A bow that is always drawn will eventually break.
The same is true of the human system.
For thousands of years, Yoga has taught something radically simple:
Energy is regenerated and restored through effort and relaxation.
The Forgotten Art & Science of Relaxation
In the hectic pace of modern life, more and more doctors and psychologists are recognizing the importance of relaxation for treating various ailments of mind and body. For thousands of years, Yoga has taught the secrets of recharging the body when tired and elevating the mind when depressed. Restlessness, worries, grief and frustration are the symptoms that rob your mind and body of the vibrancy and energy they once possessed.
More Than Rest
Apart from promoting health and vitality, relaxation is the gateway to the development of an ethical and spiritual life. One who is relaxed is more tolerant toward the eccentricities of others, more enduring in conditions of pleasure and pain, more patient and resourceful in situations of adversity, and more understanding of the deeper meaning in life.
Physiology of Ease
A relaxed person breathes deeply, softly and rhythmically. They open their lungs to the ever-renewing ocean of vitality all around them. They do not maintain abnormal tension in the body while sitting, laying down, conversing with others or performing their various duties in life. When they work, a relaxed person is dynamic, precise and skillful. They have a greater output of work while using less energy. They know the art of conserving mental energy and the science of recharging it whenever needed.
Effort Without Burden
After lifting a heavy object, the tension in your legs, hands and arms is no longer needed. In a similar way, though intensely involved in actions, you can turn away from the rush of activity and resign to the cool and joyous breeze of relaxation, all while maintaining your responsibilities. Just as a swan, when it wants to soar, shakes off the water of the world-process, so too can a relaxed person experience peace and serenity while being ever-ready to respond to the demands of life, and ever-flexible to the needs of the soul.
Costs of Tension
A person who is not relaxed wastes both physical and mental energy. Such a person has a mind that is inclined to manifold desires, agitation, greed and hatred. Their breath is ever-irregular, disturbed and disbalanced. Their body suffers due to tense nerves. Every negative thought is born on their face and every fearful feeling creates hollowness in their heart. Under the devilish spell of ignorance, they succumb to untold miseries and untimely death.
Habit of Restlessness
One can observe those who live a life of perpetual tension. When they sit, they fidget with their legs or hands. When they talk, they repeat the same thing over and over. When they wait for someone to arrive or something to happen, they place a great burden on their hearts and their nervous systems – impatience grips their minds. Having the body in such a state of tension for such a long time causes the burden to be ignored by the mind. Consequently, when the desired circumstances happen to occur, there arises an abrupt state of elation. Therefore, one who does not know how to relax is tense during expectation, frustration and fulfillment.
Learning To Relax
Relaxation must be practiced, not occasionally — consciously.
Educate the body. Train the breath. Refine the nervous system.
Through:
Yogic breathing exercises
Psycho-somatic exercises
Pure diet and nutrition
Awareness and mental training
Intentional systematic relaxation
The system begins to harmonize. And when the physical energy becomes balanced, the mental energy follows in flow.
The Gateway
Educate your body so that it can house a truly joyous and fulfilled mind, and be a constant channel for blissful expressions of divine wisdom. Continually adapt and adjust the condition of the nerve centers, breathing and diet. Balance and harmony are promoted in the body through the practice of relaxation allowing the mind to be gently brought to an elevated state, in turn, bringing success in the higher goals of life.
Begin simply...
Observe your breath.
Allow the system to reset.
Stop resisting.
No need to force stillness…
You can relax now.
Thine In Loving Light — Sri Sudarshan J.
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(Feel free to quote, cite the author, and share with everyone) Blessings!
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Sri Sudarshan Jyotirmayananda is the founder at SKYLIGHT YOGA and president at Soul Commonwealth Inc., the spiritual state, humanitarian charity and nonprofit organization. Residing in Miami Beach, Florida — he has attained "Brahma Jnanam." Sri Sudarshan was initiated into direct discipleship by two fully-illustrious and Self-realized masters of Yoga, His Holiness Pujyatman Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda and H. H. Sri Swami Rajarshi Muni. Their insightful teachings on Yoga and Vedanta are available through the SKYLIGHT YOGA University.
To explore Yoga deeply and profoundly with proper guidance, we invite you to enter the Yoga Life Coaching spiritual mentorship portal, with intimate study, direct instruction, and customized practice plans by Sri Sudarshan; join his original acclaimed worldwide spiritual adventures, Yoga Expeditions and immersive wellness retreats; or inquire about the upcoming international Yoga Teacher Training Certification with Sri Sudarshan in Miami, FL.
