By:
Queen Anita Halinah Muhammad
Why do we spend so
much time working for someone else or just being preoccupied? We won't spend
just 10 or 20 minutes of relaxation for rejuvenation of the mind and spirit
[MIND AND ENERGY (Inner G)]. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad said, "First
Love Yourself." It is imperative that, despite our demanding schedules, we
must take the time to experience relaxation.
Researchers estimate
that stress contributes to as much as 80 percent of all major ailments. Stress
refers to any reaction to a physical, mental or emotional stimulus that upsets
the body's natural balance. Some of the many situations that cause stress are
debt, a new position, problems with family or the death of a loved one.
Physical and emotional
effects such as anger, impatience, headaches, frustration, indigestion,
irritation, muscle tension and poor elimination often accompany stress.
The Honorable Minister
Louis Farrakhan has stated that, "Stress manifests from default in
duty." It is our duty to take charge of ourselves and manage stress in our
lives. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. In a chronically stressed state,
many illnesses develop such as high blood pressure, depression, ulcers, back
pain, neck pain and reproductive problems.
A solution to stress
is prayer and relaxation, but remember, rest is different from sleep. The deep
states of sleep include periods of dreaming that increase muscular tension as
well as other physiological signs of tension. Relaxation is a state in which
there is no movement, no effort, and the brain is quiet.
Meditation--defined
broadly as an activity that calms the mind and keeps it focused on the
present--is an effective relaxation method that has been practiced for thousands
of years. In the meditative state, the mind is not cluttered with thoughts or
memories of the past, nor is it concerned with future events.
Does the technique
really work? Scientists report measurable benefits, including reduction in
muscle tension and improved circulation. David Spiegel, M.D., author of "Living
Beyond Limits," reports, "in medicine, we are learning that
physical problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease can be
influenced by psychological interventions, such as relaxation training."
Yoga is a relaxation
method that was practiced over 5,000 years ago and is traced back to Ancient
Egypt and India. Yoga, a form of meditation and stretching, is often utilized to
reduce stress. There are certain stretches that increase the flow of oxygen
throughout the body. The stretches help to improve circulation and eliminate
toxins from the body. Regular practice has proven to be a therapeutic value for
stress reduction.
First start with 10
minutes a day, gradually increasing to 20 minutes. Remove your shoes and relax
in a comfortable position on a soft surface. Allow the body to become still on
the mat, carpet or bed. Focus the mind on breath, inhale and exhale through the
nostrils.
If the mind begins to
wander, thinking of other things, bring the attention back by focusing on the
breath. Add this technique to your schedule for 21 days and note your progress.