The more thoroughly you can relax while remaining consciously alert,the quicker you can unleash your heart's ability to feel and your mind's ability to create - hence, your psychic potential.
Relaxation alters your state of consiousness. The deeper the relaxation, the more benefits you receive. As your brain decreases the speed of its brain waves, breathing slows from the normal twelve breaths per minute to about six, for the average person. When this happens your body uses less oxygen, thus enabling your metabolic rate to lower. The result? Tension and stress melt away. Cellular repair and new growth accelerate, as your body uses this opportunity to rid itself of toxins.
Relaxation also fosters patience and understanding. It gives you the "time out" you need to wind down from the day's many activities and switch into "neutral" - that wonderful, non-judgmental state where all things are possible, and you can feel good about yourself.
Here's a way to relax that is quite effective:
- Sit in a comfortable chair, with both feet flat on the floor, legs parallel to each other, spine straight. Your head will automatically balance itself on your neck, as if cradled by your spine - thus a head rest on the chair is unnecessary. Shoulders and arms simply hang loose, as your hands lie effortlessly atop your legs - or to one side. Eyes are closed.
- Breathe slowly and deeply, allowing your abdomen to fill to capacity with air. Establish a breathing rhythm. With each inhalation affirm that you are protected and whole, and that all is well. With each exhalation, affirm that all tension and stress, problems and concerns, are released.
- Move your consciousness to each area of your body, one section at a time, beginning with your feet and ankles. In your mind's eye, envision your feet and ankles at peace and completely resting.
- Continue to move your consciousness, this time to the area of your lower legs, knees, upper legs, and hips - relaxing each member as you do. Affirm complete and total peace for all.
- Now travel in consciousness to the trunk of your body, its many organs and functions. In your mind's eye, focus on each section as you affirm the reality of its perfect peace, perfect rest.
- Next, become aware of your chest, back, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands. Clearly focus on each member, knowing that it is resting and at peace.
- Your neck, head, face, and brain are now totally relaxed as well. Know that this is so. Feel it. Affirm the peace that you are.
When it feels right to leave your center and return to full conscious awareness, do so slowly, in steps, knowing that at the count of three you will be wide awake and ready to resume your day. Counting one. . . affirm that every part of your being is healed and whole. Counting two. . . feel surges of energy refreshing and reinvigorating your body. And counting three. . . eyes open; you are alert, joyful and happy.
