[Mari]

Hi,

This video is pretty good.
I might do some of these relaxation techniques later.
M.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxQJI...eature=related

[waves]

Hi Mari,

did you try these? how did you find it?

my mom told me about something similar in concept that they would do at the end of an exercise class she took years ago. she said it worked very well - that they would almost fall asleep doing it.

~ waves ~

[Mari]

Originally Posted by waves

Hi Mari,

did you try these? how did you find it?

Yes, Waves,

This is pretty much what I was taught in yoga. They work.
What's really cool about these exercises is that each time you do them you get better at them. Each time you do them you get more relaxed than you did last time. As he says in the video, sometimes you can train yourself to get relaxed by using a word or a phrase to bring you back partially to that relaxed state.

I stopped doing yoga and stopped doing self care about two years ago when work got very stressful. I came home from work, locked the door, and tried to ignore the world and myself.

That strategy has not been working, but I am resisting change. Maybe the relaxation strategy on youtube will work (there are others if you look around for better voices and such).
I like this video because the guy is sitting. I could do this right in front of the computer without having to make a plan about going somewhere to lie down and finding the cd player. . .


M.

[bizi]

You are such a wonderful and giving woman who deserves peace and tranquility.....
please restart taking care of your inner world...
(((((HUGS)))))
bizi

[Mari]

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521...exercises.html

Hi,
This is my favorite of Weil's breathing techniques.
It is harder than it sounds.
I used to use it and found that it helped me.

Exercise 3:
Breath Counting

If you want to get a feel for this challenging work, try your hand at breath counting, a deceptively simple technique much used in Zen practice.

Sit in a comfortable position with the spine straight and head inclined slightly forward. Gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then let the breath come naturally without trying to influence it. Ideally it will be quiet and slow, but depth and rhythm may vary.

* To begin the exercise, count "one" to yourself as you exhale.
* The next time you exhale, count "two," and so on up to "five."
* Then begin a new cycle, counting "one" on the next exhalation.

Never count higher than "five," and count only when you exhale. You will know your attention has wandered when you find yourself up to "eight," "12," even "19."

Try to do 10 minutes of this form of meditation.

[waves]

that sounds like a good focusing exercise for me thank you!