Advanced Yoga
What is Advanced Yoga – and what does it take to practice ‘advanced yoga’?
I guess it depends on your perspective. If you consider that yoga is a physical practice then you might consider that an advanced yogi would have handstands down and be able to sit in lotus for a good while. Ankles around the neck whilst balanced on one arm? No problem.
Yoga asana
But is yoga to be compared to a gymnastic practice? Is an advanced yogi one who had mastered the physical skills? In fact, 
is mastery of the physical skills even necessary to be an ‘advanced yogi’?
A spiritual practice
Is advanced yoga more a spiritual space – perhaps the advanced 
yogi has attained a state of perpetual bliss? Given that the physical practice of yoga asana is to prepare the body for stillness in meditation – is an advanced yogi one who has mastered the art of meditation? But is the practice of yoga (advanced or otherwise) a prerequisite for a meditation practice? – not necessarily. Though it could be argued that though the practice of asana one can achieve a state of inner focus – ie meditation. Dru yoga is often described as a meditation in motion. Does one need to attend an ‘advanced yoga class’ in order to attain this? – no. It’s how the class is received by the individual.
A Beginners’ or an Advanced Class?
I’m often asked, by those curious about coming to class, ‘is this for beginners or is it advanced class?’ – and the answer to this is maybe explained by this consideration.
Yoga for Every Body
In a Dru yoga class we focus on the physical movement – the joy of being in and breathing in the body. In addition we offer a pathway into the bigger, wider aspects – touching on how the body and energy in the breath might affect our emotional state: our sense of grounding, inner strength, inner fire. We focus on finding within that inner stillness – our North Star, if you will. 
Maybe you could say that Dru yoga is for every body – and ever state from ‘beginner’ to ‘advanced’. We offer the physical, combined with the breath, mindful movement and focus on arriving at that still point if that’s what you choose to take. The ideal yoga class, for me, allows time to absorb the material presented, time to breathe and time to consider.
You choose
In summary – what you get out of your practice is as much as you want. Choose your class – a physical workout, a relaxed stretch, time and space to find your inner still point? Beginner or advanced – what you get out is what you put in.
Like life.