The Science of Relaxation

fma2-700x450Relaxation is like a science.   It is a single variable in our performance equation.
We are a body that has the ability to exert force on something.  We do this through a combination of mass and acceleration.    We’ve all seen Newton’s formula: Force = Mass x Acceleration (F=ma)

I don’t expect the mass of my body to dramatically change anytime soon.  It is what it is.  But I do have variable control over its acceleration.  And that’s where relaxation comes in.

When you experience relaxation, you fundamentally realize an important truth.   You are stronger relaxed.   You perform better.   You are faster.  More direct.  More efficient.  More stable.  More flexible.  Take it from any athlete, musician, actress, performer.

When moving in a relaxed, natural state, our bodies (and our minds) produce a very different result than when moving in a tense state.

I was surprised to learn just how dangerous tension and stress can be.  Stress has been strongly linked to the 6 leading causes of death:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Lung ailments
  • Accidents
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Suicide

Sometimes it’s important to define something by what it’s not.  Relaxation is not an accident.   It is not a random, fleeting state only achievable under perfect conditions.   It is not the absence of work and the presence of a drink in our hand.

Rather, relaxation is a skill that when developed becomes something we can control.   It resembles a light switch.  We can turn it on at will.

This is the point at which relaxation becomes a choice.  And we have the ability to choose relaxation over tension, stress, worry, anger and fighting.

Think of relaxation as a simple, binary science.    Enjoy your journey in trusting the equation.

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