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wires. Besides, every day millions of old, useless and dead cells are replaced by young, healthy ones in all our tissues except nerves. Nerve-cells are never renewed or replaced. Their numbers keep on decreasing as we get older. If we injure them, by, for example, overwork in the form of mental stress, they are lost for ever, leaving behind irreparable gaps. Now, it is possible to disconnect the wires carrying current to the electro-magnets i.e. muscles, more efficiently than in sleep, by conscious and voluntary action. This reduces the flow of current almost to nil and the output of energy to the minimum. This is what is meant by total relaxation.
Relaxation, if properly done, can relieve tension and fatigue more effectively in half an hour than many hours of indifferent sleep. It is an exercise of the mastery of conscious will over the body. Will, however, is not the tyrant with dictatorial powers, cracking the whip, but as gentle and patient as a loving mother with an obstinate child. In other words, relaxation can never be acquired by force, constraint or violence, but by persuasive auto-suggestions. It is thus a sophisticated form of hypotonia. In time, relaxation could become a habit, not a mechanical one, but an effortless conscious way of life. If one can remain relaxed under the most exasperating conditions, he has truly achieved mastery of conscious will over body.
The Technique of Relaxation
Normally relaxation is to be practised in a lying-down position (it can also be done in a sitting posture), but before lying down, create a suitable atmosphere for the exercise. Standing up recite loudly. "It is essential for me to relax to get rid of the physical, mental and emotional tensions and I shall devote myself wholly to the exercise of relaxation." Having thus resolved, try to set aside your worries. Take a deep breath and stretch yourself fully, taking your arms above your head and standing on your toes. Do this
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