Relaxation

In order to function properly the muscles of our body are in need not only of exercising but also of relaxation. The meaning of relaxa­tion is let down, stop doing, take a rest. Continuous work will wear out any machine, and, for that matter, a living being. Nature pro­vided means to remedy this in its scheme of work. No organ in our body works continuously; there are pauses everywhere, but not at the same time or for the same duration. Our stomach rests after food is digested and passed on to the intestines; these in turn rest after passing the food further down the alimentary canal; the brain rests partially in sleep, some parts of it in waking hours; our muscles rest when not employed; the blood in our veins squeezes through for a moment and slows down the next; even our heart, supposedly an organ which must never stop working beats in suc­cession — each partition of it in turn beats and stops, beats again and stops again, and so on. Each moment of rest recharges an organ with new energy and permits it to continue its work efficiently.

All this work in our internal organs is performed automatically without our being conscious of it, and is controlled by our sub­conscious mind through the spinal nervous system, whereas the functions which we perform consciously are motivated by our will and emotions. We all know that when a person is angered his fists will clench and his face become tense. On the other hand, if we force a smile on our face and hold it for a few moments we get a feeling of ease.

When our mind is tense certain muscles also become tense wasting nerve energy. Overwork; harmful emotions — like worry, anger, jealousy, fear, et cetera—; pain; stimulants; drugs; alcohol and to­bacco, all tend to keep our muscles in a state of irritation and tension. To counteract that we must learn to consciously relax mentally, then our muscles will also relax. We must control our emotions at all times and cultivate a serene and happy state of mind.

Whenever we become conscious of being in a state of tension we should let go in mind and body. To relax your mind close your eyes, concentrate them on the spot between your eyebrows and mentally repeat to yourself the word “peace.” To relax your muscles slump down and let go in every part and muscle of your body. Start by mentally going over the muscles of your face and relaxing them; then those of your neck, chest, abdomen, back, legs, and feet.

The mouth is the most tense part of the face. Drop your jaws down, continue to drop them until you go into a yawn. Yawning is one of the most natural and beneficial forms of relaxation. Open your mouth wide, draw in air to capacity, pushing down on your diaphragm and stretching apart all the bones and muscles of your head and neck.

Stay relaxed as long as possible with your mind also relaxed — do not think of anything, blank out your mind completely. After a while you will feel refreshed and ready to continue your work or activity. Learn to relax occasionally while at work. It can be done even while working by relaxing all those muscles which are not directly engaged in your task. Relax while driving, while convers­ing — relax, period! You will save your strength, nerves, and health. You will find that as a result of acquiring the habit of relaxation you will become composed and feel more cheerful, self-reliant and happy.