Dhaka Flow Festival Magazine

Volume 1

DHAKA FLOW MIND BODY SPIRIT

D H A K A

F L O W

"WITH A DEEP BREATH IN, AND A MINDFUL EXHALE, I INVITE YOU TO EMPTY YOURSELF OUT.

Inhale, ENJOY THE FRESHNESS OF THE MOMENT.

Exhale, RELAX INTO THE COMFORT OF YOUR BODY."

P A G E

1

D H A K A

DARLING WELLNESS LOVERS,

I am delighted to share my heart with you through Dhaka Flow, to create experiences that uplift our community and help us connect to wellbeing.

This magazine is an outcome of the union of energies that came together last year.

What I hoped would be a small launch in January 2023 led to more than a movement, rather, a way of life. My incredible team, with creative vision and dedication, offered us a Festival of Yoga & Wellness in November that was even grander than we ever imagined, a platform for over 110 companies, including many start-ups, over 25 healers and energy practitioners, over 50 artists, musicians and writers, over 10,000 people With this energy, Dhaka Flow has stepped into 2024, and so have you. In the blink of an eye, we find we are already at the end of January.

Some intentions, or sankalpas, have started to take shape, and some failures have been encountered.

F L O W

With a deep breath in, and a mindful exhale, I invite you to empty yourself out. Inhale, enjoy the freshness of the moment. Exhale, relax into the comfort of your body. Contentment, or santosha, is within you, within your heart center, if you can align with it.

Aligning with the vibration of your inner core requires centering yourself physically, mentally and spiritually, but it’s not that hard. All you have to do is sit perfectly straight, and tune into the peace within you, release all the tightness and tensions in your body and open your heart. Voila, you are soft, and energy flows through you, and immediately you are free.

Freedom is not something to strive towards over lifetimes, it can be experienced right now.

In the snap of a finger. This moment. The present moment. It is yours entirely. It’s a gift to you from the Divine. This state of wellbeing, or effortless bliss, or samadhi, is what I hope to help you obtain, through practice and community, so you may meet your true self and know how astoundingly beautiful you are.

In less than a year, our tribe has grown so much. Let's celebrate and create more magic on this planet together.

Love and wellness for all.

Yours, Shazzy Om

Cover Photo Credit: ICE Magazine Cover Photo Make-up Credit: KENSHO

DHAKA FLOW

Festival

24 Classes

8 Zones

108 Stalls

P A G E

3

D H A K A

F L O W

DHAKA FLOW'S WELLNESS EVENT: A BALANCED JOURNEY TO FEELING GOOD

Dhaka Flow, a leading advocate for holistic well-being, brought back its Festival of Yoga and Wellness to Dhaka. Led by the renowned writer and activist, Shazia Omar, the Illuminated Fitness Festival took place on November 10th and 11th, 2023, from 8 AM to 6 PM at the scenic Gulshan Society Lake Park.

A Celebration of Well-being The festival aimed to create a positive impact on overall well-being, emphasizing movement, mindfulness, health, and community. This year's edition featured 24 free classes, covering various aspects like yoga, meditation, boxing, dance, singing, and fitness in the Yoga Shala. The meditation garden offered day-long mindfulness sessions and support group discussions, promoting strength through unity.

Additionally, twelve panel discussions brought together experts to discuss mental health, community building, and holistic wellness.

P A G E

4

D H A K A

F L O W

Event Highlights

Event Launches

The festival kicked off with an opening ceremony led by Shazia Omar at 9 AM on November 10th, with Honorable Mayor of DNCC, M. Atiqul Islam present as Chief Guest. Day two began at 8 AM with a 5 km run from Gulshan Society Lake Park to Shahabuddin Park and back.

The festival marked National Ayurveda Day, featuring a book launch on Ayurveda basics by Dr. Sharlin Bharti.

Festival-goers engaged in discussions, explored massage booths, and enjoyed readings by distinguished authors.

Musical performances by Prem Jhuri and Beatmosphere added a vibrant touch to the festival, creating an opportunity for attendees to elevate their energy levels. The first day concluded with a candlelight vigil and prayers, showing solidarity for those Palestine

The festival's theme, Illuminated Fitness, incorporated elements of Sufism, including a Sufi whirling class, a 2024 calendar launch, and a Dhaka Flow journal featuring poetry and introspective prompts by Rumi.

P PA AG GE E 5 5

D H A K A

F L O W

Environmental Consciousness and Community Support Dhaka Flow's commitment to an environmentally-conscious approach was evident through initiatives like avoiding plastic waste, offering nourishing vegetarian foods, and providing free classes for all. The festival received support from leading private sector organizations, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy living in the community.

Diverse Offerings for All Ages The festival catered to a diverse audience, offering engaging outdoor activities for children, awareness-building sessions on health pillars, and the provision of HPV vaccines and nutraceuticals.

P A G E

6

D H A K A

F L O W

Promoting Entrepreneurship and Mental Health Awareness Beyond wellness activities, the festival served as a platform for entrepreneurs, featuring various types of vendors. The entrepreneurs showcased their innovative products and services to the festival-goers, providing a unique opportunity for them to discover new and exciting ideas. From handcrafted jewelry to artisanal food, the vendors offered a diverse range of products that catered to all tastes and preferences.

In addition to the vendors, the festival also brought together various mental health service organizations to raise awareness and promote mental wellbeing. These organizations provided valuable resources and information to attendees, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open and honest conversations.

As Dhaka Flow continued its mission to create a positive impact on individuals and the environment, the Illuminated Fitness Festival stood as a testament to the commitment towards a healthier and more harmonious life for all.

Photo Credit: K. Nasif Special Thank you to the Gulshan Society Lake Park P A G E

7

Register with shaziaomar@gmail.com

D H A K A

F L O W

WHY JOURNALING MATTERS The act of journaling is not merely putting pen to paper; it's a gateway to selfdiscovery, a path to healing, and a way to navigate the bustling world with clarity and purpose.

If asked to elaborate on my top five selfcare activities, I would have to say…. yoga, meditation, time with loved ones, swimming, and journaling.

P A G E

1 1

D H A K A

F L O W

For me, journaling has led to profound insights and a portal to peace even in times of confusion.

Journaling helps me untie the tangle of thoughts in my mind and set them free on paper, so the weight is no longer in my head; but then again, are we writing from the head or the heart?

Journaling inspires creativity as a writer and a sense of self-acceptance, as one begins to see events and emotions from a different perspective. It also helps us rewrite our own narrative, once, twice, weekly, daily, until we find a story that empowers us; a story of learning and healing and growth.

Here are some benefits of journaling.

REFLECTION

Journaling is a sacred space where your thoughts, emotions, and experiences come to life. It's a mirror into your inner world, allowing you to observe, reflect, and make sense of your feelings and experiences. Through self-reflection, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life's journey.

P A G E

1 2

D H A K A

F L O W

CLARITY Writing about your thoughts, dreams, and goals brings clarity to your intentions and desires. When you can see your aspirations on paper, they become tangible, and within reach.

EMOTIONAL RELEASE Just as a river carries away impurities, journaling serves as an emotional release, allowing you to vent, express, and process your feelings. When we put our emotions into words, we free ourselves from their heavy burden, making space for healing and growth.

P A G E

1 3

D H A K A

F L O W

PROBLEM SOLVING The act of writing down challenges and brainstorming solutions helps you think more critically and creatively, ultimately leading to more effective resolutions.

SELF-AWARENESS The key to healing from within begins with self-awareness. A journal helps you track your growth, your setbacks, and your patterns. With this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions and facilitate personal growth.

If you do not already have a regular practice of journaling, I encourage you to give it a shot. You can write free flow (morning pages) or use prompts. Feel free to refer to Flow Within, a journal I have developed with some of my favourite prompts on topics such as passion and purpose, relationships and boundaries, authenticity and the shadow self.

P A G E

1 4

D H A K A

F L O W

FLOW WITHIN A Guide to Self-Discovery and Healing

52 Prompts Rumi Themed Wellness Journal Purchase through Dhaka Flow’s Social Media Platform P A G E

1 5

D H A K A

F L O W

WELLBEING AND WANDERLUST SHAZIA OMAR I f your new year's resolution included health, happiness and positive lifestyle, then making time for a yoga retreat is the best gift you can give yourself. Sometimes we need distance, to see our lives in a new light, to gain perspective on our experiences and choices, to heal, to grow, to be fresh. Life is not a dress rehearsal, so inhabit your best body and enjoy your best self.

