That said, some cd’s I like (but never listen to – OY!):
Your Present, Susie Mantell
Yoga Nidra, Jennifer Reis
Journey into Deep Relaxation, Doreen Blumenfeld

Just music, listen to every day:
Riley Lee (flute)
Bija, Todd Norian

So avoidance of relaxation is familiar territory. This winter I was smacked with the realization that I need to rest. I’m coming out of it now, but up here away from the equator, I get into a winter funk thing. Then I refuse to cut myself any slack. Or I do some forced relaxation that feels like work.

So I had started trying to find ways to relax, get slack; honor when I know I’m beyond my limit, and now this comes. Yay! Thanks for iterating how stressful relaxing can be.

Earlier this week I was getting all uptight and taking no time…when I started noticing the little voices in the back of the bus muttering about “quitting everything, trying is so tiresome, why can’t we just play video games and go to our easy job and not have to DO anything or follow a purpose or anything, days would be so much nicer.” Pretty clear sign I needed some slack.

Therefore, I’m on board with this. Reading all the relaxing’s helped me see that what I find relaxing often has little to do with things like shavasana. Shavasana is often work for me. I’m intrigued by the nidra for this reason.

What I DO find relaxing is
cooking (often with music on)
reading
snuggling up with my breakfast, a cup of something warm and an episode of Rick Steve’s europe deal
hanging out with my guy
playing games with my family
yoga

I’m sure there’s more that I can’t think of, but will be more mindful of noticing when I am doing a relaxing, so I can add it to my list.

Then actually do one of them each day.
—

@sally–I like to color too, but had forgotten! And I’ve always wanted a mandala book. Must go shopping.

the bath discussion=I tried to make myself like them…no go.

@Peg–I totally get that! Protecting from the feeling of stress (hence above wishes to quit everything) and being relaxing to other people. I’ve been noticing this week that while I’m the “go-to” person for many people when they need calm and clarity, I have to work hard to do it for me, and…I rarely ask for the same support in kind.

((((@shawna))))

I’m in!
Thanks Havi for constant validation and clarity.
CJ

I love to drink a cup of tea, stare into the distance, walk in a park, etc too. Weirdly, though, I find I can only enjoy doing all those things these days if I’ve done some sweaty exercise – it seems to burn through the cortisol and leave me relax-able.

I tried, but I never liked massage until a friend gave me a Thai massage last year – stretching and pressure points, like the best yoga class ever – but all the hard work done by somebody else! And fully clothed, so you don’t end up with oily clothes and hair afterward. Come to think of it, I must look up a Thai masseuse around here and have another one.

I am quickly getting addicted to massage, however. Went from one a month to two a month, and I suspect I am not stopping here. I finally found a nice lady who listens when I tell her “no digging or probing, please.” I am a tender little grape, I bruise very easily.
.-= Sonia Simone´s last post … How To Write For Regular Readers =-.

@jane and laura, I hear ya. Luckily, here in Japan, like Kathleen said, the entire population agrees with you and no one would dream of getting in the tub without getting squeaky clean first.
.-= Sandra´s last post … Tickets for Sapporo Snow Festival still available =-.

My favourite in case you were wondering: “That’s so specific!”

That’s a suggestion, not advice right?
.-= Christina´s last post … The Danger of the Single Story =-.