Relaxation: the Foundation for a Happy Life
There is one point and one point only to this article. It is one of the most important things you can learn and integrate into your life for your health and well-being. And that is this: learning how to relax is the basic ingredient for a healthy and successful life.
I don’t mean this superficially, as in “just chill,” or “go with the flow.” And I don’t mean it condescendingly, as in “you really need to relax.”
I mean it in a simple and direct way: relaxation is the key that allows all aspects of your life to properly function.
Why is that?
Relaxation supports the health of your body, mind, and energy. Modern research has shown in recent years the extreme negative impacts of stress to our physical well-being. We also know how anxiety and tension in the mind can lead to all sorts of serious psychological conditions.
In spiritual practice, and life in general, our Qi — energy — is vital. Relaxing allows our Qi to flow in a good and natural state. In this way, relaxing allows us to flourish. It lets our consciousness become calm, and life can begin to flow naturally.
Some people might object to this from a social justice perspective. If you are fighting for your survival, the argument goes, there isn’t the space or time to relax. But the truth is exactly the opposite. By relaxing, you gather and focus your creative energy and are able to see clear solutions to the challenges you face.
Some people also might object to this from the perspective of trauma. “My trauma and wounding makes it impossible for me to relax!” However, if we can relate to the pains we have experienced in a relaxed way, it will be much better than if we do not. Actually, relaxed presence and awareness are the primary tools in healing the most painful and engrained conditions.
Relaxing just might be the key to saving your life.
So how is that we can actually relax? We can start by bringing our awareness to our breath and to our body. We can feel into the space inside ourselves. In this space, we can breathe in and out, and we can consciously take a moment to let go. If you like, you can try it now. Close your eyes and go inside.
Of course, really being able to relax involves a lot of other things. Really relaxing means unburdening ourselves from the struggles and need for control we have been carrying. The opposite of relaxing is tension, and tension usually presents itself when we are stressed or holding on to situations that disturb us, whether from the present or the past. For this reason, forgiveness can be a crucial step to relaxing. In order to forgive, we often need to trust too that good things will come about if we do so. We have to trust that it is safe and beneficial for us to open up again. There can be a sense that a larger intelligence is working things out.
This is a deep and profound journey, filled with layers upon layers. But the journey is so worth it. Out of relaxation comes immense clarity. You can experience an unimaginable sense of peace, calm, and unity. From this place, true awareness arises.
Relaxing is the simplest thing, but it can be hard work. Ironically, when we have learned unhealthy and toxic habits in our culture, we have to set aside dedicated time to remember this basic and natural orientation. There’s nothing like having support and guidance as we dedicate ourselves to walking that path.
Good luck and pleasant relaxations.