The way the body moves helps us begin to discover how life moves. The way life moves helps us discover how the universe moves. And in this discovery we realise that there is nothing in a state of rigidity. Everything is in a state of flux, a state of change, and all we have to do is have enough confidence, enough love, enough courage and enough hope to move with this changeless flow of life itself. And in this flow we begin to find a sense of meaning to life, a sense of purpose, which may have been evading us so far.
There is no more powerful way of making this discovery than by practising Dru Yoga.
Dru Yoga differs from other forms of yoga in that the traditional asanas are taught with a softness to the joints. It also integrates flowing sequences with mudras, visualisations and affirmations. Practitioners learn to develop an awareness of the complex and beautiful interplay of their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energies. And then they learn how to manifest the tremendous energy needed to turn their hopes and dreams into practical realities.
One of the cornerstones of this whole process is the development of heart power. Dru Yoga is essentially a yoga of the heart in that many of the postures and sequences are designed to activate the Anahata chakraor heart centre. A healthy heart, both physically and emotionally, is a prerequisite for a happy and fulfilled life.
Our thymus gland, which is the seat of our immune system, is located very close to the physical heart, just under the sternum. The location of the thymus gland means that it is directly affected by the energy fluctuations of the heart chakra. Hence, by focussing on the heart through Dru Yoga movements, we not only massage and nourish the physical organ but we also stimulate the heart chakra and this, in turn, works energetically to stimulate the thymus gland to trigger a deep healing process.
The heart's language of love and compassion - both for oneself and for others - is the most powerful communication tool known to humanity. In essence, happiness is our raison d'etre. We may not be fit or rich, or have a perfect figure or a prestigious job, but we can all be happy. Whatever trauma we might experience, healing will begin as soon as we make the effort to open the heart centre
In his book The Dance between Joy and Pain. Dr Mansukh Patel talks of the transforming power of love when he says, 'Love is the part of us that is real, that makes us peaceful, content, happy and free. It is the energy that lies at the core of creation - the primordial force that brings everything into being, the great mystery that keeps everything going. No longer can we ignore our feelings, emotions and states of happiness and contentment as they are intricately connected to our state of health and overall well-being.'
According to quantum physicists, we are essentially beings of light - or energy. This fact has been well known to yogis for millennia, and because they have developed techniques for controlling and directing their prana (their energy or life force) they have been able to direct it not only to heal the body but also to focus their thoughts so that they have the power to achieve their goals in life. This ability is also available to us when we practise Dru Yoga.
Unfortunately, when we carry negative or disempowering thoughts about ourselves and others we lose our power to tap into this unlimited reserve.
The Dance between Joy and Pain by Dr Mansukh Patel is a mine of priceless information and guidelines to Dru Yoga techniques that can be used to channel the energy of specific negative emotions and transform them into their positive counterparts.
For example, if we want to cultivate the qualities of love and compassion, we will probably need to start by releasing negative emotions connected with the lower energy centres that are located at the lower end of the spine (muladhara chakra, swadisthana chakra and manipura chakra). Try this simple technique (found on page 133 of The Dance between Joy and Pain).
The Swinging Pendulum
1) Stand with your feet at least two hip widths apart, hands on hips, knees soft.
2) Breathing out,bend forward from the hips and relax the arms and hands towards the floor.
3) Breathing in, feel the expansion of the spine. Relax the buttocks, back, shoulders, neck and face.
4) Relax the spine with every out breath.
5) Gently swing from side to side on each out breath, and swing towards the middle on each in breath
6) Practise for as long as you feel comfortable. To raise yourself up again, take your hands back onto the hips, make sure that your knees are still soft, press down on the heels and slowly uncurl the back from the base of the spine.
7) Sand still for a moment or two to observe how you feel before moving gently
onto your next task.
N.B. Never force your body to move beyond the point of comfort. It's not a competition!