Rowena Graves's Story

After a very long History class, Viveka runs out the door. All she wants to do is curl up on her bed and sleep. But nap time isn't allowed.
"Ah, Viveka, how are you on your first day here?" asked Miss who appeared from around the corner.
"Oh hello Rowena!"
"I knew you were clever enough to figure it out," Professor Rowena and Viveka gave each other sly smiles as the rest of the group busted into gasps and questionable looks.
"Students, this is an example of the Astral Plane. You will all eventually learn how to reach the Astral Plane to gain knowledge, materials, and healing remedies. But for now, we are leaving the mystery of how Viveka found my name, for further investigation. My name is Professor Rowena and it is a pleasure to be your headmistress. Now, how was your first class?" Professor Rowena pointed to an overweight blonde in the middle of the group.
"Oh it was...lovely," replied the girl.
"It was boring," the brown haired mousy boy who goes by the name Ralphie, exclaimed.
"That is to be expected, you are first years! These are all of the basics! Now run along to the study and do your homework for that class. Tonight, after dinner, you will have an Energy Training session with Professor Reed and I," she pivoted on one heel and marched down the hall.
"Energy Training should be interesting huh?" Viveka looked at a small, black haired girl as she said this.
The girl nodded.
"What's your name?" Viveka asked. The rest of the group had already left, they were making their way to the Study where all of the other students were.
"Scarlet," the girl squeaked.
"Oh yeah, you are the sneaky type aren't you?"
Scarlet looked at her, puzzled. "I'm not sure I understand."
"You are quite but you know a lot. Too much maybe," Viveka broke into a grin. "Come on, sit with me in the study."

Professor Rowena and Professor Reed entered to a full classroom. The students were all sitting on their mats on the floor looking wide-eyed and ready to learn.
"Good evening class! I would like to introduce Professor Reed to you all," Professor Rowena motioned towards the new face.
"It's nice to meet you Professor Reed!" The class chimed.
"It's nice to meet you as well class, would everyone like to get started?"
He and Professor Rowena sat on their mats facing the class.
"Okay everyone, today we are going to learn about sacred breathing. This first type of breathing is called Meditative Breathing. It is a three step process to end up at meditative state. Now, Step one. Close your eyes and sit upright with your back arched in a bit. Step two, take four deep breaths and count to ten when you inhale and count backwards from ten when you exhale. That's right, good job! Now Step three, count down from fifteen in your head. Once you hit number one you should be totally relaxed and in your meditative state. Keep breathing deeply. Hold this for as long as you would like," Professor Reed kept peeking out at the class as he was giving the instructions. Some students were trying not to giggle at the situation. Others were doing quite well.
"Alright, now when we come out of our meditative state we perform what is called the Ascending Breath. This one breath will take you up from your deep state of mind and tell your body that it is time to wake up again. Now, count up to five , visualize yourself underwater and coming up to the surface. Once you hit the number five take a violent breath in until you can inhale anymore, then let it out just as quickly. "

The students all looked at each other, feeling refreshed. They all started giggling and whispering to each other about how they had no idea what they were doing the whole time.

"Now class, your homework for this week is quite simple," Professor Rowena announced as she passed the assignment sheets around the room.

HOMEWORK

1. What did we study in this lesson? (2 points)
2. What are the three steps in Meditative Breathing? (4 points)
3. T or F: Coming out of our meditative state is called the Descending Breath. (1 point)
4. Practice this breathing exercise once a day. This will get you used to breathing deeply (which is healthy) and to falling into the meditative state correctly. (2 points)

Extra Credit: What was the visualization technique to come up out of the meditative state? (1 point)