What Do You Find Relaxing....or do to TOTALLY relax?

Hello again Raijin... Wow I notice you are only 10 credits away from reaching 5000 posts...that is impressive! Good job! Anyway, thanks for adding your point about traveling.From the photos I saw it would appear that you do know how to relax on vacation! That is another thing I find relaxing too...anything to keep the busy brain from over-thinking things. Sounds like my brain works like yours...always thinking. That is why practices lie yoga and meditation...or tai chi are great ways to focus on breathing and still the mind. I highly recommend them! Anyway you have lots of time to pursue a many things and with your interest in people and life I am sure you will! Take care...your presence here is always appreciated1 Raia

Thank you my friend for those encouraging words, they are really appreciated.. I'm still having trouble of maintaining proper time to sleep, so I guess it's mostly triggered by stress and too much thinking!;) My other way of relaxing at home is through reading, I believe reading has provided three good reasons. The first one is too keep my mind floating while envisioning the story I'm reading and imagining as if I am also part of the story, second is to enrich my knowledge on such things and the last is hoping that would help me fall to sleep..

Oh my gosh Raijin...I so know what you are talking about...if you were to chat with David he would tell you that when we lie in bed together he can actually 'hear the inner hum' of my busy brain before I fall asleep...and as soon as I wake up in the morning. I have found a couple of things that help me. I make sure that I do not drink anything with caffeine past about three o'clock in the afternoon. No pop, caffeinated tea, coffee, coke...or anything with high concentrations of sugar. Then I use a herbal tea put out by Celestial Seasonings called Sleeptytime tea. If that brand isn't available maybe you could find something similar. It has a combination of hops, passion flower, camomile and others. I steep it really well and drink in about 15 minutes before the time we head to bed. Also deep inhales and exhales have helped my body relax...and when I cannot settle my brain I practice the breathing while saying...I am willing to release all thoughts...it is time to sleep...relax. If that doesn't work I use a herbal insomnia capsule...but only upon occasion because they can be habit forming if used too often or long term. Anyway, those are a few of the things I do to slow my thinking processes down and get a good nights sleep. We all need that...it is the time the body rejuvenates itself...so hope you can find a way to do it! Take care...and good to have you back again... Raia

ouch... you are making me envy...lol. i wish i have a hubby who i can pamper and can pamper me as well. my children really enjoys this chit chatting in the morning and on sundays if the budget allows we go out and stroll at the mall.

Well my friend I have the hubby and no children...and we are fine with our decision. But you have some children that I am sure fill your life with a different kind of love. This is a second marriage for both my hubby David and I...and neither one of us ever expected to find anyone else to share our lives with. Our first marriages were less than satisfying. When we met we were surprised at how well we got along...and 17 years later it just keeps getting better. So keep withing...and don't give up on your desire if that is what you would like...it could happen...it did for me! Anyway, keep doing the great job that you are...raising the planetary citizens of tomorrow. In the meantime I wish for you all that you wish for yourself.. Warm regards, Raia

Hi again... How nice to hear that family time with the kids is at the top of your list...your kids are fortunate and I am sure they look forward to and appreciate that connection with you as well. Oh yes, full body massages and foot spas...that really works to take relaxation to a whole new level! I'd love to be able to have them more often...but whenever it is possible I love it! Thankfully my hubby has very healing hands and often gives full body massages...and I put the foot fixer on for him and do his feet. So we do our best to keep the in-house spa feeling going whenever we feel stressed out, overworked! Nice addition...thanks my fellow Shrek-ie! Raia

Hello to my valued on-line gal-pal who often reveals that 'great minds think alike!' Well whether our guys are soul brothers...or just more enlightened than many of my friend's husbands we are fortunate that they care enough to relax us before proceeding on to the next level. Oh brother could I write an article or two on how many women at the women's shelter I've volunteered at have TOTALLY opposite experiences. They don't call it a shelter for battered women without good reason. Anyway, time to move off that one or both you and I will get ourselves worked up over women's rights and we won't follow the thread of this relaxing discussion. Your love of tennis is intriguing to me...and the more you chat about it helps me envision sitting alongside the courts and hearing the rhythmic 'ping-pong' of the balls and watching them...I guess it could be rather hypnotic and relaxing. Never thought of it...see sharing perspectives...works for sure! I also appreciated your addition about waking up to a 'do nothing day.' Good point...it is so true that that first feeling in the morning starts the day out with in inner sigh of relaxation. Sleep...oh yes...isn't that the truth! During the earlier years within our dysfunctional family dynamic bed did not feel like a very safe place for me and I avoided it as long as possible. It too years to release those associative memories and now bed is a wonderfully safe and nurturing place. As you've said fresh sheets...a warm Sweetie to snuggle beside...ah yes...the best of the best! Great additions again Rose...thanks so much! Cheers, Raia

