If you love yoga then Abu Dhabi is the place to be next week for a day totally dedicated to uniting your mind, body and soul.
Whether you have never done yoga or would like to learn more, then the Happiness & Yoga Festival is the ideal place to get a feel for how yoga can transform your life.
A festival, a mass gathering of people interested in yoga, is an amazing experience.
There is so much positive energy at an event such as this and if nothing else, you will certainly leave feeling happy.
This is the first such event in Abu Dhabi, but will hopefully join the other great festivals of the world such as Wanderlust, Hanuman and BaliSpirit in being a popular and regular fixture.
One of the problems with yoga is that there are so many different types to choose from.
I’ve known many people be put off yoga because they chose a yoga class to which they couldn’t connect and assumed that all yoga is the same.
Nothing could be further from the truth: there is a style for everyone and this yoga festival will give not only the uninitiated a chance to explore but also the experienced yogi the opportunity to try something new and perhaps deepen their practice.
The classes will be taught by experienced instructors from around the world as well as a few local teachers such as myself.
Gloria Belendez Ramirez born in Mexico City, is the keynote speaker for the event.
She has travelled the world and learned to speak 10 languages by the time she was 29. Her intense desire is to entice others to decide to be happy and stay happy no matter what.
Angela R Pashayan is from the USA, has twelve years experience and will be teaching Bhakti Asana. She has written a book on the subject and teaches all over the world.Roberto Sensei from Rome, Italy, teaches Odaka yoga/martial arts/zen and has 20 years experience.
The Body Tree, The Room and Inner Space here in Abu Dhabi are all represented by local instructors from around the world. Exhale and Fit4Life in Dubai also have teachers sharing their experience and expertise.
Yazan Rahman from Palestine and myself are both independent teachers with very different styles: Yazan will be teaching Chinese Energetics Yuen Style.
I have been teaching mainly Hatha yoga for the past 15 years and will be teaching a class for beginners which will also be very useful for the more experienced yogi to brush up on technique or relax and stretch a little between the more energetic classes throughout the day.
There really is something for everyone, whether you want to relax and stretch, bring the family or simply wallow in your favourite pastime.
You will have the opportunity to do some shopping too as there will be many exhibitors, for example organic goods and yoga clothing.
Tickets cost Dh325 for the entire day and for this you get a choice from over 16 classes, listen to the keynote speaker and interviews and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you need lodgings you will get a discount and 15 per cent off any spa treatments.
So come along and let us make you happy!
What: Happiness & Yoga Festival
When: Friday April 4, 2014, 8:00 to 18:00
Where: Park Rotana, Abu Dhabi
Contact: http://www.happinessandyogafest.com/
Buy your tickets online or at Exhale studios in Dubai & The Bodytree studio in Abu Dhabi.
