I realised that what draws me so deeply to Dru Yoga is its connection with nature. In my classes, I often invite students to pause—arms lifted, palms open to the sun—reaching towards the boundless sky, connecting with something greater than ourselves: with nature, with the divine. I’m not religious, nor do I believe in supernatural beings, yet with age I’ve discovered a sense of spirituality—perhaps best described as a spirituality without spirits.
Spiritual Naturalism is a worldview that combines a commitment to science and naturalism with a sense of wonder, awe, and reverence for the natural world. It finds deep meaning and “spiritual” experience within the physical universe, rejecting supernatural entities in favor of appreciating the interconnectedness and beauty of nature itself. It focuses on human emotions like gratitude, joy, and awe in response to the cosmos, rather than supernatural forces. It treats nature as a sacred whole, finding wisdom in the natural world and focusing on compassion, reducing suffering, and fostering connection with the environment.
One of my favourite books is “Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When The World Goes Dark.” by Julia Baird. Note to self, this might be a good time to revisit this book! There is a quote in the book from Rachel Carson that says;
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
The divine is right here on Earth, the universe, the earth, nature are the divine. Perhaps the first step towards saving the environment is simply loving the earth and enjoying nature in all its beauty and splendour.
Nature embodies the sacred in its most tangible form, offering a profound sense of the divine without requiring belief in the supernatural. From a spiritual naturalist perspective, the divine is not something distant or otherworldly, but present in every leaf, river, and gust of wind. When we step into the bush, walk along the coast, or sit under a gum tree, we encounter a living tapestry of interconnected life that evokes awe and reverence.
The divine quality of nature arises from its beauty, complexity, and ceaseless creativity. Ecosystems form intricate patterns where every plant, insect, and bird plays a role in sustaining life. Observing these relationships reminds us that we, too, are part of this vast network, not separate from it. In moments of mindful attention—feeling the sun’s warmth, hearing magpies call, or smelling rain on dry earth—we can experience a quiet transcendence.
Spiritual naturalism teaches that meaning and wonder emerge from direct engagement with the natural world. The cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal mirror our own journeys, offering lessons in humility and acceptance. Nature’s divinity lies in its ability to awaken gratitude, stillness, and a sense of belonging, guiding us to live more harmoniously with the Earth and each other.
Dru Yoga offers a gentle, flowing practice that harmonises body, mind, and spirit, making it a powerful way to deepen our connection with nature. Its sequences often mirror natural rhythms—like waves, trees, and the rising sun—inviting practitioners to embody the elements around them. Practising Dru Yoga outdoors, whether on the grass, a sandy beach or a forest clearing, enhances this experience, as the breath synchronises with the breeze and the senses open to birdsong and earthy scents. By cultivating inner stillness and mindful movement, Dru Yoga allows us to feel part of the living landscape, fostering a sense of unity with the natural world and an appreciation for the quiet divinity present in every moment.
Interested to experience the Dru difference? Come along and try a yoga and meditation class. Want a deeper dive into nature? Register your interest for the 2027 nature-based yoga and meditation retreat.