Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Power of Visualization

The following is a true story…

When I decided to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional wrestler, I told my wife that I wanted to have a WWE contract by the time I was 30. Keep in mind:
1. I was 26 when I started and there were guys who had been working for 7 or 8 years that didn’t have contracts.
2. I’m not anywhere near 6 ft tall (5’4” to be exact)
3. I’m never going to weigh even close to 200 lbs.

The odds just didn’t seem in my favor. During road trips, I would talk with people who had the same dreams of professional wrestling success. I thought I would earn a contract by my 30th birthday. I didn’t just think about it, I KNEW that I would be a WWE employee whether anyone else did or not. Less than 30 days after my 29th birthday, I premiered on WWE programming. Thinking back on it, I figured out how I did it. I BELIEVED without a shadow of a doubt that I would fulfill my dream. No one could tell me that it wasn’t going to happen because I KNEW I could. Of course, hard work and dedication are part of the equation, but I used Visualization.

Visualization is picturing a desired object or outcome so clearly and focusing intention and creative energy on it so intently that it is created in our reality.

What does this have to do with massage or relaxation?

Simple. Try this simple exercise. Stand up with your arm straight out and with your feet planted twist at the waist as far as you can. Note how far you twisted. Now, close your eyes and visualize twisting all the way around to the front again. Next, without opening your eyes, twist as far as you can. Once you get as far as you can, open your eyes.

Go ahead. I'll wait...

I guarantee that you twisted much farther the second time. That is the power of visualization. Now, if you can do that with such a simple exercise, then imagine when you are stretching or just relaxing.

Read the last post again, expecially the exercise. Now, add visualization to it by visualizing your muscles relaxing as you breath. Try it for a week and let me know your results.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Purpose of Breath

We live in a very fast paced society. In this new age of technology with iPods, the internet, and cell phones that are essentially mini computers, we are constantly bombarded with stimulus and it puts stress on the mind and body. This is before we actually talk about the stresses of work, family obligations, and our day-to-day activities.

Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses, and it’s a normal part of life. The events that happen around you (and your reaction to them) put stress on your body. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

Next time you feel stress, pay attention to your breathing. When we are stressed the breath usually becomes very shallow. The first thing you do to relieve that stress is to begin deep breathing.

Deep breathing lowers blood pressure, relax the muscles, and slow your heart and respiration rate. It also prevents stress from building up. It reduces insomnia and fatigue and reduces general anxiety. It also increases your energy level and helps you slow down your racing thoughts. The list goes on and on.

A word of caution: if you feel dizzy or light headed, then stop. With that being said, here’s a deep breathing exercise to get you started:

Deep Breathing Exercise
Take a very deep breath through your mouth and nose, completely filling up your lungs. Now hold it for 3 seconds, and exhale, forcing every last bit of air out. Take a few regular breaths, and repeat 5-10 times.

In a nutshell, deep breathing counteracts the physical and mental affects of the fight or flight response. It serves to reduce anxiety when it strikes. When practiced regularly, its physical and mental benefits may also help prevent anxiety, and keeps you in the present moment, so you may think clearly and function better.

Try it and let me know how it goes.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Hello world!!

Welcome to the Hands On Health Experience. My name is Demond Thompson, and I’m nationally certified, licensed massage therapist in Louisville, Kentucky. I intend to help usher in a Renaissance of Well Being. I will share information and my thoughts on health and well being.
Enjoy the ride. It’s going to be fun!