Yogic Stress Management Therapy - Don't Worry, Be Happy

One aspect of Yoga, which amazes most new students, is the newfound ability to become aware of everything, which was already around them in the first place. This includes feelings of, and opportunities for, happiness.

Remember Bob Marley's song. "Don't worry, be Happy?" Have you ever been offended when a friend said, "Take it easy." Why? A simple solution to your "big problem," seems like an insult to your intelligence. Can it be that easy?

Is the answer as simple as, "Just learn to relax?" Yes, learning to relax is the answer. Yet, learning to relax is anything, but simple. For example: New Yoga students are sometimes uncomfortable while practicing stage-by-stage relaxation or Yogic body-scan relaxation techniques. How can this be?

Relaxation techniques are usually much easier to learn than meditation. The most common reason for a Yoga student to be uncomfortable with sitting, or lying down, is an underlying fear of getting to know him or herself.

When you make the time to get to know yourself, this is time well spent, but many people, who do not practice relaxation or meditation methods, consider them a waste of time. So, what is the true value in sitting or lying down relaxing?

Firstly, everyone needs to relax during the day or risk "burn out." The same goes for laughing, joking, and smiling - You must give yourself a break. Relaxation is simply "break time."

In fact, you should only focus on relaxing when practicing your stage-by-stage relaxation or Yogic body-scan relaxation techniques. You will have plenty of time for self-realization during the day or when practicing meditation.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

? Copyright 2007 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications