Relaxation technique – Wandering Baba

Relaxation Techniques

The best relaxation method will differ from person to person. Because what you find relaxing may not be so for anybody else! But, there are some common things all people find relaxing. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a garden full of flowers. You will automatically feel relaxed.
However, doing something purposefully to relax ourselves will require a technique. This is necessary because our work takes up our entire day. So much so we are not even left enough to watch our favorite show or read a book. With employers advocating a 6-day work, people will consider this as a luxury. But, our overworked brains will need some rest. Don’t worry there are ways to put our overworked brains to rest!

What is the ‘science’ behind relaxation?

So, is there a ‘science’ behind relaxation? Not really! You can say it is common sense. There are certain things we have to ponder about when we are looking for relaxation.

How do we define ourselves?

What is it that defines us as a person? Most of us would say bank balance, the house they own or their achievements. But, when you think deeply these are just ‘externalities’. Why not? Bhagvad Gita teaches us that we are just souls. When you realize that these things are ‘externalities’, they should not bother you much.

What is the reality?

Is what you are seeing a reality? If, yes, then the dreams you see are also equally real. Then what is the reality? Even what you see may not be real. For example, when you observe the sun, you’re actually seeing a sun that existed 8 minutes ago. Because light from sun takes around 8 minutes to reach us. The only ‘real’ thing is your soul or atman. (courtesy: Science meets Vedanta by Jayant Kapatker)

What do we do to relax?

The next thing you may ask as to what to do to relax. Since everything is ‘external’, they will not give you permanent joy. Everything is temporary in a sense. Take for example our bodies. At one time it is healthy and at other times it is unhealthy. The same body becomes the cause of joy and sorrow. Here are some misconceptions about joy.

Sex will give us joy – The biggest misconception is that sex will give us joy. This is an external experience. It is a momentary experience of our bodies.
Drinking alcohol – Liquor gives us a high or intoxication. You cannot call it joy. After a few hours of blissfulness, it will cause a hangover. And you have to drink it again to experience the same blissfulness.
Smoking – This is commonly used for relaxing. But, it ends up becoming a bane for us. Ultimately, you want to quit it.
Drugs – Drugs are called recreational these days. People take it for fun. The biggest concern is addiction which can ruin lives. Young people end up in rehab clinics after getting addicted to what is called recreational drugs.

How can we relax?

True relaxation can be experienced only when an activity satisfies our souls. Let’s see what are soulful activities.

Read books – Reading a book can be therapeutic for us. Just visiting a bookstore and browsing books will give you a lot of relaxation.
Music – Listening to music, playing an instrument (if you can), or singing can be medicine for frayed nerves.
Art – There is a thing called art therapy. Most of us like doodling in our idle time. But colors are innately soothing. When you create an artwork, it satisfies your soul.
Meditation – Any form of meditation will create a calming effect on you. You will have to learn meditation techniques to relax.
• Dancing – This activity has been promoted in many traditions. Osho ashrams famously promoted dancing. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great Gaudiya saint from Navadvipa, West Bengal, also recommended dancing to his followers. Not to forget Rumi, who also recommended whirling as a way to connect with God. There are whirling dervishes to this day in Turkey.
Clay modelling – Working with clay like making pottery can also be a soothing experience. Clay modelling or pottery lets us vent out the emotions we are holding on to. It also satisfies the inner child in us.
Praying – Visiting the temple regularly and spending some time there will increase the positivity in us. You don’t have time to visit the temple? Create a small temple in your room. Establish a deity: whichever deity you can connect to. You should take out time to worship. A simple daily chore of offering water to the Tulsi plant can make you feel spiritual and connected to Krishna.

Conclusion

Relaxation can be personal and vary from person to person, but there are universal methods that can help ease stress. Relaxing is important because our busy lives leave little time. The ‘science’ behind relaxation is more about common sense than technical knowledge. One must recognize that material possessions or achievements are external and shouldn’t define us. True relaxation comes from activities that nurture the soul, such as praying, reading, listening to music, engaging in art, or practicing meditation.