Last week we spoke about opening our inner doors of perception, and you can read more about this in "Soul Science". This week I want to explain why relaxation is so vitally important in this process. The mathematician and astrologer Pythagoras was said to be able to hear 'the music of the spheres'. Likewise, in the Tibetan tradition the great kalachakra masters (master astrologers and spiritual teachers) are said to be able to know the condition of the stars through their own inner perception from inside a dark cave - without the need for telescopes!
In many yogic traditions, both Indian and Tibetan, deep relaxation of body and mind is considered an essential base from which our inner doors of perception can develop. In the west we think of using yoga as a tool to become healthier, fitter and more relaxed, yet from the perspective of a great yogi and spiritual master this is only a beginning, a 'purification' of negative traits in body and mind that acts as a precursor to more advanced practices.
"One of the best actions we can take,
with courage, is to relax" - anon
Going through life from a place of deep peace and relaxation within ourselves is indeed very beneficial in our everyday lives. We experience less anxiety, tension, stress and as a result fewer stress-related diseases. Not only do we feel healthier but those around us benefit too. If you are emanating peace and relaxation this causes those around you to relax too.
Feelings and emotions are contagious. Have you noticed how one person can feel angry, or sad, and this can spread to others? Psychologists call this 'mood contagion' or 'affect contagion', and it can happen with positive emotions and with negative emotions. So the more you relax, the more you are helping those around you to relax.
If we really want to be able to open our inner doors of perception, and perceive the Universe directly like Pythagoras and the kalachakra masters did, we need a body and mind that is relaxed and free from all tension. Only when body and mind are perfectly relaxed do our inner channels begin to open.
These are channels of energy and light through which our prana or vital life-force energy flows. It is through the opening and perception of these channels that we become aware of increasingly subtler energies within our own being and are able to know the universe through direct perception. So not only is relaxation beneficial for our daily life, it is an essential component in our spiritual awakening.
So now you might be wondering how you can stay relaxed when there is so much to do? This is where skill, practice and experience are important. Most of us only know two levels of consciousness: asleep or awake. When awake we are often tense and busy and when we relax the body falls asleep. This is why regular meditation and relaxation practices are important so our body and mind learns to be relaxed AND alert! With practice we will be able to carry out our daily work and be relaxed at the same time.
One of the reasons I like the Laura Mitchell Relaxation method so much is because it works anywhere. We don't have to stop what we're doing to go and relax. Once we have learned it, it allows us to stay relaxed even while we are active. For example on my walk this morning I noticed my shoulders and arms were tense and I was able to deeply relax them, and feel the benefit immediately while still walking along.
It's works just as well with any type of work. If you haven't tried it yet I highly recommend that you do! (
click here)
If you can stay deeply relaxed in your body and at peace in your heart, you can be sure your inner spiritual journey is still continuing - even while you work!
See you next time, and in the meantime...
happy exploring!
Best Wishes,
Ruth