Here are ten reasons to book a yoga retreat this year.

Travel Yoga retreats almost always take place in gorgeous locations. This is not a coincidence. The beauty and energy of these places inspire and charge us.

Two of my favourite yoga retreats are Thailand and Sri Lanka, surrounded by waves and forests, sun and beach!

Photo Credit: ICE Magazine P A G E

1 6

D H A K A

F L O W

Pause “Slowing down to be mindful, to reflect on the past and visualise the future, is healthy”

Sometimes we need a break from the hectic pace of life. Taking a break gives us a chance to reflect on what we love best, so we can recalibrate our schedules and return with new vigour.

Slowing down to be mindful, to reflect on the past and visualise the future, is healthy.

A retreat allows you a chance to detox from the habits that are part of your everyday life.

This may mean taking a break from alcohol, cigarettes, or maybe media and technology, if you are an information junky. Retreats give you a chance to rest and relax and come back feeling renewed.

Nature Connecting to nature is good for the soul.

This might be climbing to the top of a mountain where the air is pure and clean, surfing in an ocean amidst the waves and sun, taking a deep hike in a forest cuddled in by trees.

P A G E

1 7

D H A K A

F L O W

MORE TIME WITH INSTRUCTORS One of the best benefits of a yoga retreat is having access to inspirational yoga teachers who can help you deepen your practice. I like to practice with teachers from different traditions as they each bring something new into my life.

MEDITATION + DE-STRESS Retreats are generally a good place to enjoy meditation. Meditation is known to be the best exercise to combat stress.

Meditation gives us clarity and helps us to forgive and to heal. Sometimes it's difficult to make decisions when we are too close to the situation. Meditating on retreat can give you the benefit of time and space to help you re-evaluate.

EAT WELL The retreats that I go on offer fresh, organic, locally sourced, delicious vegetarian food that leave me feeling healthy and balanced. Every meal is a delight for the eyes and the belly. Feasting and losing weight, sounds ideal? It can happen, and be enjoyable too!

P A G E

1 8

D H A K A

F L O W

TRANSFORMATION Sometimes stepping outside our comfort zones, moving away from our friends and family, disrupting our routine, gives us a chance to just be, without the trappings of patterns and expectations that may have set in, so we can connect to who we truly are.

This may be what it takes to look at our lives from a distance, to identify habits that do not serve us, to redesign how we want to exist.

Make time to connect with your true self and discover what it is that you love to do. This can bring about profound changes in your life.

MEET NEW PEOPLE It's not just fun to meet people from other parts of the world, its critical to cultivate an open-minded and broad perspective of reality. New people can offer us new types of relationships and new insight into ourselves. Deep connections can form when we meet people in a safe environment with a common interest. You can expect some laughs and some lasting friendships.

P A G E

“Make time to connect with your true self and discover what it is that you love to do” SAFE SOLO TRAVEL We might dream about exploring the world but feel frightened of going entirely alone. A retreat is a great opportunity to travel alone within a safe community.

Retreats give us an opportunity to explore unknown places and unknown parts of ourselves. They allow us to dip into novel experiences, shake up old paradigms, and re-evaluate our choices.

If you do one thing for yourself this year, be sure to book a yoga retreat.

1 9

D H A K A

F L O W

Dhaka Flow crafts transformative wellness retreats in Bangladesh and worldwide. Elevate your senior management team with a tailored retreat or sponsor a captivating experience for 20 influencers, seamlessly integrating your brand.

Past Retreats International Valencia, Spain; Koh Samui, Thailand

National Gazipur, Savar, CoxBazar, Sri-Mongol BCDM, Basecamp, Sylhet, Bandarban, Sundarban

P A G E

2 1

D H A K A

F L O W

Turaag Active x Shazzy Om : Shanti Bari

Cosmic Flow : Cox Bazaar

Shuktara + Ratargul Swamp

Dhaka Flow carefully curated activities and itineraries, inviting you to explore the wonders of nature while indulging in rejuvenating yoga and wellness experiences.

