In a culture that celebrates being busy taking time out for deep relaxation may feel indulgent or at least maybe not a priority. I have a regular personal practice that involves asana, pranayama and meditation but the one practice I often skip is relaxation. I do my practice first thing in the morning so part of the issue is it feels a little odd to relax when just woke up from 7-8 hours sleep. Once the day begins it is busy so making time to relax is more difficult. Often by the time I stop in the evening as soon as I sit on the couch I fall asleep watching TV. I will do some relaxation practices before going to sleep, usually some progressive muscle relaxation and deep yogic breath.
So my aim for the rest of 2024 is to schedule some ‘rest and digest’ time and to not feel guilty about it. I know it will help manage my stress and just like rebooting a computer will help me be more efficient and effective. Do you know how it feels to be awake and relaxed? Often in class some of my participants fall asleep quite quickly and there is no problem with this as many of us are sleep deprived. However practicing relaxation allows a chance for the body and mind to be aware of feeling awake, alert and deeply relaxed. The difference between relaxation and sleep is consciousness.
In Dru Yoga the foundation relaxation consists of four parts, the first focuses on the physical layer and encourages a process of progressive muscle relaxation as we work up through the body from the feet to the top of the head. You might firm a part of the body on the inhale and let any tension in that area release on the exhale. So why do this if you are already feeling relaxed? Often you might not even be aware of how much tension you are holding until you check in and use the breath to soften and release. The process of relaxation is done from the outside in, so after relaxing the outermost body, the second stage of the relaxation focuses on the energy or breath body. Working back from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head bringing in the breath as if could breath into any areas of remaining tension or as if the whole body itself is breathing. Possibly we can have a sense of freedom from the physical form and feel connected to our energy body. The third stage involves resting in stillness and silence resting in our bliss body and reflecting on our own true self, resting at our heart. The fourth and final stage involves coming out the way we went in, beginning to observe the body, deepening the breath and slowly bringing movement back into the body as you transition back into the physical world. Not disturbing this deep sense of peace so you can take this peace out into the rest of your life. You can also add in a healing imagery practice were you visualise a light or energy above the crown of the head and imagine drawing it down the head, spine and whole body. Sense that this light or energy is filling every cell with radiant health.
This process of relaxation when practiced regularly allows us to begin to shine from the inside out. We find that we have more energy, moving through the day with grace and kindness. The things that used to bother us don’t seem to, our tolerance grows, our fuse gets longer and we are more likely to respond to stressful situations with a sense of ease and equanimity. So try and set aside some time each day preferably, choose a time that won’t be disturbed and have a regular place that come to practice relaxation with a pillow under header, bolster under knees and blanket to keep warm. It can help to mentally set aside worries and concerns, maybe write them down or imagine leaving them outside the room, knowing can pick them up later. Try and stay awake during the practice, but if you fall asleep be kind to yourself and know that sleep is what you need.
Relaxation practices can have a deep and profound effect on the body, nervous system, mind and heart. With time and practice you will begin to see the effects of these practices expanding into the whole of your life. A feeling of spaciousness, prioritising slowing down, a calm awareness, a sense of connection and kindness. So I invite you to join me and delve deeper into the art of relaxation, cultivating peace from within and a chance to find your centred heart.
If you prefer a guided practice you can listen to the Dru Foundation Relaxation on Insight Timer or come along to one of my regular weekly classes that always include deep relaxation. Watch the website for one off weekend events focused on relaxation, yoga nidra and sound baths.
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