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Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being1912
nerve-exhaustion of the strenuous business life, which has taken the place of
the old wandering life, with all its hardships.
Stretching.
“Stretching” is another method of resting employed by the Yogis. At
first sight this will seem to be the reverse of relaxation, but it is really akin
to it, inasmuch as it withdraws the tension from the muscles which have
been habitually contracted, and sends the prana through them to all parts
of the system, equalizing pranic conditions to the benefit of all the parts
of the body. Nature impels us to yawn and stretch when we are fatigued.
Let us take a lesson from her book. Let us learn to stretch at will as well as
involuntarily. This is not so easy as you may imagine and you will have to
practice somewhat before you get the full benefit from it.
Take up the Relaxation exercises in the order in which they are given in
this chapter, but instead of relaxing each part in turn simply stretch them.
Begin with the feet, and then work up to the legs, and then up to the arms
and head. Stretch in all sorts of ways, twisting your legs, feet, arms, hands,
head and body around in a way you feel like to get the full benefit of the
stretch. Don’t be afraid of yawning, either; that is simply one form of stretch.
In stretching you will, of course, tense and contract muscles, but the rest and
relief comes in the subsequent relaxation of them. Carry in your mind the
“let-go” idea, rather than that of muscular exertion. We cannot attempt to
give exercises in stretching, as the variety open to the student is so great that
he should not require to have illustrations given him. Just let him give way to
the mental idea of a good, restful stretch, and Nature will tell him what to do.
Here is one general suggestion, however: Stand on the floor, with your legs
spread apart and your arms extended over your head, also spread apart.
Then raise yourself on your toes and stretch yourself out gradually as if you
were trying to reach the ceiling. A most simple exercise, but wonderfully
refreshing.