Connect with fellow participants, make new friends, and forge meaningful connections as you unwind and recharge.

P A G E

2 2

DHAKA FLOW

TURKEY RETREAT WA NDE R L US T

1 2 T H -

1 8 T H

T OUR

J U N E

2 0 2 4

ISTANBUL FETHIYE BLUE MOSQUE SUFI WHIRLING HUMMUM

WATERFALL HIKE SAILBOAT RAFTING

D H A K A

F L O W

FUN WITH FOOD

HEALTHY MEALS

don’t have to be difficult or bland! Enjoy simple and delicious health-conscious recipes at home with minimal prep time—part of our ‘Fun with Food’ workshops!

SMOOTHIE

BASIC INGREDIENT Water, crushed ice, honey and fruits of choice.

PERFECT COMBINATION Banana + Mango + Pineapple + Orange + Strawberry Strawberry + Banana + Beet + Mango + Mint

P A G E

2 5

P A G E

1 5

P A G E

1 6

D H A K A

F L O W

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM

by Faizah A. Eerina

WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE The emphasis on employee wellbeing has never been more important in the dynamic world of modern work, where the lines separating personal and professional life are constantly blurring.

Equipped with advantages such as health insurance, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives, employers strive to achieve a balance between employee satisfaction and productivity. But beyond the surface, new data expose a startling reality: 76% of workers suffer from job burnout, and workplace stress costs US firms close to $200 billion a year.

The market for corporate well-being, which is expected to grow to $87.4 billion by 2026, highlights the importance of promoting comprehensive well-being. Leading this movement are flexible work arrangements, which understand that workers' health and happiness are correlated with their ability to choose where, when, and how they work.

The concept of employee well-being goes well beyond superficial benefits. It is closely entwined with workplace relations and includes mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellness.

There are observable advantages for both both individuals and businesses in a flourishing employee wellbeing landscape:

P A G E

3 0

D H A K A

F L O W

IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY: Healthy workers make better decisions and exhibit improved behaviors, ultimately boosting workplace productivity. .

ELEVATED EMPLOYEE MORALE:

Meeting employees' needs across financial, mental, and physical aspects fosters a sense of competence and value.

EFFECTIVE TALENT ACQUISITION:

Organizations valuing work-life balance attract and retain skilled applicants more successfully.

STRENGTHENED CLIENT RELATIONS: Contented workers act as brand promoters, improving client relations and understanding of products and services.

DHAKA FLOW EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM Dhaka Flow's Employee Wellness Program is a tailored approach that integrates wellness initiatives such as yoga, mindfulness, and stress management, proven to reduce workplace stress and enhance mental resilience. By investing in our Employee Wellness Program, you empower your workforce with the tools to navigate the challenges of a dynamic workplace, contributing not only to their individual well-being but also to the overall success and harmony of your organization.

In the end, workplace wellness is a harmonious symphony created by the

merging of individual practices and organizational strategies.It also provides employees with ways to nurture their well-being. Employee health isn't a luxury; rather, it's a shared path towards resilience, fulfillment, and a vibrant workplace culture. This becomes evident as we negotiate the changing landscape of work. Providing for employees' wellbeing is not only an organizational duty but also a strategic necessity for long-term success in a world where worn-out and overworked employees disrupt business development.

P A G E

3 1

Yoga Camp

GREENVIEW RESORT MAY 24-25 EMAIL HELLO@DHAKAFLOW.COM FOR MORE INFO

YOGA WITH TANI BATEN

Tani Baten is an international certified yoga teacher registered from yoga alliance USA. She completed teacher training course 700h from Vietnam as well as yoga therapy diploma from swami vivekananda yoga university India and meditation course from Rishikesh. Now she conduct yoga classes at Aamra Active Gulshan-2 and Bangladesh army cantonment.

Instagram: yoga_with_tanibaten facebook.com/SpiritualYogawithTaniBaten/

LIGHTNESS OF BODY, FREEDOM OF MIND.

DHAKA FLOW DHAKAFLOW.COM DHAKAFLOWOFFICIAL DHAKA FLOW