WHAT IS DRU YOGA?

Dru yoga is a synthesis of ancient methods which are now being presented in the modern world, offering a unique perspective on yoga practices. It has developed into a powerful series of sequences, postures and visualizations which are capable of transforming health and well being by balancing the energies of body, heart and mind.

The word Dru comes from the Sanskrit Dhruva, meaning still and unchanging. Historically, Dhruva is the name given to the North Star, which remains fixed while all the other stars appear to move around it. When practicing Dru yoga awareness is directed to that place inside ourselves, called the Dhruvakasha, which is still and spacious. This is the place where we are able to retain our inner tranquility and strength, no matter what is happening in our lives. It is like being in the eye of a hurricane, while the winds of life blow all around us.

It is in this space of stillness that we become aware of the various levels of our being - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This awareness allows us to heal and to integrate those parts of ourselves which we have neglected or which may have become fragmented.

Stress induced conditions can be tackled at a very deep level with Dru yoga because of its "soft body" approach and resulting conscious relaxation. Because of the interconnectedness of the emotions, body and mind, changing any one of them has the power to change the others. For example, improved mobility in the spine or joints as a result of yoga movements or postures can result in the release of stored emotions from earlier traumas. Furthermore, if we are able to release these stored emotions, chronic pain and disease will often be resolved.

In yoga the heart centre is known as the centre of transformation. Dru yoga is often called a "yoga of the heart" because a major emphasis is on activating "heart power". Many of Dru yoga`s postures and sequences are designed to stimulate the nadis (energy pathways) around the heart centre. This a key factor in its effectiveness as a therapy.

Another feature of Dru yoga is its emphasis on a soft, gentle approach to the physical movements. They are performed slowly and with awareness, often with many repetitions of each movement. At first it may appear that you are not working your body deeply enough to impact on your physical health, especially if you are familiar with more dynamic exercise programs. With more experience however, you will come to realise that you are actually working the body at deeper levels. As you soften and enter a deeper awareness you may find strength, both of mind and body, which you would not have previously believed possible.