Striving for Relaxation?
- pwillywood
- Jul 25, 2023
- 3 min read
“The time to relax is when you don't have time to”. – Sydney J Harris
Relaxation is not something we achieve through effort or willpower. It's not a task we can check off our to-do list or a state of mind we can force ourselves into. In fact, relaxation is the natural state of our being, which we can access by releasing our attachment to thoughts, worries, and external demands.
Imagine a pebble sinking into a quiet pond. It does not strive or struggle; it simply allows gravity to pull it down, resting finally at the bottom, nestled into the soft mud. It doesn't resist or rush; it just is. In the same way, we too can find relaxation by just letting ourselves be.
When we let go of the need to do and the pressure to achieve, we allow ourselves to connect with the present moment and the wisdom of our inner self.
We begin to realise that we are already complete and whole, and that we don't need to strive or struggle to attain anything. This realisation is the key to true relaxation.
Think about a time when you were in nature - perhaps hiking in the woods, walking on the beach, or sitting beside a quiet stream. You may have felt a sense of calm and peace, a letting go of the worries and stresses of everyday life. That feeling of relaxation was not something you did or achieved, but rather a result of connecting with the beauty and simplicity of the present moment.
Similarly, when we practice mindfulness meditation, we learn to let go of our thoughts and emotions and simply be with our breath and our body. We come to realise that we are not our thoughts or our feelings, but rather the awareness that witnesses them.
In this space of awareness, we can experience a deep sense of relaxation and peace that goes beyond our ordinary understanding of relaxation.
So how can we access this natural state of relaxation in our daily lives? One way is to cultivate a regular mindfulness practice, whether through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to breathe and be present. By making this a part of our routine, we can train our minds to let go of the need to do and connect with the present moment.
Another way is to simply be more mindful in our daily activities, whether it's walking, eating, or talking with a friend. By bringing our full attention to each moment, we can experience a sense of calm and relaxation that goes beyond our habitual patterns of thought and behaviour.
Ultimately, the key to relaxation is not doing more, but rather letting go of the need to do.
When we realise that we are already complete and whole, we can relax into the present moment and experience a deep sense of peace and well-being.
Try these five steps next time you feel disconnected from yourself or are feeling tense and uncomfortable.
Breathe - Start by taking a few slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, feel your belly expand. As you exhale, feel your body soften. Keep breathing deeply for 1-2 minutes until you feel your body start to relax.
Release Tension - Notice any tension in your body - your shoulders, jaw, forehead - and consciously relax those areas. Imagine tension melting away as you exhale.
Be Present - Bring your attention to the present moment. Look around and notice your surroundings with curiosity and fresh eyes. Listen closely to the sounds around you. Feel the sensations in your body.
Let Go of Thoughts - Gently acknowledge any thoughts or emotions that arise, then let them go without judging them. Return your attention to your breath.
Find Gratitude - Connect with a feeling of gratitude for something in your life, however small. Let this feeling infuse your mind and body.
Join us for the practice to find out more.
