What is Yoga about?

Modern yoga has become about the body. We see it on Instagram and in Yoga magazines – we see it when we purchase yoga equipment and clothing – and we see it in gyms and studios around the country.

YOGA POSTURES

But yoga is not fundamentally about the physical body. Asanas (postures) are certainly the way into the world of yoga – but going in is essentially what it’s about. Focusing on only the postures directs students to become fixated with the  physical nature of the practice – how they lool, what their body can and can’t do – how flexible their body is, whether they’re ‘yoga people’ and eligible, therefore, to go to a class.

NOT YOGA POSTURES

Yoga is an ancient practice – the postures we see taught more recently are not as old as the practice of yoga at its roots. Yoga means to unite – body, mind and spirit – the art of becoming whole. The postures (asanas) came much later – as a means of preparing the body for meditation.

Yoga is about ‘going with the flow’ – of being ‘flexible’ as we adapt to the changing circumstances that life throws our way. It’s a lifelong journey.

Meditation in Movement

Dru yoga is often described as ‘meditation in movement’ – encouraging focusing not just on the physical, but on the sensations and emotions created and explored, the intention of the practice (do you dedicate your practice to an intention?) and the flow of energy around the body in the form of the breath.

Often when students try out a Dru yoga class they comment that they are more used to a ‘workout’ style resulting in a hot, sweaty body – the aim of the yoga-booty and the six pack lures. To me – that’s a workout: and not what I seek.

Not a Workout

Each to their own of course. I recognise that this may seem a bit airy-fairy for some – too way out – too spiritual. To be fair I was attracted to yoga as I enjoyed the stretches and the relaxation bit – only after I discovered Dru did the ‘other side’ come to the fore. I guess it’s not for everybody.

The Journey

Yoga is about the journey back inside – the journey to the essence of you. In this current time when we have a little more time with ourselves, perhaps it’s a good time to start that journey?