Time to Chill

When I was younger, I had 2 speeds: full bore or asleep. Then I got a job as a graduate assistant at a college in their biofeedback department. Suddenly, I was supposed to teach other people how to relax. I realized it would be a good thing to know for myself if I was going to teach others. I was determined to be relaxed. I listened to relaxation tapes by the dozen and fell asleep to them all.

It turns out, if you are relaxed, then your hands get warm. I taped finger thermometers on, and by sheer will, was able to relax: one hand. One hand was in the high 90’s, the other hand closer to 70. That’s when the light dawned. I could not make myself relax. I had to allow myself to relax. Big difference.

I started realizing how tense I was when I was doing something like driving the car. I found out it still stays on the road if you are relaxed or have a death grip on the steering wheel. I started paying attention to my stress, and started to let it go. A few deep breaths does wonders, if nothing else is working. It is because you can’t be stressed and relaxed at the same time.

Then I decided to learn how to meditate. Life changing. It feels incredibly good, rejuvenates your body, gives your mind a chance to explore, helps with your creativity, and you gain a whole new perspective on what is important.

I will say that when you do learn how to allow yourself to relax, somethings might come up that you have been unconsciously avoiding. Unpleasant for a time, but you work your way through them, and come out way better on the other side.

No matter where you are on the relaxation spectrum, I would like you to explore a little deeper. Give yourself permission and time to relax. Whether it is watching the sunset, before you get up, or in your mind, take some time to relax. If it feels uncomfortable, it’s ok. It will get better. Life is not a race, it is a journey. Enjoy.