“One significant event that built my deep connection with yoga was watching my mother practice to Ms. Folan’s PBS show ‘Lilias Yoga and You’ as a young teenager. A couple of years later she would hand me a book of yoga postures to keep me on the right path. She applied no pressure, but the gesture would inspire my dedication to the discipline.”
This week we catch up with Bill Drury, a long time (as in 35 years) practitioner of Hatha yoga known for his unique blend of strength and flexibility. Sparked by his mom’s “gesture”, Bill began practicing in 1980 learning a variety of poses from her gift of yoga manuals. This self taught approach allowed him to develop a disciplined connection to his practice, enabling him to explore the boundaries of his physical abilities. But, the desire to deepen his practice led him to seek out formal training. It did not take him long to find the right teacher, and he credits Jen Ryan (Studio Owner, The Yoga Loft) with her creative Ashtanga sequencing for his ongoing inspiration on the mat. Bill balances his day job as Director of Product Management with his teaching and continuing education, completing his 500 hour certification with Natasha Rizopoulos at Down Under Yoga and an Ashtanga mentorship with Kate O’Donnell of Ayurveda of Boston. You can check out Bill on Instagram.
wind up… how do you wind up, prepare for the week ahead?
Yoga has passed along to me the concept of always being present and living in the moment. Preparation comes from countless hours of yoga practice, working on these concepts daily whether practicing, working or teaching.
and, when you need to exhale… what’s your other direction?
It is important to me to let go of things once the moment has passed. Natalie my wife, best friend and confidant is my influence in this regard.
favorite high powered snack?
Well that would be the kale smoothie, wouldn’t it.
the sound of music… you have room for 5 tracks on your playlist, they are?
Anything by the Beatles. Countless great songs with inspiration and depth!
your bible… what one book do you turn to time and time again for inspiration?
Various Ashtanga yoga books. It all comes to me through practice and for me Ashtanga is the most rewarding.
what makes me happy?
Being with family and friends.
http://www.yogaloftnorth.com
http://downunderyoga.com
http://www.kateodonnell.yoga
Profile compiled by: Susan Currie, Images by Susan Currie
Author Susan Currie is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA magazine. Her words and images have been featured in the Boston Globe, Elephant Journal, Yogi Times, the Tishman Review, the Huffington Post, Spirit of St. Bart’s and on the cover of the book Moving into Meditation (Shambala) by Anne Cushman.
Susan is also the creator of the Daily Inhale and an RYT 200 registered yoga instructor. She unpacks her various professional experiences through the creative and yoga workshops she leads throughout the country. Her new book, GRACENOTES (Shanti Arts 2017), a blend of words and images, is now available in wide release.