How to Bring About the "Healing" Experience  Part 3

In chatting with a friend recently, we were exploring the idea that people who want to heal themselves or get involved in some sort of healing process may heal differently from other people, that meaning that different healing methods are used and applied by different people.

On a closer examination of this idea, we realized that there are some universal principles and practices that assist in the healing of anyone, while at the same time, some may focus on one particular way or path for healing themselves.

This writer has met many people who have found salvation, guidance and healing through a belief in Jesus and his teachings.

They may refer to themselves as being born again Christians and say that they have turned their lives over Jesus and the lord.

This writer has also met many people who have found the guidance, salvation and healing that they need through their long - term dedication at working a 12 step program associated with AA, NA or some other self

- help and support group.

But many who want to heal themselves may feel that these two approaches are too extreme or demanding of them or are not what they are looking for or need.

One thing that such people can learn and all people benefit from is to learn how to practice relaxation and relax better according to Yoga.

This involves an individual taking some time for him or herself each day, for about only 15 minutes, during which time he or she lays on their back in a posture known as the corpse posture and watches their breathing.

This practice according to Yoga scripture and teachings (Hatha Yoga Pradipka 1:36) removes tiredness and enables the mind to relax(1).

Too many times, the stress and anxieties of the day and our day to day living get us and keep us wound up.

At the end of the day, we try to relax in ways that are not healthy, many times spending the evening watching television, sitting in unhealthy postures, and overeating or eating food and drinking things that may not be best for us to consume.

Yoga suggests that we can bring about a real state of mental and physical relaxation, one that is ongoing and builds on itself by practicing relaxation as suggested above.

For those who want to heal themselves or bring about a real positive change in their life, the daily practice of this kind of relaxation will be found to be of great assistance providing them with the ability to access new states of consciousness, such as balance, concentration and mindfulness.

When we are more balanced, concentrated and mindful, the healing experience is something that we are truly involved in and building on.

(1) Muktibodhananda, Swami Hatha Yoga Pradipka Mungar, Bihar, India Bihar School of Yoga 1985 Page 86

)2005 John C. Kimbrough (February 26th, 2006)