Why is relaxation necessary?
In the modern society, life has become extremely chaotic and demanding with no time for relaxation. Modern technology continuously bombards the mind(s) [eye] with an influx of subtle microwave radiation & EMF. This ensures the mind is placed in a state of constant arousal & hyper activity, continuously seeking sensory enjoyment.
Problems of modern life
Due to accumulated worries & tension brought on by the pressures of modern living, people can then withdraw & become depressed as mental health declines:
- inability to deal with the demands of life overwhelms us with negative stress, emotions & tension
- this slowly begins to manifest in our personality before giving rise to mental or psychological problems.
Eventually over prolonged periods of time without relaxation, these problems move from the mind & begin to manifest as physical disease.
Remedies for modern life
One solution to combat such ailments is developing the technique of relaxation again:
- During Hatha Yoga we relax the body at the beginning of a class; this sets the mood, we forget any worries & begin to centre as well as focus on our practice
- We also relax in between asanas allowing the heartbeat to stabilise – the increased oxygen encourages recovery & rehabilitation, alongside a removal of lactic acid from muscles
- Essentially at the end of class, we finish with deep relaxation allowing the energy to harmonise / stabilise & flow freely around the body.
Hence the importance of relaxation during yoga classes, to allow any physical / mental blockages to surface & then be gradually removed from the psycho-physiological structure.
“By relaxing deeply all the muscles the Yogi can thoroughly rejuvenate his nervous system and attain a deep sense of inner peace.” – Swami Vishnudevananda