August 15th is National Relaxation Day in the US. I discovered this by chance several years ago. What a perfect day to celebrate how far I have come in being able to let go, and let me be, even to the point of becoming trained in modern stress management. Now, actually, that could be considered quite something, with my particular story.
From the earliest of memories relaxation has been overwhelmed by resistance. Learning to rebalance the out of balance, to be comfortably in my body and mind as nature designed, led me on an adventure that drew Japan into my life. My leap into the unknown at twenty two saw the start of a very slow rewriting of the paradigm supporting the reality created from my origins. It has taken a long time to figure out this inner tug of war with my nerves and neurons. A war that Japan provoked in me with my reactions to the contrasts, customs and challenges it presented. The chemicals of stress can be very addictive, especially with a nervous system kept working on overtime. The strong desire to move out of that uncomfortable comfort zone drew to me more of the energy of resistance. Living with high cortisol levels leaves little space for other possibilities, especially relaxation. Yet, despite the fear, the anxiety, I dared, and slowly over time, little by little, I let go and let me be set free.
In my outer world, this unfamiliar country Japan, I felt a very different kind of energy. It had a state of steadiness in its system, a balance in its ebb and flow that allowed for both expansion and contraction to be expressed in harmony. To have those two parts of me complementing each other was a dream waiting, and wanting to come true. There was a safety in it, and a sensitivity that saw life very much with heart in mind. It became the model for my own nervous system. In my book ‘Letter to Japan‘ I describe how Japan helped me reframe my relationship with my body, my mind and life itself. Over time, decades, and many wake up calls both major and minor, a new paradigm written by my new mind began to spread with a different kind of power. It is one that stretches far beyond the parameters of the old. It holds an emotional and energetic signature that makes safe even a deeper kind of relaxation, one that helps support the healing of the effects of the old. This continues to be an on-going process. At times it meets some struggle, resistance from the retiring old guard, that over eager stress response, but mostly I continues to move steadily forward.
In discovering more ways to let go, and let myself be, even in a breath, to pause and feel the rise and fall through my body, is the most amazing joy. And I give over to that experience of presence more and more in my life. The scientifically proven truth is we are wired to thrive. It is our birthright, our birth gift. How great is that! So…
Happy relaxation day! Everyday! Let’s not just ‘do’ joy, let’s ‘be’ JOY. Allow that feeling to go deep down into your cells, to your very core. Whenever you see what delights you, relaxes you, don’t just see it, but observe, take note, and time to feel the experience.
Yes to Joy flowing through you! Your body will love you for it!
Go Well.