Yes, We are lucky ones!!The stile of life in my part of Croatia is so good!!I lived two years in Newport/Rhode Island /,and all American friends told me that a way of life in Newport is a similar ,like ,in Europe but for me it was so cold and no truly friendly place.Yes ,people are friendly but they do not care about you!!Here we live together and share our problems!!Maybe we take care about others life but when someone have a problem all community wants to help!!I am in deep love with my Country!!Warmest regards Silvana

Wow...you have my interest...would never have thought of traveling there...but now I am thinking...maybe someday! It does sound like an absolutely 'perfect' place. Great weather, slower pace, sharing, caring community and a sense of belonging. I can certainly understand why you love your country and lifestyle...and also that you acknowledge that with such a genuine 'attitude of gratitude.' I love the way Mylot chats often veer into other directions...now I want to check out travel options to a new friend's country...who would have thought! See you are doing good things by sharing...you might just end up drawing new tourists to your special corner of the world. Thanks for sharing! Raia

Hello aaidjus...how nice it is to hear about the wonderful climate of your country...it sounds heavenly and a place I'd love to live. The pace sounds like something that my hubby and I would enjoy. We loved a slower pace to life and moved away from Winnipeg where we were raised. It has a population of over 750,000 people to a rural community of less than 1000 residents...and we are very happy here. I find it most interesting that that you do not have to do anything specific to relax because your whole lifestyle is low in stress and high in satisfaction...no wonder you have an optimistic attitude. Thanks Silvana...your approach is a standard many of would like to aspire to and I am so glad you shared it with us. Raia

Oh yes...saunas...how I love them too. The image you posted is so inviting that I can almost smell the cedar and feel the warmth. Makes me want to walk right into the photo. Congratulations as well for reaching the 500 club and you are obviously enjoying the ability to add photographs to topics. It is something I really enjoy too. Speaking of that I went to your site and was going to comment on your Donald Duck discussion and accidentally ended up with 4 comments on your image of him. Sorry...sometimes weird repeats like that happen and I have no idea why. OK now on to your lovely input to this topic. You sound like you have some wonderful relaxation techniques. Thanks so much for reminding me about the feathers...we used to include that and someone moved away from it...but not now! That is why I love sharing ideas with others...you either learn new ones...or bring ones back...and so it is here. Your time at the cabin sounds so heavenly. My relatives had a rustic cabin at the lake while I was growing up and I know it instilled a love of the natural world that has stayed with me and will forever. So great ideas and additions...thanks my friend...and I am sure hubby will say that too once we get the feather out again! (laugh). Raia

Wow...a change of countries and from the sound of it a big change in cultures and climate. Good to know you have adapted so well to your new surroundings. That is what I see in you as I mentioned in other discussions...you appear to have an open mind with an optimistic outlook and that will continue to serve you well as your travel your road of life. Thanks for the link I checked it out and bookmarked it so I can go back and read more. When I saw the dried plants hanging in the photo I wondered what they were. That is how we dry the herbs we grow in the garden so we can use them throughout the winter. Also I should have mentioned that we have a mini-version of a sauna only it uses infra red heat. You step inside, and zip it up and it does have a healing warming effect...but nothing compares to the cedar ones in your image. We hope to add one to our home...and do I look forward to that! I am OK with the extra comments as long as you are...maybe Daffy Duck made things a little daffy just to make us laugh! Yes, you sure are doing a good job and I look forward to sharing more images with you...I always like to see them on any discussion or response. Warm regards as always, Raia

