The bushfires have been impacting millions of people either directly or indirectly in Australia and worldwide.
In Australia we all seem to know someone who is affected.
Sometimes it takes a crisis to bring out our humanity. Walls come down between neighbours who don’t know each other until they are thrown together to support one another. The global outpouring of love and support from the world to Australia takes this to an even higher level.
Many of our Dru yogis who are experiencing the fires firsthand are reaching for Dru tools to help them cope. Others are helping in very practical ways.
Caring people are donating goods or funds, some are helping in evacuation centres or supporting injured or homeless wildlife while others are sheltering evacuees.
We have many practices that you can do to keep your balance and even help others in need, even if they are not near you. Many people around Australia, although not directly affected by the fires, wish to know how else they can help.
There is always something you can do to support!
Yoga practices you can do to help yourself and others
As Dru Yoga is a mind/body style of yoga, it offers a number of tools that you can do to bring yourself back into balance.
Here are a handful:
To heal the land or if you are feeling scattered and depressed - the Dru Earth Sequence - is highly recommended
If you are stressed, anxious or finding yourself constantly on the run - Take time to relax and come back to your centre - even just for 5 minutes. Click here for a relaxation filmed on the Australian beaches. It will help remind you of the beauty of the Australian coastline while giving you a nurturing relaxation at the same time.
When you don’t know what else to do or need to calm your mind or if you start feeling negative – chant the yogic mantra of light, Gayatri. Gayatri brings truth and eventually enlightenment to the mind and peace to any situation.
Gayatri Mantra
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
To balance your mind and emotions and feel more stillness – Remember EBR1, Dru’s foundation yoga sequence. Dru’s unique Energy Block Release sequences are powerful yogic techniques for removing tension from the body and mind at the deepest level. EBR1 is also particularly good to ease trauma.
Meditate for a more peaceful and renewed Australia - Try the Be the Change Meditation by Andrew Wells. This beautiful technique guides through a 12-minute peaceful meditation to help you be the change you want to see in the world. This inspiring video has pictures of Dru yogis from all around the world.
Other practical tips
Think from the highest perspective and try to add positive energy to those around you
Of course, you may need to talk about what is happening, in fact you may need to put out messages for your wellbeing or for others. But with all the dramatic posts on social media, it's also a time when it's more important than ever for us to add the presence of light. Try to be a still point for others and bring hope in how you communicate.
Donate money or give of your time
If this feels right, giving to those in need is one of the most practical ways you can help. There are well-known national charities and firefighting bodies that you can support. Please do check locally for what may be the most relevant groups for your area.
Put out food or water stations for the wildlife
If you live in areas that are burnt out, the wildlife left may not have anything to eat or drink. Native animals near you may be suffering due to the heat even if they aren’t near the fires. Consider constructing water and food stations. Contact WIRES for how to do this in the most effective ways.
Special invitation
Dru worldwide has invited people globally to spend time each day in prayer, yoga or meditation to support the fire situation in Australia. You can join in on the link below.
While you are on the pledge page take a look at just how many people are supporting Australia from afar.
If you would like to do a practice, keep in mind that it helps to have a strong visualisation to go with it. Imagine our precious country nourished by steady rain and cool weather. Perhaps you may even like to see the decision makers of Australia and the world awakening and taking action to nurture our planet.
We hope these suggestions are helpful. We would love to hear what Dru techniques you use and how they helped you. Do let us know if you need more suggestions of Dru Yoga practices to support you. You can contact us most easily by email.
Much peace to you,
Astoria, Patricia, Janet and the whole Dru Australasia team
This blog post is from the latest Australasian Enews. If you would like to hear more from us you can also let us know by email.