From perfecting making small life changes that will have a big impact, learning new skills and adopting fresh approaches to managing anxiety or getting a better night’s sleep, read on for our round up of the meditation and mindfulness classes, workshops and advice that might just make a real difference.
Learn to meditate at The LightHouse Arabia Clinic
One of the region’s most well-established and well-respected mental health and well-being clinics, The LightHouse Arabia runs a range of mindfulness-based workshops and training sessions. For those looking for a comprehensive introduction to the practice, the hour-long Meditation 101: Learn to Meditate class is an excellent place to start. The session begins by looking at what mindfulness actually is and how it can benefit each individual, before leading into a guided practice with detailed instructions on working with posture, breath and thoughts.
The LightHouse Arabia Clinic, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, lighthousearabia (04 380 9298).
Eat more mindfully
Hands up if you’re guilty of distractedly eating lunch al desko eyes glued to your computer screen or devouring dinner on the sofa as your latest Netflix addiction plays out on the TV?
Advocates of mindful eating want you to put a stop to all that and the reasoning behind doing so is pretty persuasive. In basic terms, mindful eating involves being fully aware of the food and drink you’re consuming (paying specific attention to how it tastes, make you feel and how full you are) and doing so without any distractions, particularly screens. The benefits of adopting this increasingly popular practice include greater enjoyment of your food, a predilution towards making healthier choices and being more attuned to your body (for example, recognising when you feel full).
If you fancy putting this ethos into practice when eating out, Seva Table, the plant-based, garden-located café at wellness centre Seva Experience embraces the idea wholeheartedly: the area is Wi-Fi free and guests are actively encouraged to disconnect from their phones and focus on themselves and the act of eating instead.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, sevaexperience.com (058 543 5888).
Join a meditation community with Mindful ME
Mindful ME is a Dubai-based initiative intent on creating opportunities for mindful practices in and around the city and supporting those who want to prioritise personal development and take a more mindful approach to life.
Headed up by New Zealand-born Helen Williams, who is widely recognised for her expertise in the fields of both mindfulness and meditation, Mindful ME offers a comprehensive range of different classes, workshops, retreats and courses (focus subjects include mindful parenting, conscientious relationships, authentic living and workplace mindfulness).
For anyone interested in learning more, Mindful ME are holding an open-to-all meditation evening on Monday February from 7pm-9pm, providing the chance for like-minded individuals to meditate together.
The session on the 27th operates on a “name your price” basis with a minimum contribution of Dhs50. Email info@minfdul.me or Whatsapp 054 466 8400 to book.
mindfulme.me.
Enjoy yoga and meditation in rainforest surrounds at Green Planet
For one of the most unique yoga and meditation experiences around, book yourself into a Yoga at the Green Plant class run by wellness experts Core Direction and held in that famous tropical bio-dome.
The guided 60-minute sessions take place across all four wildlife-rich floors, meaning that your practice will be set to backdrop of birdsong and is likely to be truly tranquil affair.
The next Yoga at the Green Planet session is scheduled for 5th March. For more information visit my.coredirection.com.
Fill your home with plants and greenery
Experts agree that forging a deeper connection with the natural world and utilising the senses to engage with the environment plays a significant role in establishing a happy, mindful existence.
Introducing house plants and greenery into your home is one of the most simple, impactful and affordable ways you can do this. Studies show that house plants can help to reduce anxiety (the therapeutic act of tending to plants can be instrumental in reducing stress levels), help us to concentrate more effectively and even promote better sleep.
If you’re keen to create your own urban garden, check out our article on where to buy house plants in Dubai here.
Discover how to manage work place stress at Illuminations
Wellbeing centre Illuminations has a particular focus on holistic healing, mental well-being and personal growth, running a number of healing and mediation classes (both group and individual), as well as training sessions and workshops.
For anyone suffering from work place-based mental exhaustion, their free-to-attend “How to avoid stress and burnouts” coaching class could well be invaluable (head to their website for more information and to make a booking).
Locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. illuminations.ae.
