Release Tension - Short Version

In this short version, I guide you to intentionally create tension in your body for a minute or so. Then by releasing that tension, we show the body, mind and heart the way to releasing more tension.

Tightening our fists and arms against our body creates tightness in our torso, which makes it harder to breathe deeply. That shallow breathing is usually interpreted as pressure, stress or disregulation by the brain.

Once we release the tension and enjoy our ability to breathe deeper, we allow the brain to regulate and calm. Often we release a lot more pressure than just in our fists and arms, leading to a greater sense of wellbeing and ease.

Transcript

I'd like you to take both hands and close them into fists. Once they're closed into fists, I'd like you to tighten them as much as is comfortable for you. And now begin to tense up your forearms, Your upper arms. See if you can press your upper arms into your torso. And now if you place your awareness on your breathing, And particularly your breathing into the torso, You'll find there's a lot less capacity than you might normally have. Just press against that. It's like when you reach a certain amount of in-breath, There's not much more you can do, So you have to breathe out again. And breathing shallowly like this is often a sign of stress, Of pressure. So we are, If you like, Creating that for a moment, For a few moments. And then release. Oh, And you'll notice how the body will want to take a deep breath because it's been not starved of oxygen, But certainly the capacity was limited, Its ability to take in the air it wanted was much less. So we'll do that one more time. Clench fists, Tense arms, Press against the sides of the body, And notice at what point your breath comes to a halt, And you have to breathe out. We'll do this a few times. And release. Enjoy a few deep breaths. Enjoy any sense of relief and release that you get. And because we've shown the body away, We've shown the body the way, There's a good chance that you've also released some tension in other parts of the body, Or that the tension that we've released in the body is allowing some of our tension in the mind, In the heart, To also be released. So when you're ready, Shaking out your hands, Shaking out your arms, And carrying on with your day.