take the tension out

“Relaxing the shoulders is vital for relaxation in general. However, owing to the effects of gravity, relaxation is problematic unless we let the shoulders remain in their natural place. Let the shoulders drop, or settle in harmony with gravity, into their most comfortable position. It isn’t too difficult to do this for a moment, but to sustain this condition unconsciously in our lives is another matter. We raise our shoulders unnaturally when we lean on a desk or hold the telephone between our shoulders and ears, when we are shocked by a loud noise, and who knows how many other times throughout the day. And the unsettling of the shoulders doesn’t have to be large to produce anxiety, stiff necks, and headaches. Just slightly raising them will create tension, and this tension throws the nervous system out of balance.

When do we raise the shoulders in daily life? What are we feeling at that moment and leading up to that moment? Remembering that the body reflects the mind, and that the raising of the shoulders not only creates tension but also is a physical manifestation of psychological tension itself, what are the roots of this tension? Bringing the mind into the moment, let’s observe ourselves in a state free of preconceived ideas or beliefs. Don’t guess at these questions. Observe yourself in relationship to others and the universe”
― H.E. Davey, Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation

How much stress are you experiencing right now?

How would you feel if you could just let the stress go?

Many people are living stress filled lives.  The stress creates tension and tension creates inflammation.  The nerves are triggered and pain follows.  The immune system starts to weaken and the body’s response is more pain and discomfort.

How much stress is in your life?   Work, appointments, traffic, relationships, finances, fitness, …   What isn’t going the way you want in your life?

What are yo doing about the stress?   Are you taking time out to relax and release the tension?   Are you being kind to yourself?   Are you taking care of your mind and your body?    Are you creating a period of time to just let go of the tension?

Relieving stress and tension requires that you create zones of time in your day to step away from the stress and tension.   Take 5 minutes each hour and go for a short walk.   Do some deep breathing – slow inhales and slow exhales.  Do that for 3 or 4 minutes each hour (while you are walking around).  Your body and mind need tension free zones of time to recover from the stresses of life.   Take care of yourself and your body will take care of you.   Will you do that?

make life your practice

“I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes, in some area, an athlete of God. Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.”
― Martha Graham

Practicing isn’t always going to be fun, yet it is what leads to perfecting your craft, your work, your relationships, your communications, your community and your life.

What are you working on continually to get better at?

When you practice you grow.  Practice invites you to greater challenges.  Practice is the foundation of confidence and competence.    By enhancing your abilities you increase your chances for new opportunities.

Practicing isn’t about being perfect it is about recognizing the imperfections and adjusting so the potential of an error is reduced in the future.

What do you want to get better at?   What will it take?   Will you do it?