Hi, Raia! Yes, wooden sauna is the best. Over here in Finland they also use vasta/vihta. They're VERY fragrant and I LOVE being beaten by them! ;-D Check it out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_sauna Oh dear...I'm so sorry to hear about the Donald Duck discussion...after all your efforts. :-(((( THANKS, anyway!!! Yeah, that's true about sharing ideas with others...we can be reminded of the good old stuff he he he... Yep, I LOVE going to the cabin! ;-D I had lived for 28 years in a small alley in a big city in Indonesia (Bandung), so moving here is quite a change, but it's a VERY positive one. ;-D I begin to get more in touch with nature here. ;-D HA HA HA...Glad to be of help, Raia. Yeah, enjoy the feathers with your hubby! ;-D And yes, I do enjoy putting pics in my discussions and sometimes in my comments. It feels good! ;-D

Good morning Perspectives, I'm not familiar with Kelly Howell. Yet, I won't question the value of L/R hemisphere tuning. I used to co-facilitate a program with a Kineisiologist. Her many tips for L/R synchronization were not only helpful, but were just shy of amazing. Particularly for those with physical coordination issues. For many, it was the first time they'd ever had a personal understanding of how dependent the body is on the mind for it's ability to function. So, although it's been many years since I've used outside guided imagery, I appreciate the Kelly Howell referral. I am interpreting your response correctly, arent I? I gather that since you use Kelly Howell's cd's at night, that they would be considered an tool for accessing a variance in consciousness? Or, are they an instructional tool for the conscious mind? Because I can certainly see value in the conscious, 'present' listener learning how to activate the less dominant hemisphere.

Hi Ladyluna... ab yes I agree it is good to hear from you again and have a chance to visit again. We have dogs and I know what you mean about them not always being the most relaxing companions...but as you say...getting out in the fresh air and sharing their field can be grounding. Your description of going into a deep state of relaxation and into a theta state is something I am familiar with. sometimes at night I listen to Kelly Howell and her many hemi-synch CD's that synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Your journeys to the Askashic Hall of Records does not sound delusive at all to me...because of a shared belief that everything we need to know comes from Within...and there are many ways to access our Inner Knowing. I find when I receive the answers I'm looking for...it is very liberating and relaxing. So thanks so much for your willingness to share what works for you..it is always enjoyable to share ideas with like minded others. Warm regards and light filled blessings, Raia

Hi, sorry it has taken me awhile to get back here. I have been busy with writing an article for my column and putting the peddle to the metal on the final edits for my book. So that and working to heal a knee injury has kept me away from Mylot the past few days. I agree with you about the amazing 'body-talk' experiences that occur within that system. Kelly Howell's brain synchronization methods are just one of many that are out there under the 'hemi-sync conscious evolution' approach. If you keyword either Kelly...brain sync...hemi-sync you will find a lot of information on the process. I have found interesting internal shifts that have augmented my cognitive intentions. So thanks for coming back. It is truly a joy to discover like minded others who know what I am talking about and visa versa. I knew we had parallel perspectives from the first response you gave here. I value your input and look forward to more of the same as time permits. Wishing light filled blessings, Raia

Wow we do share a lot of interests:) Yes, all those things relax me a lot and I do them as often as possible, specially since lately my life has been stressful enough lol

Oh yes...the inevitable life stressors...hope you can take some time to find time to do relaxing things. In any case...breathe...deeply....in....out....in....out...inhale, exhale....anyway it works for me! Take care and take it kewl! Raia

There are quite a few of us who love to be at the beach or ocean as a way of relaxing. Ahhh, yes, waves, warm sand and sun...yes it doesn't get much better than than. We have a canoe...and I forgot to put that one on my relaxation list...but we love it too. There is a lake about 15 minutes from our home and we have gone there to get alway from things and relax. We like biking too...so we share a lot in common. Raia

Hi...and thanks for bringing another unique way to relax...and this is what makes discussions so interesting. Chatting with others on line and hearing what they do to relax and wind down has provided such a relaxing feel that my head is going to hit the keyboard soon! Seriously, the ideas bring on a mellow feel. I played the guitar for awhile when I was younger but never stayed with it and sometimes I regret it. Until you described what you do I had forgotten how relaxing it can be to play an instrument you enjoy and just flow with it. So keep on strumming... Raia

Or one day - a universal citizen. I used to not want to have kids - I just wanted to adopt - older kids maybe - or maybe a collie. I figured all those moms with six kids - had my share! I hope all is well for you. I enjoyed reading your ways of relaxing. Tonight, I'm going to daydream about being able to do some of those things - take the long bath, lie in a hammock...

