Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 4: I know I want to relax, but I just can't make it. What should I do?

A: There are two relaxation techniques. One is to use the "contrast method": stretch out your hand to make a fist to exert force, and then let go of the force. Be aware of the difference between exerting and not exerting force. By realizing the difference between the looseness and tightness, we can tell if our body is tight or loose. Once you feel your body is tight, just let go of the force.

Another technique is "stretching". Usually, if you maintain a position for a long time, the same group of muscles will be tired, and the Qi (vital energy) and channels of the body will be less smooth. At this time, you can stretch, swing your hands, or practice the Dharma Drum Eight-Form Moving Meditation. Through the stretching exercises, you can relieve the tension in your body or mind. If you still can't relax, you need to think further about the reasons for your tension, because these techniques can only help us achieve a "relative relaxation". As mentioned earlier, the root of relaxation lies in our state of mind. Only when we don't crave for good things and dislike bad ones, can we truly relax.


Extended Reading:

Relaxation and Ease of Mind

Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 1: How do we know that the body is tight and needs to be relaxed?

Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 2: Why is it easy to become drowsy when relaxing?

Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 3: Does relaxation mean thinking and doing nothing?

Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 4: I know I want to relax, but I just can't make it. What should I do?

Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 5: How is relaxation different from letting go and spacing out?

Relaxation for Recovery of Body-mind Balance

Physical and mental relaxation strategies

Resource: Issue 353 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photos: Issue 353 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: James Hsu
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL