Thread: Clear Mind/Relaxation

Probably the most popular method is to just focus your mind on your breathing. Observe (but try not to affect) your breath as it enters your nose; feel it flow down the back of your throat and expand your lungs; feel your chest and abdomen rise. Then wait (don't hold your breath) and on the exhalation, observe these same things. Observe as if you were watching a movie. Don't get involved. Don't try to force your breath to be even or to come and go on a count. If you actually relax, your breathing will naturally be slow and regular.

My personal favorite, however, is listening to music. Choose something relaxing and without words b/c you don't want your mind to become engaged in lyrics and their meaning. Classical music, Native American flute music, soft jazz, and slow Celtic music have all worked well for me (my favorite of the moment is the Braveheart soundtrack). Just listen to the music. Really listen to it and nothing else. Let your mind flow with the melody or pulsate with the base line. Observe the music completely as if it were the only and most important thing in the world at that moment. Be completely in the moment. Don't think about things you have to do or things you should have done. Sometimes it helps to visualize a blank screen or curtain in front of your eyes so you can focus more completely on your hearing.

I prefer the music method because when my mind is really active, the music is stimulating enough to keep the mind focused and prevent wandering. After a few minutes with the music, if I want to, I can usually switch it off and just focus on my breathing, but most of the time I don't bother because I feel so relaxed, refreshed, and softly focused after 15 or so minutes of observing the music. Hope that helps.

You could try the 61 point relaxation technique.

I personally don't think you need to go to the extent of all 61 points. That is my experience.
And what Peregrine had said!

I personally focus on my breathing. It allso helps me not to get distracted by other thoughts. =)