Yes...who knows where the children of today will be as adults in the future...I am sure it is a lot to think about as a parent. I am signing off shortly...but I do hope you will not only be able to dream about doing some of the relaxing things we've shared...but actually find some nurturing 'me time' so you can actually DO IT! If not, pleasant daydreams...and happy sleep time. Take care...and blessings to you and yours, Raia

Hi again...and thanks for adding some of the activities you find relaxing. You have some that I really enjoy too. The hot, hot soak in our bubble jet tub with Epsom salts, essential oils and bubble bath. I light candles, incense and put on some calming music. When I sink into that warm, bubbling water my whole body says...ahhhhhhh. Love to lie in our hammock day..or night. Sleep...oh yes...me too! So more parallels...except the baby part. No kids in our life and I am happy with that choice for us. However...I am a huge champion of mothers, fathers and parenting in general. The job of raising tomorrows planetary citizens...very significant calling. Your son is fortunate to have a mother with your level of awareness and integrity. Continue to take good care of yourself...and the wonderful discussions and responses are always appreciated! Warm and caring regards, Raia

Hi Vicki.. So we share the rapid fire thinking process...it can be great when wanting to active...but like you a real challenge when you want to be still and slow down. Your methods are akin to mine...Nature...yoga, meditation...and it does help immensely. Another thing that helped me a lot was something called brain synchronization...you can keyword that...or hemi-synch...brain-synch to find more information. The tonalities balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain and really accelerate meditation practices. Too bad you tub time is not an option these days...but you sound like a great Mom...and your time will come after the kids are older. Thanks for adding your experiences to the topic...if you decide to check out the hemi-synch let me know how you make out. Best regards, Raia

Hi again... Sorry it has taken me awhile to get back to you...I hurt my knee and that has taken time away. Also I have writing commitments that I have been working on my manuscript doing final edits on it. So that translates to less time to Mylot. Anyway, I am glad you found the suggestion for the hemi-synch useful. I like Kelly Howell's...the Universal Secret. Is the Insight CD in the Hemi-Synch series? I know there are a lot of companies putting them out now...and I have not used the Insight one personally. What I would suggest is to trust your intuitive knowing and pick something...work with it for awhile and move on to something else. I like the Kelly Howell Universal Secret One because it is designed to be listened to as you are going to sleep and when I've been too busy to listen during the day it gives me a relaxing, uplifting way to end the day. Let me know how you make out with it...always fun to share ideas this way. Warm regards, Raia

Hi again...good to have you back and that your son's performance was well received. Maybe all that energy will lead him the theater. From the sound of it total relaxation is something that comes in spurts that are few and far between. That is why I always celebrate mothers and all they give to their children. Your son is fortunate to have a mother like you...and I know one day he will appreciate it. In our gardening discussions it always came through about how much you enjoy it and your and roses...I can appreciate how easy it is to lose oneself in the experience and time does go by. I have had that on many occasion. Locking yourself up and watching horror movies is a very unique way of relaxing...but I am sure you are so totally absorbed in them and that always takes the mind off everything else. Sometimes when I don't have time for a long hot soak I will have a shower and let the warm water flow over sore shoulders and that helps me relax too. Anyway, hope you can have some 'breathing space and me time' you seem to give a lot out to others. So long for now my friend, Raia

Hi... Sorry I haven't been back for a few days I have been busy with work...and working to heal a knee injury. I hope that your pace and the fact that you find it hard to de-stress doesn't lead to some kind of an injury or illness. I used to be more Type A myself...but now I see the value in relaxation. Meditation, yoga and something called 'hemi-sync' brain wave CD's have gone a long way to helping me keep my life more in balance. It sounds as though you have a 'busy-mind.' Boy, do I know that one well!!!!! Thankfully as I made different choices, changed my beliefs and quit 'shoulding' myself I can take time for myself without having the mental mind chatter drivers get in the way of a more satisfying, less frenetic lifestyle. However, it you are enjoying yourself the way things are....go for it! Thanks for dropping by again... Good luck with your de-stressing as well. Raia

