Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) Meditation

Relax the Body to Relax the Mind

A Meditation to Support the Relief of Anxiety and Pain

Tuesdays September 25, October 2, 9, 16
Whonnock Lake Centre
Barcode – 243168
For more information
and to register click on link
Maple Ridge Fall Leisure Guide

Beginners Welcome

This meditation works best either lying down or seated in a chair.

For those wishing to lie down, please bring a yoga mat and pillow.  Chairs will be provided for those who would prefer to sit in a chair.  Regardless of whether you are lying down or seated in a chair, please bring a blanket for comfort and water.

 

Meditation has been scientifically and medically linked to…

Easing stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain
Giving rise to improved relationships and productivity
Enhancing short-term memory and the ability to focus and concentrate.

 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) Meditation

This type of meditation differs from a regular guided meditation as it targets and works to relax the body to relax the mind.  Regular guided meditation acts upon the mind to relax the body.

Sometimes beginners find it easier to stay mindful or present during a PMR meditation.

Throughout the meditation participants are asked to tighten and release different muscles starting at the top of their head and ending at the tips of their toes.

Focusing on the muscles provides a purpose and helps to stop the mind from wondering.

Tightening and releasing the muscles, is also an excellent way to reduce the amount of stress the body is carrying.

Stress is cumulative and chronic stress, regardless of the cause, transitions the body to the fight or flight mode.

In the fight or flight mode our breathing becomes shallow and rapid, our startle response is heightened, we are no longer able to focus or concentrate and our muscles tighten up.

We are no longer fun to be around as we are often cranky and tired.

Remaining in the fight or flight mode for a prolonged period of time can often lead to anxiety and pain.

The best way to reduce the the muscle tension, anxiety and pain is to relax; however, in this heightened state of alertness, relaxation is not always easy to achieve.

It can be so very difficult to stop our mind from churning.

PMR meditation is an excellent resource as it relaxes the body.

Once the body is relaxed the mind to follows suit.

Although it sounds counterintuitive, PMR meditation is based on the premise that if we consciously create and release muscle tension, we are not only acknowledging that tension exists, we are creating a memory that we have the power to release the tension.

By extension we are often able to reduce our anxiety and pain. 

This meditation provides us with a means to empower ourselves.

 

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PMR Meditation