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.
The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) celebrated the remarkable dedication of its volunteer community at the 2026 Heart of Yoga Awards.
Community Champion Award Winner: Jill Dobbie.
Since qualifying at Mandala Yoga Ashram ten years ago, Jill has been devoted to making yoga accessible to people in Dumfries and the surrounding area. She volunteers at Lothlorien Therapeutic Community, specialising in teaching yoga for older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. Her fundraising efforts have raised nine thousand pounds for charities in Nepal and for refugees.
Diana O’Reilly, Chair of BWY, said: “Jill exemplifies the true spirit of yoga – compassion, service and dedication to improving the wellbeing of others. Her commitment to making yoga accessible to those who need it most, particularly people facing mental health challenges and social isolation, is truly inspirational, and she is a very deserving winner.”
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
Retreat Weekends 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 Yoga & Meditation weekend retreats 1st- 3rd May - celebrating Beltane and 4th-6th September - Embracing Autumn
You are warmly invited to join this seasonal yoga retreat at Purelands Retreat Centre at Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Centre from Friday 4th- Sunday 6th September 2026. Surrounded by beautiful countryside you will practice in a retreat centre that emanates peace and harmony.
In this weekend retreat we will explore ways to ease the transition from summer into autumn including lifestyle and diet. In yoga, the transition from summer to autumn mirrors a shift from outward, expansive energy to a more inward, reflective awareness. Through practices centred on gratitude and abundance, you’ll be encouraged to recognise the fullness already present in your life.
Each session will weave together mindful movement, breath work, meditation, mantra chanting, and relaxation to cultivate a deep sense of appreciation of the abundance of life. Weather permitting, we will enjoy some practices outdoors in nature.
Accommodation is in comfortable single rooms. All meals are vegetarian and are taken at Samye Ling (10 minute walk along a path) There is a kitchen at Purelands with a fridge, kettle, for hot drinks and snacks. ( Transport is available to support less mobile participants from Purelands to Samye Ling for meal times).
There are plenty of modern showers and toilets (separate male / female/ unisex) .
There are stairs up to the practice hall.
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.
This weekend retreat is a digital detox, so there is no WiFi in Purelands Retreat Centre. However, there are phone signals, so you can keep in touch with the outside world .
This retreat is suitable for individuals who have some experience in yoga and meditation (so not suitable for complete beginners).
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. Jill previously worked as a nurse for 20 years. As well as teaching yoga Jill volunteers regularly at Lothlorien Therapeutic Community, joining in the daily programme of gardening, cooking, home care, and shares yoga and meditation walks in nature. This community supports people in the recovery from mental illness.
Cost of this weekend retreat is £240 including accommodation and all meals. This retreat is expected to sell-out so early booking is recommended.
*Early bird discount - £220 if booked on or before 30th June *
A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking. Payments can be made by instalments.
yogafromtheheartdumfries@gmail.com
