The truth is that the only real method for the brain, mind and all faculties to get relaxation is meditation. Or sleep. Sure, you may fervently believe that watching trash TV all evening or talking on the phone with the BFF for four straight hours are relaxing exercises but the sad truth is that they aren’t. Relaxation, meaning rest, meaning rejuvenation, meaning a breather for the mind and body and senses… This can be gained only in the sleep state and in the meditative state. For us mere mortals, that is. I am sure that many evolved beings walk this planet for whom the waking state is lived at an elevated level of consciousness. So, I’d think that they are in a perennial state of rest.
Coming back to relaxing… meditation is the real deal. Actually, people experience relaxation amidst activity as well. Creative projects, spending time in Nature, listening to music, immersing oneself in dance, etc. can bring in a state of tranquility and rest too. The real reason why that happens is that one experiences the subtle meditative state while being deeply engrossed in these activities.
So go ahead and watch mind-numbing television for an hour or so, gossip with an old friend, read a trashy novel… sans guilt or regret. You might feel drained at the end of it but hey, did you think it was going to be relaxing?
dixya| food, pleasure, and health says:
I have been thinking about start meditating in the morning to start my day fresh – do you have any resources or tips to get started?
September 12, 2013 — 12:11 pm
Lakshmi says:
Good thought… 🙂 http://www.artofliving.org/us-en/art-meditation-sahaj-samadhi is the meditation technique that I practise. Have been meditating since 2004 and I am a huge fan!
You live in Dallas, don’t you? Why don’t you connect with the local Art of Living Center and find out when the next course is taking place?
Good luck!
September 12, 2013 — 4:19 pm
Meena says:
hello,
Found your blog just today and love your inputs on meditation. I’d appreciate if you can provide inputs as to how your life has changed after you’ve started to meditate. If you have links, can you please provide me that as well?
Thanks,
Meena
April 21, 2014 — 9:33 pm
Lakshmi says:
Thanks for visiting, Meena! You can check out the link I posted in the earlier comment response to Dixya. That is the program I attended in 2004. It has truly transformed my life. I feel a lot calmer and happier on a day-to-day basis. My energy levels are higher and my health is greatly improved. Meditation has been a precious gift to my life. There is such a sense of gratitude, such purpose now… Very grateful for the practice of meditation.
April 21, 2014 — 9:53 pm