| Maybe it's time to reconsider how you "live" each | | | | The practice of concentrating on one's own rhythm |
| day. Here are a few pointers to help you along the | | | | of breathing can be very calming. |
| way... | | | | Try relaxing each and every individual part of your |
| Wake Up: | | | | body, from the hair on your head, to the tips of your |
| Energize the start of your day with a massage in the | | | | toes. Mentally visit each region in turn, imagining a |
| shower. | | | | warm flow circulating through each body part and |
| For those who start their day with the ritual of a | | | | washing away all traces of stress and strain. The self |
| morning massage under the shower, there is a more | | | | healing forces are stimulated by concentrating on |
| than likely chance of seeing it through with a spring in | | | | every part of the body. This also has a positive |
| their step and a healthier future. | | | | effect on the immune system because the flow of |
| The massage should start at the feet and be | | | | stress hormones is diminished. |
| worked upwards. A coarse shower glove should be | | | | The goal in meditation is to find a new level of |
| used and the massage carried out in strong circular | | | | awareness of your body. This can help even the |
| movements from the feet to the calves and then | | | | most chronically ill to understand and master their |
| upwards to the thighs. Hips, buttocks, and the | | | | suffering. |
| stomach area are to be massaged with large, | | | | Meditation can be practiced almost anywhere, even |
| sweeping, circular movements. To finish, go from the | | | | on the bus! For beginners however, it's better to find |
| middle of the stomach towards the chest area. Less | | | | a place where there's less chance of being disturbed. |
| pressure should be applied when massaging the | | | | This could be at home or out in the open air. Small |
| breasts and cleavage. The effect of the self inflicted | | | | peaceful islands could be, for example, a soothing |
| massage can be reinforced by finally running cold | | | | bath, or in the bedroom, or jump into the car and |
| water over the skin! | | | | find some remote parking place. A secluded spot in |
| Chill Out: | | | | the fresh country air is ideal to practice meditation. |
| The rest of the day can be used in search of | | | | A few minutes stolen from the hustle-bustle can |
| Buddha. | | | | work wonders for the day! |
| Relaxation strengthens the immune system and | | | | Sleep Fit: |
| promotes self healing forces. Noise, a hectic lifestyle, | | | | Why jog around like a melting ice-cream on legs in |
| and a constant, incessant flood of irritations are | | | | the tropics of the local park, only to have some old |
| grounds enough to make some people ill. Indulging in | | | | age pensioner put you to shame by keeping pace |
| Buddhist Meditation can ease stress related problems | | | | with you on her Sunday morning stroll? Or run the |
| and reinforce the will in the fight to regain strength. | | | | risk of fractured limbs and scuffed knees and elbows |
| In nerve racking situations, stress hormones such as | | | | whilst skating your way over bunkered, sagging |
| Adrenalin are released into the system. When high | | | | sidewalks, on overpriced set of roller-blades! |
| quantities of these hormones are found such as in | | | | There are easier ways to lose the same few pounds, |
| the case of highly nervous people, there is a risk of | | | | not to mention the savings to be made in effort and |
| weakening the immune system which can lead to | | | | finances. A different alternative to exercise is getting |
| illness. | | | | some high quality "SLEEP." |
| With Buddhist meditation techniques, the balance | | | | Just one hour after falling asleep, the body increases |
| between tension and relaxation can be once again | | | | the production of growth hormones. This supports |
| achieved. In the meditative state, all outside | | | | the processes of muscle building, skin cell repair, and |
| distractions are shut out, and only the moment and | | | | helps control the production of body fat tissue. |
| the consciousness of the inner self have any | | | | So, maybe now is the time to wake up - chill out and |
| meaning. | | | | sleep fit!! |