Chapter 36 Relax

Relaxation allows us to recharge, stay calm and make full use of our energy. When we relax, it's like the kinds being loosened out of a hose. Our energy can flow freely, without obstruction. And as the energy surges through our body we regain the natural drive to take action.

To be at our best, however, we need a balance of tension and relaxation. Imagine what would happen if you lost the ability to tense the muscles in your body. You'd collapse in a heap. Tension is an important part of life. We need it to do most things. But living with unnecessary tension is like trying to drive a car with the handbrake half on. To move forward at an unrestricted speed we need to release the breaks.

Most of us have become used to living with unnecessary tension in our bodies. Shoulders are often the most common place to find it. They're the place where we have traditionally been thought to carry the burdens of life. Remind yourself to drop your shoulders and you'll be surprised how often there is something to drop.

Unnecessary tension saps our energy like a water leak dripping down a drain. and if it continues, in time it can lead to physical illness. to reverse this process we need to learn to relax. How? Start with the body. The body is the way in and the way out.


Unnecessary tension saps our energy like a water leak dripping down a drain.


Mush of the tension in your body isn't noticeable because your mind is usually focused outwards. But to relax your body you need to become aware of it. So turn your focus inwards. What is your posture like right now?   
Are you slumped on a sofa or slouching in a chair? Are you comfortable? Is your posture creating tension somewhere in your body? Remember, if your body is tight it's wasting energy. If you become aware of the tension and just stay with the sensations you'll naturally adjust your posture. And, eventually, you'll feel the harness dissolve.


Relaxing the body is one thing, but learning to relax the mind is just an important. In fact, tension in the mind creates tension in the body. Think negative, unhealthy, bitter thoughts ans immediately you'll notice a contraction in your muscles. Understand: hurtful thoughts hurt the body. Learn to relax the mind and you'll learn how to let go of unhealthy thoughts. You'll be on your way to a more energetic life.


So how do we relax the mind? Conscious breathing is the key. We're not normally aware of our breathing, and that's because in most situations we do it without thinking. It's only when we have our breath taken away from us that we become aware of it. And when we lose it we quite literally lose our mind. You se, your brain relies on oxygen to survive. Cut off the oxygen supply and it stops functioning.