Relaxation
Guided Imagery for Stress Relief and Well-Being
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Each issue is full of valuable
information and inspiration to help you relieve stress and find balance
in life.
Learn simple relaxation techniques
that support your well-being.
Let the practical wisdom of Joel
& Michelle Levey guide you on your inner journey of self-discovery.
"Subscribe now. You'll
be glad you did."
Bryan
Brewer
Producer
Self-Guided.com
Seattle, WA USA
Break the
"Cycle of Stress" by Bryan Brewer, Self-Guided.com Producer
Have you ever tried to relax, only to find that your mind quickly
wanders back to worries about money, relationships, or world events? Perhaps it
seems that the more you try to relax, the more tense you get. Well, you're not
alone. This is the common "cycle of stress." The good news is that
there are some simple ways you can break this cycle.
Often, it's simply a matter of remembering ... remembering to
breathe ... to be in your body ... to be mindful of what's really happening ... and to
remember to smile.
Here are four quick pointers that may help you break the
cycle of stress, especially when you find yourself right in the middle of it!
Breathe As Joel Levey reminds us many times in his
writings and recordings:
"Remember ... rely on your breath as your constant
companion -- a friend who is always there to remind you -- to wake up, to pay attention,
and to focus the power of your mind into effective action in the present moment."
It's a simple yet powerful tool for self-awareness and
relaxation.
Be in Your
Body In the midst of stressful situations,
remember to let your body help you release tension. There are numerous ways:
stand up
touch your toes
stretch your legs
roll your shoulders
rub your feet
force a yawn
take a walk
shake your arms loosely
scratch your scalp
exaggerte a sigh
rotate your neck
massage your jaw
The list is endless ... and all of these can help you break
out of the cycle of stress.
Track 17 on Joel Levey's Self-Guided
Relaxation CD (entitled Tense and Relax) is a great "in your
body" technique that helps you learn to distinguish between levels of tension and
relaxation. It also helps relieve muscle pain and tension headaches.
Be Mindful This is just a matter of paying attention
to what is really happening. In their book Simple Meditation &
Relaxation, Joel and Michelle Levey offer the "Wheel of
Mindfulness" to help you stop what you're doing and pay attention.
The "Wheel of Mindfulness" invites you to ask these
questions of yourself in the moment:
What am I noticing?
What am I feeling?
What are my thoughts?
What do I need or want right now?
What action is called for, or what am I willing to do?
"By knowing what you are perceiving, thinking, feeling,
wanting, and intending in any given moment, you will be more likely to recognize options,
make wiser decisions, and to honestly and accurately communicate your experience to
others."
In other words, your will be more likely to break the cycle
of stress.
Remember to
Smile It's important to keep a sense of genuine
curiosity and natural inquisitiveness about yourself and your personal journey to
well-being. A little cosmic giggle now and then is a healthy part of maintaining
balance in your life.
And it actually takes
fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown ;-)
