Our brain can be experienced as a sponge and that sponge can be squeezed and pressurized and needs blood and energy to function.  There is a whole system of body awareness and bodywork called “Polarity” that focuses on where the energy and charge is located in the body and being able to manipulate it.  Often our brain “pole” is charged and energized and needs to be to function, but there are times when it is necessary to discharge and drain the brain, sleep is one of the opportunities and deep rest and relaxation is another.  The sensation can be one of cooling and depressurizing the head ifRead More →

Inclined towards activity and accomplishment aren’t you. Most people in our culture are so inclined.   I am more interested in when activity ceases but consciousness remains, also known as rest and relaxation, hence the inordinate amount of  time I spend experimenting with such states in my recliner.  I think of myself as an explorer in the world of the three Rs, Rest, Relaxation, and Release.  When activity ceases but consciousness remains could also be called meditation.  Interesting things can happen.   Awareness can take some interesting turns when we are rendered still and immobile. Read More →

 Apex pharmacy here in Hamden is a drug store and surgical supply shop not far from where I live.   I was there a couple of days ago to pick up some medicine and noticed they had greatly expanded their display of lift recliners.  These are the type of recliners that will aid in lifting you up onto your feet. They must have had close to a dozen of them lined up at the front of the store.   I am tempted to get one to reduce even further the strain of getting out of a recliner.  I think recliners might even be better than a bed for the purpose of relaxationRead More →

Blackie slipping off into her morning reverie and meditation.  Eyes at half mast, body supremely relaxed, the sun shining on her back.  My guess is she hasn’t a care in the world right now.  Read More →

Time magazine this week has an interesting short article on what science has discovered that can improve our Happiness Quotient or H.Q., (my designation not the articles). It is in the October 12, 2015 issue on page 28. But in a very abridged form here are the five basic recommendations, from scientific research, that can improve our Happiness Quotient: 1.Plan pleasant and enjoyable experiences. 2.Calmness bests excitement on the H.Q. scale. 3.Indulge your senses and the pleasures they can deliver. 4.Modest expectations have the best outcome.  5. Savor all the big and little pleasures life has to offer.  Allan  Read More →

There was a feature on the afternoon news yesterday about the “MELT” system.  Two very attractive, young females demonstrated how to put a foam roller under your hips and then pull the legs up with your knees towards your chest.  Using rollers has made it into the main stream it seems.  MELT is a technical acronym for what the system purports to do, which is to loosen and relax muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, improve nerve functions, and create a more open and better physical alignment.  But I like the name particularly because it also suggests what is really happening. We are melting, softening, letting go, surrendering forRead More →

LAZY MAN The Lazy Man is learning to relax. To rest and to surrender. The Lazy Man is finding his balance Between activity and rest, Between movement and stillness. “Peace, Ease, and Rest” Is his catch phrase. The Lazy Man is not looking for a fight But to end the struggle. Compassion is his religion. =Read More →

Hedonism, the philosophy of pleasure, is also a therapy.  The point is made that pleasure is what makes life worth living.  Hedonism, the philosophy of pleasure,  may help people become more receptive to and accepting of pleasure, an often necessary attitude adjustment.  Pleasure is allowed and suffering is not a requirement.  Most people will have their share of both pleasure and suffering in their lives, but in Hedonism the emphasis is on pleasure.  Yoga can help. With its emphasis on relaxation and breathing, we become even more receptive to pleasure and learn to live in a pleasant present.  Allan  Read More →

I wake up a wreck.  All my efforts the days, weeks, months, and years before to straighten out, loosen up, and adjust my body seem to have been for naught.  I creak out of bed in the morning, back stiff, breathing labored, knees aching, and head congested.  Forty some odd years of practicing yoga and this is what I get and how I find myself most mornings. Perhaps my 67 years are catching up to me.  But with a little rolling around on the floor, some mild and easy stretches, and a little pressure applied where necessary I do my best to straighten out, loosen up,Read More →

Cats have a very liberal policy when it comes to napping. They even have a nap named after them, the catnap. But for us napping may seem slightly disreputable, a drain on our ambition and enterprise. Napping may be all right for babies, the elderly and the infirm, but for a healthy adult best to be avoided. It is an indulgence, a giving in, a weakening and surrender to fatigue and who can predict where such surrendering may lead? Could it be the beginning of the end to civilization as we know it? And yet napping seems normal enough and even healthy. In other timesRead More →