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Posted on Sun, Jul 4, 2010 : 3 a.m.

Meditate to relax and relax to meditate

By Susan Scott Morales, MSW

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Photo by Flickr user clgregor

En route to the Albuquerque airport Monday evening, I was aware of the difference in how much more relaxed I felt than on the trip to the Detroit airport. The contrast got me thinking about what makes me tense and what helps me relax. Of course, leaving town has many more challenges. I feel like I have to peel away from all the tasks and “shoulds” pulling at me. There’s nothing holding on to me when I end a vacation. Beyond that, though, I consider all the things that I let go when out of town, that I could also let go at home. Why not live like I do when on vacation? I don’t mean slacking off. I mean living in the present moment.

When I’m in a new environment, I have to pay attention or I’d get lost. Driving around, checking street signs, learning the ins and outs of the hotel all keep me in the present. When I’m in the moment, I’m automatically more relaxed. Nothing is pulling or pushing me. There’s stillness inside me and I’m operating from that stillness. Consequently, it is easier for me to meditate.

When we’re relaxed, the mental shift to a quiet state can happen almost automatically. Take a bath, read something inspiring, play with your dog or go for a walk, in nature especially, before you meditate. A reader recently commented on how easy it is to meditate after yoga.

In this blog I’ve written often about how meditation practice can help relax the mind and body. Pairing a relaxation activity with meditation can enhance your practice. Since most of us have time constraints, try arranging your schedule so that meditation can follow something relaxing. For example, if you always meditate and shower in the morning, try showering first and see if that helps you have a more satisfying meditation.

Share what works for you so that other readers can benefit from your experience!

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. Let's talk...You can contact me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com

Comments

Susan Scott Morales, MSW

Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 3:42 p.m.

Thanks, Nancy H. Your comment is a great reminder to try to stay relaxed even when over-scheduled, trying to pack a lot into a limited time. I was thinking about this as I was waiting for a red light to change today. I had the choice to feel impatient or to practice staying relaxed and alert. Like any skill, it does take practice.

Nancy H.

Mon, Jul 12, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.

Susan, I experience the SAME thing regarding vacation AND meditation. Living out here at Friends Lake, having to "walk the trails" every day, being able to swim in a gorgeous lake EVERY day, is changing me. Sometimes I feel like I am on vacation, not working. Especially when I get my day off. I go back to AA and have so many things I "have to" do because I only have one day a week to do them! When I return to "work" I am instantly relaxed and ready to interact with nature. I also stretch daily (sometimes twice) and meditation calls to me before i am even finished. I really want to bring this back with me to my "city" life in September!

Susan Scott Morales, MSW

Mon, Jul 5, 2010 : 6:18 a.m.

I love your preparation for meditation. It's so simple and sounds very effective. Thanks for sharing.

Linda Chapman

Sun, Jul 4, 2010 : 7:35 p.m.

This is great advice... bring the vacation mind home! I slip into the deepest meditation when I've taken the time to do a few stretches, then some deep breathing for a few minutes. That seems to signal to my body and my mind that it's time to turn inward.