Fast Track Relax

In this workshop we teach well tried methods of achieving deep, effective relaxation. Everyone has preferred ways to do this, so in this session we teach several.

Not all relaxing is created equal. Flopping and doing nothing, or distracting ourselves with our phones, TV,( and other ways of passively relaxing) , does allow us to physically rest and distract our minds. However, relaxation can do so much more.

Effective relaxation is a form of self-healing. It engages the mind/body in such a way that you become revitalised as well as relaxed. Not only does this feel great but also you are resetting your body’s inner equilibrium and reducing your stress levels. It has a positive effect on stress hormone levels, the immune system, as well as anxiety, depression and even trauma symptoms. This kind of relaxing is active, it requires effort, at least to begin with.

There are a number of methods that can achieve this kind of relaxation. We will be using several, including the popular theory of dorsal vagal nerve activation. The aim is to balance the sympathetic (adrenalin response) and the parasympathetic (vagal response) branches of our autonomic nervous system. This is an unconscious part of our nervous system that regulates our stress response to our surroundings. Its balanced function is essential for well-being.

How do you know if you are relaxing effectively? You will notice changes in your awareness, feel different in yourself, physically and emotionally. The strength of these changes varies, depending on how deeply you have relaxed.

Here are some of the changes you may notice:

• Simply being alive, in your body, feels pleasurable.
• You are caught up in the flow of being in the “now”; not dwelling in the past or looking to the future, nor judging the situation.
• You feel content, grateful, even loving and ecstatic.
• You are acutely aware of the perfection of this moment.
• It would be delightful to remain here longer.