Teaching yourself to relax

At first glance, relaxing seems relatively easy. Maybe we watch TV or a movie, or have a drink, or engage in a favorite hobby. But these are not really relaxed states (expecially when someone is watching their favorite sports team lose a game, for instace)! Instead, a truly relaxed state produces a quiet, contented, non-judemental mind.

Just like Savasana (relaxation pose) at the end of a yoga session, we can scan the body for any left-over tension, and then gently breathe into those areas to help them release. The body (and mind) can never be "forced" to relax; instead they must be gently persuaded.

The body is one of the most ancient scape-goats. We find it difficult to love our own body sometimes, especially when it continues to be villified and condemed (moreso in certain areas) in modern times. But our bodies are temples of life. However, we often belittle them, feel angry at them for not "being perfect", and otherwise sending very negative signals to ourselves from childhood/early adolescence & sometimes into adulthood.

Some peoples's disconnect from their body is greater than others. In class I often mention that in Westen culture, we like to live from the neck up, and mostly ignore everythind below the collarbone. We view this as the most intelligent, rational way to deal with life and its challenges. But although it is good to expend energy and be procutive, we in the West have not learned how to balance out our flurries of constant activity with some true relaxation.

So, even on a day when you don't attend or practice yoga, try this meditation exercise. You can even do it for only 10 minutes! Surround your body with loving compassion, drawing in good energy from the Universe and/or those loved ones around you. Then, either sitting or laying down, begin to observe your breath. Your body is your outermost attribute, and your pure consciousness the most inner. It is the breath that connects these two. Once again, no need to try to "force" your mind to be quiet (although it's usually a temptaion for many new AND experienced meditators.) All you have do is breathe into the present moment and observe. It will get easier over the course of time, just like any other skill! As your meditaiton practices deepens, you can use this practice in any number of difficult "real-world events"!

TO SUM UP: Meditating for only 10 min a day (or however long works for you) can have a significant effect on stress reduction, improving concentration, and helping you feel more centered.

NAMASTE!

RECOMMENDED BOOKS (as of late):
Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hahan
Pharmacy for the Soul by Osho (This is a great book, never seen anything else like it!)
Yoga: The Science of the Soul by Osho
Meditation in Action by Chogyam Trungpa
In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon ed. by Bhikkuu Bodi (Foreword by the Dalai Lama)