Relaxing the Mind
June 16, 2006
It’s funny how there are so many products out there, whether it’s CDs, scented oils or little gadgets, that help you relax. I think relaxation is one of my favorite things to do - other than daydreaming - but lately, it’s become harder and harder to do the older I get.
I never realized how difficult it is to calm the mind until I started yoga. Only through meditation could I see, how my mind wanders off in different tangents. Even after a great yoga session, at my favorite relaxation time - shavasana - I catch myself going into waves and waves of thoughts, unable to keep the stillness in my mind. In fact, my mind is so restless, trying to relax is a task on its own!
When something bothers me, I tend to get a bit obssessive about it. I indulge in it too much and I’m unable to keep the right balance within myself. I know, I know…as a yogi, I shouldn’t let anything bother me. But in reality, being so sensitive to things and feelings, I get drawn into one angle, not able to maintain the right equalibrium.
One reason why I started yoga was exactly that - I thought I could learn to balance my feelings, my mind, and my thoughts through its practice. Gaining physical and spiritual benefits from this 6,000 year-old teaching was another, but for me, yoga has turned into something that is beyond explanation.
I love the way it makes me feel and the accomplishment that I get. But most of all, I love the 90-minute journey I face myself through it. It keeps me in-tuned with my state-of-mind, and destresses me from the regular world around me. I know I still have a long way to go, but at least it’s a start and a good one, I hope.
Technorati Tags: yoga, meditation, mind, calm, relax, relaxation, journey, stress, accomplishment
Comments»
Your post is so timely. I’ve been pretty stressed out lately as well. Work has been busy and wedding planning is getting down to the details. You reminded me to get back on the mat! I wish I had you closer to kick my butt in person
So true — what a lot of people don’t seem to realize is that they aren’t actually relaxing! Just because you aren’t rushing around doesn’t mean you’re relaxed. I make that mistake all the time.
I sit there watching TV and feel no more relaxed afterwards. TV just isn’t a relaxation tool, unless there’s a yoga video on it!