32 SECRETS OF SHAMANISM
something to do, so let it be. Simply acknowledge it, then
ignore it and go on.
Learnino to Relax
Helpful for successful journeying and many other sha-
manic techniques is the ability to relax your body completely
and rapidly. This art, if cultivated, will result in a rich bounty
of benefits. The deeper your body relaxes, the more power-
ful and effective will be your experience. There are many
good methods to relax the body. We recommend the follow-
ing because it has proved effective with so many people and
at the same time it tunes you into the elements thus opening
the senses. However, feel free to use any method of relax-
ation that works for you. With a little practice you can learn
to reach a state of deep relaxation within a minute or so.
Shamans can reach this state in seconds if they wish. You
may want to make a cassette tape of the exercise and play it
to yourself.
Exercise #4: Relaxation
- Find a safe comfortable place where you will not be inter-
rupted. It is best to turn the lights low and lie down on
your back with your body stretched out.
- Take three deep breaths and blow out all the tension you
might feel.
- Become aware of your body. Start with your feet and
gradually move upward through each joint until you reach
your head.
- Begin to notice the effect that gravity has on your body.
Notice that it pulls you downward, pressing various parts
of your body more deeply into the carpet or floor. Notice
how it holds down your clothes and your arms and legs.
Feel its effect on your face. Realize that without gravity
you would float up and drift around the room. Gravity
gives your body weight.
- Let go of any resistance you have to gravity. It is a natural
and constant force. Give into it. Allow gravity to pull out
all the tension left in your body. Let it drift downward
deep into the earth where all energy is renewed.
- Notice, however, that the thoughts and images in your
mind are not subject to gravity. You are free to travel with
them anywhere you wish to go.
