I will say the initial start of the music had a calming effect on me and I thought "this is going to be awesome"!!! Well heck, not so much:-( I was already dressed very comfortably, can't get much more comfortable than being in your PJ's. Even though I wasn't around anyone or couldn't hear any other noises, I wasn't able to lie down during this session, so that could be problem number one!!!
Problem number two is the talking! My biggest issue is when I'm trying to relax, talking drives me nuts. So I just wanted to keep telling the guy, "quiet, can't you see I'm trying to relax"! I think the issue is because I was trying to concentrate on what he was saying so I could do it right that it threw me off in trying to relax. For me to relax I usually take a long walk and listen to music or I lay quietly on my bed and listen to nature type music that is very slow and soothing.
Even though it didn't work the first time, I'm not a quitter, so I will definitely give this a try again!
Until next time, be healthy, happy and RELAX!
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteGood for you, for giving it a try. I think the issue here, is that there are many different kinds of relaxation exercises, this one, as he says at the beginning of the tape, is called"autogenic training". If you're not sure what that is do a little research and post here, I know the class will be interested. It's actually something that has a very long and positive track record! Sometimes it's called "progressive relaxation" the idea of which is that we can use our directed attention to different parts of our body to consciously relax various muscle groups throughout the body.
But it takes practice! Try it again - it's just 15 minutes :), every day...see if you can go with the directions rather than fighting against them. Lets see what happens...
Prof Betty
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteIt is funny to me how different we all are. It was really easy to me to listen to this man's voice. It was quiet, soothing, and he was not yelling or crying (which is what I am used to hearing with my children). Last week was especially noisy for me, and his voice was a welcome change. I would like to try to incorporate this type of technique into my life at least on a weekly basis, although I can definitely appreciate the "long walk" approach as well, though. However, it is nice sometimes to be still, and just to listen (like laying in bed listening to nature-type music). I guess it is all in what you like. However, I am glad that you are willing to give it another try because this time you know more of what to expect. Perhaps it will work out better for you!
Warm Regards,
Amy
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you on this relaxation technique. I had the same problem of focusing on his voice more and making sure I was doing everything right. I do believe that is was threw me for a loop in this technique. I am similar to you in regards to listening to music and going for a walk. I walked my daughter to school every day, and then walk/jog home as I listen to music. It is just a great way to start my day, and I do believe that is the best way for me to relax. I hope for the best for you when you try again!
I typically can't stand hearing people talking when I'm trying to relax either but in this case it actually seemed to help with the imagery. I too found the music very calming as well and I think the exercise is really worth trying again good luck when you do I hope it helps!
ReplyDeleteI guess I am one that marches to a different beat of the drum. I am one that prefers not to listen to others speaking...even though I am relaxing. I have several places that are "on our list" when we are heading out to the river. The one place that is full of people but still a place to relax is at kanawha falls. A beautiful back ground with the falls running over and creating a white noise of sorts. The fish biting are always a welcome distraction. Maybe I can try again?
ReplyDeleteJeni
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI don't like hearing others when I want to relax too, but I found the exercise to be quit worth the effort. I hope your future attempts work for you. It might help to listen to it, then just try to follow the steps with other relaxing music instead.
Good luck! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Elicia
Hello Cindy,
ReplyDeleteHave you given the relaxation exercise another try yet? I wish you could have been able to truly relax, but some people find relaxation in different ways, such as yourself. You find a walk through nature to be relaxing, as I do too. If talking drives you crazy when you are trying to relax then no wonder this exercise did not work for you. I was having a bit of trouble trying to relax due to trying to listen to the man speaking to ensure that I was doing everything correctly. I noticed that I was doing this so I listened to it a second time and found that I became very relaxed. I was a bit tired when I began the exercise so that may have been a contributing factor in why I became so relaxed. Hopefully you have given this a second go around and found a sense of relaxation.
Leanne