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In the last few years, the practice of relaxation has become quite popular owing to the high level of stress prevalent in modern society where values are changing fast, fear of competition & insecurity haunts many who struggle to sustain their positioning in the market. The pace of life has accelerated to a point where even leisure feels like a task to be optimized. 

According to psychiatrists, when the mind is constantly bombarded by stimuli, it becomes overloaded and exhausted. Under such a condition, we might not be aware of what we are doing, but by constantly thinking and worrying, we end up using tremendous amounts of energy thereby draining ourselves with no stamina at all. 

Hence it is very important to set aside some time each day for the mind to unwind and recoup its energies by way of relaxation.

Over the years, the concept of relaxation has undergone a series of makeovers just like a simple cup of coffee, which has been repackaged in recent years not as a simple beverage but as a lifestyle drink, giving it a worldview and meaning. 

In a similar fashion, relaxation is often presented these days as something more powerful than it is and sold as a cure-all. Wellness apps, luxury retreats, aromatherapy kits, and guided audio sessions flood the market , each promising the ultimate escape, each carrying a price tag that suggests salvation is somehow proportional to spending. However, at its core, relaxation doesn't require any fancy surroundings to do what it does. 

Still, with coffee as with relaxation, many people are willing to pay a premium for the hype, for the false promise that they are buying something truly special, new and unique, that the simple act they are performing will actually produce real deliverance, change their personalities, perfect their spiritual lives, fill their internal void.

However, amidst all these trappings, one does not understand a fact that complete mental and physical relaxation comes only with an inner tuning to a higher source. 

Most of us including psychiatrists, physical yoga teachers and clinicians do not know that the hypothalamus is the locus of mind or soul which is the real culprit in this whole game of creating stress, tension, anxiety within us. The soul or mind is an intelligent and conscient entity which thinks. 

Thus, when the soul has thoughts of worry, fear, anxiety etc., its inner harmony gets disturbed and this in turn disturbs various nuclei in the hypothalamus, which in turn disturbs the whole system of endocrine glands, the hormonal balance and the autonomic nervous system along with visceral functions. In other words, the problem does not begin in the body. It begins in consciousness itself , and no amount of deep breathing or essential oils can reach that far.

However, if the soul or mind withdraws itself from the adverse outer environment and negative attitudes by focusing its thoughts on its original nature which is peace & divinity, and directs its attention towards a higher source i.e. the Supreme, whose nature is absolute peace, it would then attain calmness and tranquility. 

This focusing of mind on a higher source is what we call "Rajyoga." Unlike conventional relaxation techniques that work top-down, trying to calm the mind through the body , Rajyoga works from the inside out, addressing the very seat of disturbance. It releases tension on the nuclei of the hypothalamus due to peaceful thoughts and the state of withdrawal from the body and influences it through continuous feedback of slow, rhythmic proprioceptive and exteroceptive impulses. 

It also activates the functions of various endocrine glands and sets up a useful homeostatic balance between various hormones, thereby leading to good health and much more. So flexible is this unique technique of ‘Rajyoga’ that there is no need to lie down or sit in a particular posture to practice it. One can easily practice it even when one is at work, while walking, or doing any activity.

A moment of conscious withdrawal , even in the middle of a busy office or a crowded street is enough to begin the process. The whole idea is to set our mind in this 'posture', practicing withdrawal and detachment when faced with problems which lead to hypertension and other mental-physical disorders. 

What is required is to cogitate and ruminate on the knowledge of the soul in order to withdraw the mind from the memories of evil persons & evil events of this gross world and expose the mind to the Supreme , the ocean of peace. 

By doing this, the body & mind are then automatically harmonized and this state of harmony, happy feelings, noble thoughts, holy emotions and proper outlook cures man of many diseases or reduces many ailments and helps him/her to recover easily & speedily. 

The science supports it. The ancient wisdom has always known it. What remains now is simply the choice to turn inward. Doesn't this sound easy? Then go for it.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad.)

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