Relax or Meditate
In many respects relaxation and meditation are very similar. They both hold the power to elicit the Relaxation Response which means that they are both capable of providing stress-relief, as well as personal development and transformation.
So you may be asking: How do they differ? Which will suit me better?
Although they both have a similar purpose and will produce similar results, they take a different approach to reaching their goal. In a nutshell:
Meditation is about control
Relaxation is about release
To expand ....
The practice of Meditation asks that we learn how to monitor the activities of the mind and bring our thoughts more and more under our control. Taking time to observe our thoughts reveals that they are wandering hither and thither without our approval or consent. Our thoughts are intent on following their own endless, entangled and intertwined pathways.
The task in Meditation is to encourage the thoughts to slow down; for us to take control over them and limit their activity. The technique used to achieve this is to focus the mind on one particular ‘object’. The object of focus can be absolutely anything, from focusing on the breath for instance, to holding an image in the mind such as a candle. The ‘object’ serves as an anchor to which the meditator attaches their mind, dismissing any other thoughts or images from their consciousness. The mind becomes less active and less agitated; it becomes more focused and what is called ‘one-pointed’. This quietening of the mind induces relaxation and produces a sense of calm and peace.
The practice of meditation is solely involved with the function and control of the mind and does not include a conscious awareness of the body. If you like, the level of physical relaxation achieved through meditation is almost incidental.
In addition, meditation is usually carried out in a seated position, which may inhibit the depth of relaxation attained.
The practice of Relaxation on the other hand, is a process of release and ‘letting go’; letting go of everything - physical tension, mental activity, and emotional turmoil. It asks us to do nothing - literally! The mind has no demands being made of it.
Unlike meditation, relaxation takes both body and mind into account. Indeed, the body is usually the starting point of the practice, when physical tension is encouraged to be released from the muscles; letting go of tightness in the structure is the primary concern. The body is actually being used as the ‘object’ of focus.
The mind, therefore, will automatically slow down as it naturally reflects what is happening in the body. As the physical relaxation deepens, mental activity slows down more and more.
The result is a totally soft and relaxed body, a completely calm and centred mind, and a deep sense of peace.
Relaxation is a completely effortless practice. Stillness of body and mind come about throught the simple act of lying down and ‘allowing’ relaxation to happen. In addition, because relaxation is practised in the supine position, total release of all joints and muscles can be experienced. Gravity is given permission to take over so that there is no resistance to its natural power to pull the body towards the support beneath it.
If you want to practise Meditation, that is good. Some previous experience of relaxation, however, would be helpful so that the mind has been prepared and made more willing to be harnessed by its owner. Meditation practice will then be more fruitful and effective.
The mind commands the body
and is instantly obeyed.
The mind commands itself
and meets resistance.
St. Augustine 354AD - 430AD
NOTE: When we start out learning how to relax, we need to use Guided Relaxations - either from a teacher on the spot or from audio CDs (see the Shop). A Guided Relaxation talks you through the whole session, from beginning to end. It will also include short periods of silence so that you become accustomed to the experience of being relaxed and quiet on your own. Over time, of course, you develop the ability to relax at will and even lie down for a full relaxation without the need for guidance at all.
