mid forties I undertook a 2 year yoga teacher training at Mandala Yoga Ashram in South Wales ( 2015-17). An experience which was life-changing, and has enabled me to share yoga with many people in the Dumfries area and further afield via Zoom. In November 2019 I trained with The Yoga in Healthcare Alliance to deliver their 10 week Yoga4Health programme.
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I come from a health background having worked as a registered nurse for 18 years, in both acute and community settings. I am passionate about the health benefits of yoga for mental and physical health. Yoga helps to integrate the mind, body and spirit through physical practices ( asanas) breath awareness and breathing techniques ( pranayama) meditation ( dhyana) and relaxation practices such as yoga nidra.
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I am trained to teach adults, my classes are for people aged 16+. I offer a welcoming, safe space to practice yoga with others. The classes are non-competitive with each person encouraged to work to their own ability. Yoga can be adapted to suit people of all ages and abilities. Chair yoga was the first class I set up back in 2016 at the retirement flats where my Mum used to live. Some participants were in their 90's.
I have also taught sessions with Alzheimer Scotland, to NHS staff at D&GRI as part of a winter well-being initiative ( 2018-19). More recently I have shared yoga sessions and workshops with unpaid carers at Catherine Street Inclusive Play Park, The D&G Breast Cancer Support Group, a well-being group of NHS community dentists and local SWI groups.
I volunteer at Lothlorien Therapeutic Community, near Corsock. Lothlorien supports adults living with mental health difficulties to live to their full potential.
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I am grateful to be part of a lovely yoga community in Dumfries & Galloway, with so many inspiring teachers offering workshops, retreats and classes. I am especially grateful to Carol Godridge, Moira Forsyth and Johnny Glover in this region and Swami Krishnapremananda at Mandala Yoga Ashram for their teachings and support.
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I love nature, walking in wild places, in woods and by the sea. I enjoy gardening and tending our allotment.
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Yoga classes 2026
I welcome newcomers to my classes. I have classes suited to different abilities, from gentle yoga up to intermediate level. I can help you find the most appropriate class for your needs. If you are new to a class please get in touch beforehand as I will need you to complete a health questionnaire before the first class. This can be done by coming early to class. Please email me if you'd like to join a class or message me on facebook. My email is yogafromtheheartdumfries@gmail.com
current classes 2026
Monday morning 11-12noon chair yoga at Heathhall Community Centre , Dumfries
Monday evening 5.30-6.45 intermediate yoga at The Halliday Hall, Lochvale House, Georgetown Rd , Dumfries
Monday evening 7.30-8.30pm gentle yoga The McFarlan Memorial Hall, Clarencefield
Wednesday evening 6.15-7.15pm mixed ability yoga The Halliday Hall, Lochvale House
Thursday morning 10-11am gentle yoga Lincluden Community Centre, top College Rd, Dumfries
Thursday afternoon 2.30-3.30pm gentle yoga Kate's Kitchen , High Street , Annan
Thursday evening 7-8.30pm mixed ability yoga Shawhead Village Hall, Shawhead
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In 2024 and 2025 I shared Summer Solstice retreats at Purelands retreat centre at Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre Eskdalemuir.
In 2026 I am planning 2 weekend retreats , so save these dates 1st- 3rd May and 4th-6th September.
Yoga & Meditation Retreat , 1st-3rd May 2026, celebrating Beltane a time of growth and creativity at Samye Ling Buddhist Centre.
Samye Ling is surrounded by the most beautiful countryside, gardens, rivers and woodland. We will practice in a large room behind the dining room on the ground floor, and also, weather depending, spend time in nature.
All meals are vegetarian.
Cost £120 plus accommodation ( including all meals )
There is a choice of accommodation, dorms at £35 per night , single room Potala £59 per night, single retreat room £75 per night. Other rooms available.
A £50 deposit secures your place on this retreat, the balance of £70 is due on 1st April.
Accommodation is paid for on the day of arrival at the retreat at reception ( from 3.30pm)
If you would like to be on my mailing list please email me Jill Dobbie at yogafromtheheartdumfries@gmail.com
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