The art of relaxation

Relaxation starts with the mind and slowing down the functioning of mental activity. When the mind is calm, it will naturally have a positive effect on the physical body.

Usually relaxation is what most people think of as watching TV, reading a book, going out for a “night on the town” or any other activity where they are “doing” something. Vacations are thought to be of “relaxation” but sometimes on the contrary, they are anything but! I am not sure how waiting in airport lines, dealing with airport security, having the possible lost luggage issue, arriving at a destination after hours of uncomfortable travel and missed meals, or meals that were unhealthy and too expensive or dealing with tourists or finding hotels can be relaxing! Vacations are fine, but perhaps another term may be better suited when taking one. Vacations may be more of an adventure, really.

Though this may help to take some worry away from the daily grind, this is not actually relaxation. You may call it more of a fun way of distraction, or even escapism. Escapism just meaning that we need to get away from whatever it is that is causing us stress, since for most people it is easier to avoid stress than to realize it is just another part of life that should be acknowledged and accepted. If we are having too much of it, then we need to look at our lives and do something to alleviate those stressors that cause us too much anguish.

The true are of relaxation involves being mindful of the physical body and being aware of what is happening within in. It involves slowing down the motor function, the thoughts and moving from that state of “doing” to just simply “being”. Relaxation can happen when the mind is so calm that it can send hundreds of signals to each part of the body telling the body there is no stressor. When the body receives these signals of “everything OK”, it will naturally relax allowing for the body’s restorative powers to settle in.

True relaxation comes only when the mind is calm and peaceful, a state that comes naturally with meditation or just quiet observation of the body.

Here is an exercise you can do to relax the mind; the body and find that real sense of being calm, tranquil and relaxed.

1.) Start by finding a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for at least five minutes. Ten minutes is even better.

2.) Keep the lights dimly lit or light a candle as this will calm the mind.

3.) If you have incense of some natural oils, you can add a scent into the air. Aromatherapy works great to encourage the body and mind into a relaxed state.

4.) Find a comfortable seated position or lie down. If you choose to lie down, just make sure you will not fall asleep. We want to be able to observe the body as it relaxes and be aware of every part. If we fall asleep, we will not be able to do this consciously.

5.) Start first, by taking a nice deep inhale in and exhale out. Do this a couple times and just feels the tension melt from your body with every exhale. Continue like this until your breath becomes deep and rhythmic.

6.) Start to observe every part of your body, starting with your toes. Feel and visualize as the toes melt into the ground. Continue to move up your body, observing and actually feeling this relaxing sensation start to overcome your body. After you finished with your head, you can observe the entire body sinking into the earth, melting into the earth, letting go of any tensions or any anxieties you were holding onto throughout the day.

7.) Lie quietly just for a few moments after and continue your observations.

8.) Upon waking from this deep state of relaxation, start to wiggle your toes, move the feet and wiggle the fingers and hands.

9.) Take your time to roll onto one side and gently push yourself up to a seated position.

10.) You can sit quietly just feeling the breath move through the body for a couple breaths.

11.) Open your eyes, take a deep inhale in and exhale out and continue on with the day. Make any observations on how you feel afterwards.