Beginning the path to relaxation is beginning the path to awareness. Do not be discouraged to find tension in your body as you begin to practice relaxing deeply. Awareness is the first step, you are relearning how to process tension, which is your body’s natural reaction to stressful situations.

Stress depletes our reservoirs of energy and also speeds up our metabolism to the point that even when we do have a chance to slow down, we find ourselves unable to unwind and relax.

As your yoga practice deepens, you become more aware of tension in your body and mind and are able to consciously relax yourself immediately. This ability to relax eventually carries over into your daily life.

During deep relaxation, many biochemical and energetic changes take place and it is important to give space for these changes to take place.

During relaxation we are trying to let go of unwanted stress and tension. We are trying to find balance and harmony, not just at the physical level but also at the mental and emotional level.

Muscles cannot be relaxed if the mind is in a tense and agitated state, as the mental tension flows out and tightens them. When we think of relaxation we must think holistically.

We must achieve the optimum relaxation, not only for all the body’s physical and metabolic systems but also for all the mental and emotional aspects as well.

“Remember……..

                    Relaxation is not something that you do.

                    It is a natural response that you allow to happen.

                    Relaxation is what is left when you stop creating tension”

(The Fine Arts of Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation) 

                                                                           -  Joel and Michelle Levey)