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Chapter XXIII: Rules for Relaxation.1905
Chapter XXIII: Rules for Relaxation.
Thoughts take form in action, and actions react upon the mind. These
two truths stand together. One is as true as the other. We have heard
much of the influence of the mind over the body, but we must not forget
that the body, or its attitudes and positions, react upon the mind and
influence mental states. We must remember these two truths in considering
the question of relaxation.
Much of the harmful and foolish practices and habits of muscular
contraction are caused by mental states taking form in physical action.
And, on the other hand, many of our mental states have been produced or
encouraged by habits of physical carelessness, etc. When we are angry the
emotion is apt to manifest in our clenching the fist. And, on the other hand,
if we cultivate the habit of clenching the fists, frowning, drawing together
the lips and assuming a scowl, we will be very apt to get the mind into such a
condition that the least thing will plunge it into a spell of anger. You all know
of the experiment of forcing a smile to the lips and eyes and maintaining it
for a while, which generally results in making you feel “smiling” after a few
minutes.
One of the first steps toward preventing the harmful practices of
muscular contraction, with its resulting waste of prana and wearing out of