Hi again... This is great such great fun. I love connecting with new friends and sharing interests and perspectives! Your idea of relaxation and fun with the horses is something I enjoy as well. My Mom and Dad loved to go attend horse racing at Assinaboia Downs in Winnipeg where we used to live. They became good friends with a lot of the trainers and jockeys and we'd often go out to the track early in the morning when they were exercising them. I fully understand what you mean about the special feeling in the early morning. It is true what you say about the scent. It is a horse smell...manure and all and is not too hard to adjust to. They kept the stalls clean and well maintained for the well being of their animals and I never found it offensive either...but then I love horses and being around them too. Your other activities are ones we enjoy too...sun time at the beach...sitting around an open fire and star gazing...yes my friend they all have my vote too! Good input...thanks! Raia

Thank you so much! My husband cares/trains Standardbreds for harness racing. I love to watch them exercise as well, to hear their gate going around the track, its almost musical! I love to sit and hear them communicate with one another, or with other horses at the neighboring barns. I just wish I could figure out what they are saying to one another! hehe I love interacting with them too. They will nibble you a bit and nudge you, gently eat right out of your hand. I just hate that they come and go and I get so attached to them. They say a horse has a memory stronger than an elephant, and will remember someone that they trust for many many years to come. Its very pleasing that we share this same interest! Thanks again! Bay xx

Hi again... Just noticed your response...and wanted to check back. Interesting we also had friends who participated in the harness races as well. Do any of the horses your hubby cares for race in Winnipeg...at Assinaboia Downs or elsewhere in Manitoba? I know there are a lot of smaller tracks throughout the province. Wouldn't it be kewl to meet at the track sometime if you ever end up in our neck of the woods? Who knows I have already made a connection with two women in the U.S. We chat on the phone on a weekly basis and hope to meet in person one day. I guess we are discovering a 'like attracts like' thing going on here as we chat more. Fun stuff alright!!! Take care, Raia

Oh it must be wonderful to walk around the lake in the early morning. We lived on a lake for awhile and I loved to take strolls in the woods and connect with Nature. My hubby and I enjoy hiking and being out in the 'wilds.' We now live in a small rural community and there are lots of natural areas to enjoy here as well. I find it interesting to hear that a satisfied customer adds to your sense of relaxation...something many might not consider. Thanks for dropping by my friend.. Raia

Hi again... It is great to read about the many things you do to wind down from the many stressors you've faced in the last while. I believe that discovering ways to balance that off gives us greater resiliency to face challenges. I love the beach too...there is something about the way the air feels..and smells. I love to gather shells and feathers and just attune to Something larger than myself. So yes, it sure does clear out the 'muzzy' thinking...would be fun to take a walk like that together and chat in person one day! Anyway, thanks for adding your ideas agai... Raia

Hi again.. When I read your addition I must say that I do not find it pathetic at all. I know other musicians and composers who lose themselves in their music and find it totally relaxing. So this is a great addition to the discussion...and one no one else has presented so far. So thanks for that...always great to have another perspective on anything we're chatting about. Keep creating and enjoying your love of music...and your piano.. Best regards, Raia

Hi again...I wondered how you've been doing we haven't chatted in awhile. Oh yes, floating...you reminded me of another one of my favorite things to do to relax. Sorry to hear about your knee...when did you injure yours? I jammed my right knee a couple of weeks ago when I misjudged the step going down into our Great Room. Like you I am resting it..and had to use ice to bring down the swelling too. Wow...we do have a lot in common...even when we are not in touch! So good to hear you are resting and taking better care...I am doing my best to do the same. My lessons often come in the form of 2 x 4's too! Warm and caring regards, Raia

It is always good to hear when anyone's problems have subsided and life begins to feel easier and less intense. Mellow music is one of my favorite relaxation techniques too. So thanks for dropping by...and I sincerely hope your life continues to improve and you find the solutions you seek. Raia