Hi, how are you? I mean really, how are you? There is so much going on right now I thought i'd take a few minutes to touch base with you. I'm trying to think of a time when something that's happened in the world has had such a real and lasting impact on each and every one of us. We live in a global society and so have access to news from all over the world. But what difference does this make to our lives? Really? We might be moved by famine in Africa to send money for aid, we might be upset by sweat shops in India and stop buying certain brands of clothing, but what real difference does it make to our everyday lives? Recently a high percentage of us have been influenced by growing concerns about climate change and have adopted new habits or behaviours to lessen the impact. But this, this is new. There is no one across the globe who is not currently being impacted in some way by C19.
Some of us have lost out on long awaited holidays, some of us have lost our jobs and our income, some of us cannot see our loved ones, some of us have caught the virus, some of us have lost someone close due to the virus. No one is left without consequence. So how to we face our dark night of the soul and move on?
There's a slogan on a t shirt I often see that reads, what ever the question, Yoga is the answer. Now I have to agree that this practice, this lifestyle, these tools we have at our disposal are the answer and can really can support us in our hour of need. Stop, breathe, close your eyes and soften your shoulders and jaw. Extend the in breath to the count of 4 and release it slowly to the count of 6, do that again with this breath, and this one. Meditate, if this isn't something you currently practice, there are many apps out there that you can access, Calm, Head Space, Insight Timer, even if you sit and take time to gather your thoughts, acknowledge how you are feeling and breathe into the feeling. Move, we are being encouraged by the Government, even through lock down, to exercise and that is one of the reasons we are allowed to leave the house for. If you have a mat at home now is the time to roll it out and just move. If you don't have a home practice and attend class to be guided, then there are many yoga videos on YouTube you can access. I am going to start virtual classes next week via zoom, join me if you can.
Stay active, stay in doors, stay well, this too shall pass.
Breath of Life by Danna Faulds
I breathe in All That is
Awareness expanding to take everything in,
as if my heart beats the world into being.
From the unnamed vastness beneath the mind,
I breathe my way to wholeness and healing.
Inhalation, Exhalation.
Each breath a "yes"
and a letting go, a journey, and a coming home
