DRU YOGA

What is Dru Yoga?

Dru Yoga is a graceful and potent form of yoga, based on soft flowing movements, directed breathing and visualisation. With its foundations set firmly in ancient yogic tradition, Dru works on body, mind and spirit—improving strength and flexibility, creating core stability, building a heightened feeling of positivity, and deeply relaxing and rejuvenating your whole being. Designed to be practised by people of all abilities, all fitness levels and all age groups, Dru is a style of yoga that can be quickly dipped into or learnt in more depth over a lifetime. "Dru yoga should be available in every GP surgery" Dr Hilary Jones.

How is Dru Yoga Different?

Dru Yoga has its roots in hatha yoga, and includes classical yoga postures (asanas), pranayama (the science of breath) mudras (hand gestures), positive affirmations, empowering visualisations and powerful sequences performed in a flowing and dynamic style. Dru Yoga classes are tailored to the level of the individuals within the class and usually contain Energy Block Release Sequences (EBRs), graceful flowing yoga sequences, pranayama, relaxation and Dru Meditation.
What is unique about Dru Yoga?

* Joints are kept relaxed and soft during movement (as in tai chi). This creates flexibility and a free flow of subtle energy.
* Energy Block Release sequences are easy-to-practise, flowing movements that help to release tension physically, mentally and emotionally.
* In Dru Yoga all movements originate from the spine because a flexible, healthy spine supports your entire yoga practice.
* The spinal wave and spinal twist are core features of Dru, enhancing spinal health and vitality.
* A deep understanding of core stability is a major focus.
* Dru Yoga works to balance the chakras (energy centres of the body) and access the powerful energy of the heart.
* Within the flow of movement, Dru Yoga creates powerful moments of stillness which we call ‘Dru points’.

So how does Dru Yoga compare with other types of yoga?

There are dozens of types of yoga in the UK. At present, Dru is the second largest British yoga teacher training school. Many people come to Dru Yoga classes as they enjoy the graceful, flowing sequences of this accessible type of yoga. Dru Yoga can be practised by people of all fitness levels and abilities.

'Having experienced many different forms of yoga over the last twelve years
I find the holistic philosophy of Dru Yoga very appealing and most effective!'
_{Jill, Dru Yoga undergraduate, UK}

Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. Ashtanga uses a set of strong yoga postures which are performed in a set order.

Bikram Yoga
Bikram Choudhury, created the so-called 'hot yoga' which focuses on 26 poses always being repeated in the same order. Bikram Yoga studios are heated to approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit temperature to simulate the climate in India, which keeps the muscles flexible and relaxed.

Hatha Yoga
Hatha (ha-sun, tha-moon) is the most traditional form of yoga, and most yoga schools (eg Shivananda, British Wheel of Yoga and Scaravelli) are based upon the hatha style. It is likely to be reasonably gentle and accessible to all.

Iyengar Yoga
Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of yoga is most concerned with bodily alignment. Iyengar yoga includes static postures, with jumps to get in and out of postures, and the use of props.

Vinyasa Yoga
Usually Vinyasa (dynamic connecting posture) classes are based around a variation of the Sun sequence, which is done with an awareness of the breath. Its aim is to create heat and flexibility in the body.

What does ‘Dru’ Mean?
Dru comes from the Sanskrit word dhruva, which refers to the stillness that can be experienced in Dru Yoga and Dru Meditation. In this stillness we are able to sit back from anything that may be happening around us, and see and act from a point of clarity and inner calm.

‘If you want to physically strengthen your body and emotionally enhance your mind, Dru Yoga will give you the tools to take into your daily life and help you cope with the stresses of modern living.’
_{Wendy, Dru Yoga undergraduate, UK}

To see a Dru Yoga clip follow this link: http:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiHvKm163XO

To find your local Dru yoga class go to www.druyoga.com

For Dru yoga in Dorset call Christina 01202 777622.

TAI YOGA

The origins of Tai Chi and Yoga are shrouded in the mists of time. Today there are many different schools of both disciplines, each with their own curriculum. TaiYoga originated from combining these two energy arts, integrating their core principles.

PRACTICE

TaiYoga is a fusion of Tai Chi and Yoga - using the soft chi energy of Heaven and the fiery kundalini energy of Earth to dissolve and melt the blocks that prevent mind/body/spirit development.

TaiYoga is known as the 23rd Yoga - 23 is the number of breakdown in order to renew. In TaiYoga practice we use posture/breath/movement to renew our mind/body/spirit.

FORM

There are three levels of TaiYoga - each level has its own form. TaiYoga Forms consist of a specific sequence of movements and postures that takes around fifteen minutes to perform. This series of movements and postures takes place on the traditional yoga mat, set to music.

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TaiYoga Sacred Heart Meditation

Igniting and Activating the Divine Flame

Place both hands, palms down, over the Hara and begin following the breath in and out of this lower energy centre. Visualise a ball of light beneath your hands, expanding in size every time you breathe in. Allow the ball of light to attach to the hands. Move the hands slowly up the body to the heart chakra, to the heart that rules the heart. each time you breathe in, feel the ball of light at the heart chakra vibrate. Now, focus your thought upon some one, some thing, some place. some memory, some dream you truly love. Feel the ball of light expand, vibration amplified.

Slowly, move one hand above the other, to the place of your Sacred Heart. The place that connects all hearts, the place that connects to the One heart, the place of beginnings. Increase the pressure ever so slightly over your Sacred Heart and release the intoxicating gas of true love from your heart chakra to your Sacred heart. Allow this gas to build up in this upper region of your heart. All that is needed now is to Ignite the Divine Flame of your Sacred Heart. All that is needed now is your intention.

Say to yourself just three words - it is done. By doing this in meditation you are saying Yes to the Universe. You are igniting your true light. Your dark shadows fade, allowing you to fulfil your mission in Heaven and on Earth.

You are being led into a new world - even so, this is a world you have always known. Life is realised through you and now is the time you have chosen to return to the purity in which you were created.

Now that the Divine Flame within you has been re-ignited, the flame must be kept strong. This is done both physically and spiritually. Physically; Tap the area of the upper heart (the inferior aspect of the angle of louis) with three fingers. Focus on the Divine Flame within. Tap gently approx. 120 taps per minute for three minutes. This tapping stimulates a gland (thymus) that has become dormant since childhood. This is the physical, chemical bridge between the lower heart and the Sacred heart. After three days you can feel a flow of energy here that you did not sense before.

Spiritually; during this three day practice, spend at least one hour a day seeing the awakened heart in others. See others awake regardless of any evidence to the contrary. Before receiving it is necessary to give. Do not say a word to anyone about this practice during these three days of practice. Your upper and lower heart will expand beyond anything you have known until now. Y0ur own Sacred Heart then has the potential to explode with light. The light that shows you the way home.

Now that you have experienced a fully open heart you will be able to fulfil your destiny - to know who you are!

Blessings