The relaxed state and science...

Queues and bottlenecks occur during rush hour in our cities. At other times of the day, the traffic is less active and therefore flows better. It is the same with the body and mind; when activity is reduced, we experience a less stressed and less blocked state than that which we normally find ourselves in with our daily chores. The states of consciousness were previously divided up into three main categories: waking state,...

Psychotherapy – Good for the mind, good for ...

What is Psycotherapy and how does it differ from Psychiatry? To help us answer this question lets look at the words seperately. Both stem from the Ancient Greek word psychē which means (Soul, Spirit). The second word Therapy also carries the same past. It comes from the wordtherapeia or therapeuein which means “to nurse”. The real difference between the two, now a days, seems to be: Psychotherapy is more for...

What do you get from relaxing?...

“Wellbeing, of course,” is the answer if you ask those who know how to use a good relaxation, “and creativity.” Current research is interested in more than that though. They want to see if there are permanent and deep physiological effects. Recently I looked into a database (Medline) containing reports that have been published in recognized research magazines. It contained more than 27,000 reports on...

What does it mean to be relaxed...

“Not everyone believes they can concentrate, not to mention relax. Maybe it is true that they cannot do it just like that, by using willpower. Some people claim that all they need is to sit in a chair, put their feet up and close their eyes. However, they do not always show an improvement if, for instance, their blood pressure is measured. “Still, I maintain that everyone can achieve deep relaxation through...

The relaxation response...

It is easy enough to become excited or stressed. The way the body reacts during such a state is called the fight or flight response; in a perilous situation the body prepares itself for fight or flight. The blood pressure rises and the blood flow to the brain and muscles increases at the expense of the internal organs. Often this automatic reaction is completely out of proportion compared to what has triggered it. Even just a...

Attitude or Insight...

“Can you still feel frustrated and inadequate even though you may have meditated for many years?” a journalist asked me recently, “or do you go around with a permanent smile on your face?” That question made me think of a peticular woman in one of my meditation courses. When she would come home after her meditation, her children would rush boisterously up to her and hug her. She wanted to remain in the...