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Hi Everyone

Hope this email finds you healthy, happy and uplifted.

To maintain a strong breathing rhythm in yourself ongoing, especially under adversity, will enable the qualities above to come through naturally, normally and automatically.

This really is the foundation of Yoga and of course the foundation of Life. And especially the foundation in Stage Four Restrictions.

It’s really meditation ongoing in your life – or in other words – living meditation. In Yoga it’s known as conscious awareness of the SoHam mantra. This is your natural mantra of your natural breath rising symmetrically, ongoing in your life, while you do whatever you do. However this breath will tend to restrict itself subconsciously unbeknownst to you if you are anxious or fearful or worry or think too much.
Here in Melbourne, we’re now in Stage Four Restrictions. Which have been established by the Victorian Government to compel social distancing to take place more completely for everyone. So that problem areas which were previously going undiagnosed and unaddressed, can be rectified. Stage Four Restrictions, amongst other things include the mandatory wearing of masks, a curfew between the hours 8pm and 5am, and Melbournians must stay within a 5km radius of their home, at all times unless they have a permit to do otherwise. Largely we’re only allowed to leave home for 1 hour per day for grocery shopping (only one person allowed) or exercise (can be a walk or run with 1 other person). As a result of all these restrictions and many more, a lot of lifestyle themes, or ways of life are now, of course, compromised for everyone.

The tricky part with all this, or the challenge for most people, is to not be overwhelmed by their thinking mind, when their lifestyle, which acts as a support system for them, is restricted or denied.

If you’re strong enough with your mind, at this point, you’ll be able to use your Higher Mind to see the greater good, and move away from doubts and fears when they come up. This will straight away create more space and faith in what’s unfolding, as opposed to needing to know what’s happening at every minute. If you do this you’ll be automatically breathing in a relaxed manner.

If you can observe clearly enough, you’ll be able to see in yourself, that whenever you feel good or uplifted, you’re breathing in a very relaxed manner and not thinking. Your breath will be literally breathing you. This further enhances your Higher Mind becoming your guiding light ongoing.

This is really Vipassana – the meditation technique by which Buddha attained Enlightenment. It literally means “to see things as they are”, as opposed to seeing things how your mind would like things to be, or how you imagine things to be. Vipassana’s foundation is your breathing, and you continually maintaining awareness of your breathing, and awareness of what’s happening inside and outside at the same time. And not being overwhelmed or disoriented by what comes up internally as sensation, emotion or mindset.
If you continue to breathe rhythmically and observe, the tendencies of fear and doubt that are arising, will clear themselves and you’ll feel lighter and freer.

STAY ON THE PROGRAM OF BREATHING AND AWARENESS ONGOING AND DO WHAT YOU DO.

This time is a great opportunity for everyone to practice this.

When you’re doing your home practice – and everyone should be doing something regularly at home. Try to be very mindful of your breathing as you’re going through the postures. This will be more amplified in your home environment as you won’t have the distraction of a class format and other students around you. And you’ll be more sensitive to what’s happening internally eg your breath. Make your breath an Ujjayi breath which you can hear with your internal and external ear as it moves through the back of your throat. This will keep your Higher Mind continually awake and active and guiding you.

If you’d like a video to support you, you can practice using this Video which Chris made, of Rob’s Yoga Class at Yogareal Studio:

The essence is to remember to breathe and hence have a stronger connection to one’s Higher Self. On all levels – physically, vitally, mentally and emotionally, then this will automatically connect you with Spirit.

This is really what takes place when a person does a physical practice. They physically move, and therefore they invigorate by breathing more, and deeper. They further invigorate by re-aligning. They further invigorate and gain clarity and Higher Awareness by making their breath rhythmic and longer, through a range of postures.

This of course grounds a person in their body no matter what’s happening, and allows that same energy to flow through up to the heart, so a person feels more in themself what’s happening. And then that energy flows through to the centres in the head, and then a person feels fulfillment, balance, peace and unity under adversity.
This of course doesn’t mean breathing on everyone – but keeping the breath long and balanced in yourself.

Also, by consciously and deliberately softening the facial muscles, the jaw, the eyes, the soft palate, one will be able to regulate and monitor this energy more easily and more completely.

Please remember you’re not alone. Even though we can’t come together at the studio, we’re together in spirit – always. You’ll tend to remember things from the class when you need to. Especially if you’re consciously trying to put things into practice at home and in your life that you’ve learnt in class. This will bring about imbibing the teachings and practices in yourself. And enhance your breathing tremendously into a relaxed full breath.

We appreciate and understand that some will be having a more challenging time than others – with loved ones and with work situations. If you need help ask for it. Whether you require financial assistance, physical or mental health support, there are a myriad of support systems available to you. Although you’re physically separated, stay consciously connected to your loved ones and your community. If you have the slightest concerns about anyone, ring them and touch base.

Try to always see the positive side of all things, even though initially you may be a bit disoriented or overwhelmed.

Try to always see the bigger picture with the awareness and understanding that “This too will pass.”

We’ll continue to be in contact.

Lots of Love

Rob and the Yogareal Team