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.
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.
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.
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.
I love nature, walking in wild places, in woods and by the sea. I enjoy gardening and tending our allotment.
Yoga classes Autumn -Winter 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 from October 2026
Monday morning 11-12noon chair yoga at Heathhall Community Centre , Dumfries with refreshments served afterwards £3 drop-in
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
(Also streamed live on Zoom).
Thursday morning 10-11am gentle yoga Lincluden Community Centre, top College Rd, Dumfries (Also streamed livew on Zoom)
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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Retreat Weekends
Over the past 3 years I have been sharing weekend yoga and meditation retreats at Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre Eskdalemuir.
Next year I plan to offer another 2 retreats in the spring and summer. Once I have dates confirmed I will share more details.
Samye Ling is a wonderful setting for a retreat. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and nature.
The retreats weave together mindful movement, breath work, meditation, mantra chanting, and relaxation to cultivate a deep rest and renewal and a deeper appreciation of nature.
Weather permitting, we will enjoy some practices outdoors in nature.
Accommodation is in comfortable single/ twin rooms or single sex dorms. All meals are vegetarian and are taken at Samye Ling Dining Room.
There are plenty of modern showers and toilets (separate male / female/ unisex) .
There will also be an opportunity to get creative in a workshop on Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday evening there is an option to join The Chenrezi Puja in The Main Temple.
Car sharing to Samye Ling will be encouraged to the retreat where possible.
Jill Dobbie trained as a yoga teacher in 2014, Yoga Scotland Foundation with Carol Godridge then from 2015-17 a 2-year Yoga & Meditation, Yoga Nidra Teaching Diploma at Mandala Yoga Ashram, South Wales, accredited by The British Wheel of Yoga.
Jill had a particular interest in making yoga for mental health and making yoga accessible.
She has been teaching weekly yoga classes for 10 years in Dumfries and the surrounding area.
