What a pivotal moment in history we're sharing together. As intelligent life-forms interested in self-preservation, we are hardwired to be wary of (and sometimes extremely resistant to) change.

And yet the ability to adapt to flux and spontaneity is exactly what we need to learn right now.

It is hard to not think about what might happen next, when a pandemic shifts our way of life in dramatic and persistent ways. Our minds - especially the parts which are fearful, and reactive - want to plan and cling to plans. Fair enough too.

The seeking of control in a world which seems out of control is tiring business - a bit like having decision fatigue on caffeine. So when we hear you say ‘I can’t focus on the mat’, or ‘There’s just too much going on’, or ‘I have no energy to practice’ - we get it! For some of us, there’s the whole other aspect of shame as well - that incessant chatter of ‘should’s which can pile up, to make what could have been a straightforward endeavour into a prickly, smelly heap of no-thanks. Yep, been there. But what if the stickiness is really a messenger?

We - the intelligence governing our bodies and consciousness - already intuitively understand what will be beneficial; it is a matter of following that call. The more resistance, the more discomfort.

We know that spending the time and effort to retune our focus on the present (whether you do that through a dynamic movement practice, conscientious breath or sitting in stillness) always holds benefit, whether we see it immediately or not. There’s the potential to change the weather, or pressure systems within the body, including reducing tension in our nervous system and muscles, improving the function of our immune system and lymphatic flow, amp up our ability to digest and assimilate both physically and mentally. When our body’s chemistry and energy is in harmony, we are naturally more able to settle into acceptance of what is happening, and to act from this calmer, steadier place.

Of course, you may have been levitating on a spiritual cloud all this time - and if you have, good on you! In reality, most of us will go through fluxes of mood and emotion, one day feeling ‘on top of it all’ and the next, lacking in any form of motivation.

A yoga practice, as it was originally intended, is not about making shapes with your body; it is about becoming increasingly attentive of how we shape our lives.

The below reflections from our teachers is shared here as a reminder that although dedicated time to connect inward can be hugely beneficial, it is not the determinant of how ‘good’ you are. As circumstances change, like the seasons, what is required for harmonising our being also changes. As you’ll see below, there is no right way because we are all figuring it out!

How we live our inner lives flows into how we live our outer lives. Let’s practice the same compassion and inclusivity with ourselves, day by day gathering more awareness of the choices we DO have, and how we manage the power of our attention.

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( The Work of Our Time, an interview with Joanna Macy, speaks to these topics can be found HERE )

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As the Melbourne lockdown continues, you can find our presence online via two Livestream classes per week, and freely available classes via our Practice Online page. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have suggestions or need support around your practice. We look forward to seeing you online, and reconnecting with you in person - hopefully late October!