Thomas Leigh Diary

How I meditate #5: relaxation techniques

Previously I described some breathing techniques as one of relaxation's facets. Today we will take a closer look on various relaxation techniques. But first let Me explain when they could be helpful.

From My experience it is not necessary to use any of more complex relaxation technique in order to improve Your meditation session. But consider this as a My case - I don't need to use them, because for Me simple breathing techniques and proper firm attitude are sufficient to achieve a good enough state of relaxation. But it may be an individual thing - and for some people wider relaxation technique would be significantly helpful - at the beginning of their practice or always. So I recommend to use them in following cases:

1. When techniques described earlier are not sufficient.
2. When You are going to perform an Affirmative Prayer or gain visions (I will address those cases in subsequent articles).
3. When You intend to perform some guided meditation, hypnotic regression or another session of this type.

In the second and third cases wider relaxation techniques may be a strong help in terms of effectiveness of a whole experience - because they have bigger potential, mainly because in those techniques there are much more time and attention involved in achieving deeper relaxation state. So let's get to the point.

Preparation (perform before all following techniques).

Take the most comfortable position. Close Your eyes and perform one of breathing techniques You prefer. Also keep in mind the most appropriate attitude which works for You - including Your intention (what is Your intention in doing all of it). Keep all of this in mind and stay open for the new, unexpected and interesting experience.

I. Sphere of light.

After performing a breathing technique imagine a small sphere of light. It is the size of an apple and it's made of warm, liquid, bright light. Now it is placed just above Your head, close enough for You to feel its pleasant heat. It is still and suspended above Your body, levitating.

Then imagine You feel its pleasant radiation more and more, like its warm and liquid light is poured slowly into Your body. Become aware how that dense, warm, liquid light spreads very slowly throughout Your body. And wherever it reaches - You feel more relaxed. Wherever it reaches - the muscles placed in those spots become relaxed, more and more - to the point where You don't feel them any more.

Then imagine the sphere of light starts moving - slowly, very slowly - down alongside Your body. And its radiation affects most intensely those areas of Your body above which it is placed. Be aware that more and more dense, warm and pleasant light energy fills Your resting body.

After a while You'll become filled with bright light, which is quite pleasant, calming and balmy feeling. You are fully at peace. Your body is resting aside - while You are able to go any place You want, through Your mind, through Your awareness, through Your imagination. Now You are able to explore fully vast realm of existence. Through Yourself, Your Essence - You are crossing the door behind which the new world is located. You are aware, mindful and ready to explore this realm. Begin Your journey.

II. Playing with the ocean. ^{(don't choose this one if You don't like water or have a fear of water)}

After performing a breathing technique imagine You are lying on the raft in the middle of the ocean. Your surrounding is serene and calm, the air is pleasantly warm, the sky and the water are bright and sparkling. You hear nothing but subtle breeze smoothly surrounding Your body. The sun warms You. You can feel its rays and warm on Your skin. You can feel pleasant sensations of the breeze touching Your skin like kisses. You can feel astounding peace everywhere.

Then imagine that: while Your body is lying still and relaxed, savoring all of it - You are leaving it and begin to float above. Maybe You will do it slowly: a little bit higher and a little bit higher. Or maybe You will do it fast - like a rocket just fired towards space, with all the joy and excitement. Both ways You feel free now - young, vital, energized. You are flying towards the sky, towards those nicely looking fluffy clouds, serenely drifting up there. When You are flying You feel the wind flowing around You, touching You, kissing... and this is a nice feeling. You feel safe and free, boundless and limitless. When You're crossing the cloud level - feel its touch, touch them, smell, take a deep breath of that air, filled with sunlight. Let it fill You also - and take it back with You.

Then turn around and go back, go down towards the water. Note Your body still resting and fully relaxed on the raft - but intend not to stop at its place. Instead accelerate and go down into the water, dive into it. Feel the accelerating speed and note all the sensations attached to the crossing the surface. Dive deeply, deeper and deeper - effortless and excitingly. Hear nice humming of the water surrounding You, flowing around. Feel it. It's so clear You can see far away all directions. You don't need to reach the bottom of the ocean - just dive as deep as You please. Treat it with joy, play with it.

And then go back again - towards the surface and next towards the sky. In Your Own pace, in Your Own way. You can fly straight - but You can also take some fancy positions (like spinning). Feel free to experiment and have fun :) . And every time when You reach Your body level - smile to it, greet it, say 'hi' and keep playing. Take as many deep breaths as You can, savor it, savor the warm light of the sun, the balmy breeze, the pleasant, sparkling water.