Learning to relax, really relax

In our never-ending busy, “gotta get it done” world, we are generally unaware of the toll that this type of lifestyle takes on our minds and on our bodies. Well, we’re unaware until we reach a crisis of some sort and yes, the crisis is inevitable if we continue on a path of non-stop movement. Of course for many of us, the first thoughts that pop into our mind are, “I can’t slow down, I have too much to accomplish” and “I relax, I relax on the weekends”.

Let’s take a look at the first thought. “I can’t slow down, I have too much to accomplish”. Really? Is anyone going to die if you don’t … Fill In The Blank? Take a step back and take a moment of introspection. Ask yourself if everything that you need to do each day really needs to be accomplished. With true introspection, the answer will most likely be that you don’t need to get everything finished in one day. This is not an advocacy for being lazy; it’s a look at what’s truly important to you and a step towards self-awareness.

If we look at that first thought a little closer, and remember that nothing is going to get accomplished if you’re unable to function, this may give you good pause to think, discern and get closer to true self-awareness. Moving on to the next thought, “I relax, I relax on the weekends”. If you’re a truly busy person, you most likely are on the go just as much on the weekend as you are throughout the week. Learning to truly relax can actually be uncomfortable for those of us who are hardcore workaholics. So, how can we attain a real state of relaxation?

First, you must know that this takes practice and secondly, realize that once you’ve mastered true relaxation, you’ll be able to be in a relaxed state in the middle of a board meeting. There are a variety of ways in which to achieve relaxation, it’s up you to figure out what works for you as an individual.

Some examples of reaching a relaxed state are:

• Aromatherapy
• Guided Imagery
• Massage
• Meditation
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Yoga

Check back as we break down each of these relaxation techniques! There is but one ride in this life … enjoy the journey!

Celebrating Differences In A World Of Judgment

A quote by Audre Lorde, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences,” may best sum up the problem with an individual’s view of diversity. We can look at the world around us and see judgment of others. But, why? Why are we so intolerant of those that are different from us?

The simplistic answer is fear. The complicated answer is a lack of self-awareness. Recently, I interviewed C.J. Wilson. The interview was for another media outlet, but C.J. Wilson is a modern example of an uncelebrated difference, an intolerant difference. For readers who are unaware of who C.J. Wilson is, he is a professional athlete who adheres to the Straight Edge lifestyle. Straight Edge is mainly about clean living -- no alcohol, tobacco or caffeine. Our dear C.J. has received more than his fair share of slack simply by being different.

As a professional athlete, doesn’t this lifestyle make for the perfect role model? In a profession filled with bad behavior, of course it does. So why would this young man be called to the carpet for promoting a healthy and positive lifestyle? Because this lifestyle, forces us to look at ourselves, makes us question our own decisions and ultimately draws us to the conclusion that perhaps … we could do better for ourselves. C.J. is one very simple example of intolerance. If we step back and take time to get to know ourselves and begin to feel secure within whom we are, we are then free to enjoy and celebrate the differences of others.

©2013 Journey To Self, All rights reserved.