active relax

The Art of Active Relaxation

This highly effective approach is based on the theory that relaxation is more than just doing nothing; it requires some level of activity of mind and body, and needs to be practised. It is based on the following four main principles:

Awareness and tranquillity

Awareness of oneself and the environment

We can’t get rid of tension without being aware of what is tense and, in physics, The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that the act of observation changes that which is observed - if I become aware of a tense shoulder, the shoulder begins to relax

Awareness is the first stage in cultivating tranquillity and deep relaxation

Effortlessness

Using the minimum amount of effort for a task - why use 5 ounces of strength when only 4 are needed?

Effortlessness is apparent to observers.

Helps reduce stress induced fatigue and that of busy mindedness

True relaxation is often compared to water: soft, supple, alive and powerful!

Sensitivity

Active relaxation is also a process of becoming more sensitive to what is happening both inside and outside the body

Can apply to touch, smell, hearing, emotion, moods of others, etc

Sensitivity allows us to adapt to any circumstance - mentally and physically

A relaxed body and mind can feel

A tense mind and body becomes insensitive – emotionally and physically

Warmth and Rootedness

Relaxation creates warmth in the body as blood and energy flow increases, etc

When tense, blood and energy flow is blocked, thus creating coldness

Rootedness get us ‘out of our heads’, as we sink and become heavier

Abdominal breathing is effective for both warmth and rootedness

If we breathe from the chest this creates tension and restricts blood and energy flow