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"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you." - Deepak Chopra
In a world of constant motion, finding experiences of peace may seem like an impossible task. Perhaps your days are a flurry of activity, and tranquility is not time effective. Maybe your mind races relentlessly, and too many thoughts and ideas prevent you from experiencing stillness. Amid mounting emotional pressures, letting go might appear unattainable.
The key is knowing how you function to be able to choose the best relaxation practice that supports your body and brain to slow down, feel more present and let go of tension and stress.
You can begin by learning to:
Redirect your attention
Explore the different layers of relaxation through your body
Discover how to fully immerse yourself in the present moment
I first began exploring relaxation listening to frequency meditations that are said to harmonise the body whilst laying crystals on myself. I have always loved rocks and so it was natural for me to be attracted to crystals. I love the colours and I am fascinated by how they are naturally formed. One of my favorites being Solar Quartz, which is horizontal slices of stalactites, revealing a sun like pattern within. I also love Lapis Lazuli and its historical journey as a pigment for painting.
What I found was that by placing these stones on my body, I was able to bring awareness to that part of my body with more ease. This helps to shift my awareness away from my mind, combined with listening, I discovered I could easily bring myself into a deep state of receptivity. A small miracle considering my impulsivity and short attention space would usually have me racing through life.
It was during my time in Sri Lanka studying yoga, that I began to learn the basics about Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, and learning about the Ayurvedic Doshas, a system of defining our individual constitution. There are three Ayurvedic doshas: Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is intricately linked to our relaxation tendencies and temperament.
In essence, the journey to relaxation is a personalized expedition, aligning with your unique dosha.
- Learning ways to ground will balance the energy of Vatta associated with air
- Embrace the need to slow down can bring a shift within the nervous system for the Pitta dosha identified with fire
- Effective practices to let go and surrender to the flow of life can lighten the heavy energy of Kapha know to hold the qualities of earth
It was a revelation the first time I seriously contemplated the idea that self-regulation was specific to your expression. The notion that there existed a framework to define my temperament and address my well-being needs was revolutionary. Armed with this knowledge, I could make more informed lifestyle choices, adopt practices tailored to my needs, and gain awareness of situations that might exacerbate my impulsive behaviors. The most rewarding aspect was the ability to use this practical guidance to induce relaxation—a powerful means of reclaiming time back from being in a disruptive state.
Practices:
Vatta: Grounding Energy and the Art of Achieving Balance
Vatta Dosha invites us to be in constant movement. Through grounding practices we find a profound connection with the earth, as a foundation for relaxation. Picture grounding yourself in the nurturing energy of nature and rooting down to connect with the consciousness of the planet.
Pitta: Slowing Down and Achieving Stillness
Pitta Dosha is perfect for taking action in the midst of life's demands. Learning the art of slowing down can help lead you into a state of balance, ensuring our lifestyles are harmonious and not driven solely by constant action.
Kapha: Surrendering and Letting Go
Kapha Dosha can keep us feeling heavy and stuck. Visualisation pracitces to support the idea of letting go and surrendering into the natural flow of life will nurture a sense of ease and acceptance.
Scientifically, relaxation triggers a cascade of positive effects in our bodies. When we consciously relax, the parasympathetic nervous system engages, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and promoting overall mental and physical health.
Beyond the physiological benefits, relaxation is a potent tool for expanding conscious awareness. As we relax, the mind's chatter tends to subside, creating a space for heightened mindfulness. This is a state where we can observe our thoughts, emotions, and the world around us without being entangled in them. Relaxation becomes a bridge to connect with the present moment, fostering a deeper understanding of our inner selves.
In a world that constantly demands our attention, the art of relaxation is a revolutionary act.
So, take a breath, find your stillness, and let relaxation be your guide to a more vibrant and aware existence.
