R & R
In this last chapter, we're not talking about "R&R" as in "Rest & Relaxation." We're talking about Relaxation and ___________.
The relaxation we are also talking about here is the relaxation and calmness of the mind (relaxation of the body is a lot easier to achieve, actually).
EXERCISE #1: WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK ...
Why do you hesitate to take a break or vacation in your life? What holds you back?
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In many cases, people don’t want to take a break from their over-work and crowded routine because they feel it will interfere in their progress and growth. Quite the contrary. It is that break in one’s pace that most often leads to the sudden breakthroughs they have been seeking.
EXERCISE #2: THE STIGMA
When you think about relaxation or taking time off, are you honestly geared to think positively or negatively about the concept? How or where do you suppose these thoughts were first ingrained in you?
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Relaxation does not mean you’re lacking responsibility, or you have no desire to complete the job. In fact, relaxation puts you into completely different level of increased awareness. You see more. You feel more. You experience more.
EXERCISE #3: WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOU?
When you're in a relaxed state of mind what do you experience or achieve?
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EXERCISE #4: CALMNESS OF MIND
What is your definition of calmness of mind?
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"During period of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and produce the sudden clarifying insight, which gives so much joy and delight." – FRITOF CAPRA
THE OTHER SIDE OF R&R: REPETITION
Somewhere, somehow in your schedule, you have to find a place to repeat the action of relaxation. Your mind has to be fed constantly to maintain its calmness. Your battery has to be charged on a regular basis to achieve the maximum benefit.
In the audio program, I used the example of banging your head against a brick wall to illustrate what it’s like when you are endeavoring to change a paradigm. If you charge that old wall once in hopes it will topple over, you’re just going to end up bruised. The key is to take the wall apart, one brick at a time, and that’s done through constant repetition of embedding the new idea — by writing it, by visualizing it, by listening to it, by talking about it!
EXERCISE #5: FREQUENCIES
In the audio program, I also stressed the difference of learning frequencies. Explain that concept here and how it relates to the act of repetition.
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JUST BREATHE!
As a last reminder to help you bring order to your mind, particularly when you feel you’re in chaos ... Breathe. When we are in stress, our breathing becomes shallower and shallower — we call that nervous breathing. When you become conscious of this, take a big, deep breath — and then take another. The added push of oxygen immediately floods the system with stress-inhibitors, reduces blood pressure, and gives your heart “handshake help” in pumping the next vat of blood through your system. Your system was purposely designed this way to help you relieve stress, so take advantage of God’s great work!
Formal meditation is also a phenomenal exercise in calming the mind, thus calming the body. I encourage you to explore our Resources section on our website for books and tapes we recommend.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
We’ve ended on a great note — repetition. Here’s your last assignment from me — but I ask that you take it very seriously. Make a habit of listening to "The Real Essence of Life" audio program for at least 30 days, every day. Give yourself 20 or 30 minutes each morning or during your drive time. Take all other audio programs out of your car or CD player and gives this program the expansive time it deserves in your mind and your life.
Once you’ve reached that 30-day mark, I guarantee that your grammar will be screwed up and your accent is going to change, but the objective will be accomplished — you will already be accomplishing great things that you never thought possible and seeing obvious and positive improvements in your life.
Please write to me directly via our website contact page to share your transformative story.
It’s been a pleasure working with you, Dr. A.
"Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is a result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience and a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought." — JAMES ALLEN