Relax
Deep Relaxation: 3 Steps to Neurological Rest & Repair
In last month’s blog we went over how the immune system THRIVES and gets all its work done when the nervous system is in a parasympathetic state of REPAIR. Conversely, when the nervous system is in the sympathetic state of cortisol production, functions such as immunity, digestion and deep breathing are suppressed. The obvious question following the scientific understanding of these two alternate states of nervous system function is… how do we move from sympathetic (stress mode) into parasympathetic (repair mode)?
When we enter into inner body awareness, we are then able to quiet the mind and calm the nervous system
Step 1- Notice: Feel the aliveness of different parts of the body, noticing, noticing… drawing attention to the feeling of every cell becoming more alive with the attention you give.
Step 2- Connect: Notice that the energy in different body parts is the same energy in different places. All the parts are one cohesive unit, one energy field, no separation.
Step 3- Expand: Continue to discover the vastness of this energy field. Does it have a boundary? Does the “inner body” stop at the “outer body” walls? Allow the energy to expand outward, past this “perceived boundary.” See what happens for you.
3 Steps
***These 3 steps are an adapted and condensed summary of Chapter 5 in Eckhart Tolle’s second book, Practicing the Power of Now*** I recommend the audiobook. I can feel the sincerity of his voice in a greater capacity than just the words. Words are limiting, but we can still try!
See what can change from observing the mind from the inner body perspective, instead of the usual- observing the body from the mind’s perspective. When I come into this place of experiencing my energy for what it is, (not a body, not a thought, not a gender, not an age, not a pain, not a circumstance, not a story) my nervous system enters the relax and repair mode. I feel “at home” with myself and others, “UN-manifested” (I know, everyone wants to “manifest” nowadays!) But for me, nothing can compare to this place of “un-manifestation” which is simply an awareness of what exists or doesn’t exist in THIS moment– just energy and pure, intense love. I prefer experiencing myself and others from this place where forms and materials are irrelevant, giving attention to our similarities rather than our differences. THIS is deep relaxation for me. What is deep relaxation for you?
Simple Ways to Help Your Body Relax and Repair
With that said, I have found it is MUCH easier to get to the parasympathetic state of REPAIR when the body is healthy– with low physiological stress and distraction. This is why “getting there” includes taking care of our bodies. Everything we need is available, and there are many ways to get to this state of clean energy:
Exercise regularly – Gentle movement and circulation help release stress hormones and promote calm.
Upper cervical chiropractic care – Corrects nervous system imbalances and supports deep relaxation.
Practice deep breathing – Slow, intentional breaths activate the body’s natural relaxation response.
Laugh often – Genuine laughter lowers cortisol and boosts mood.
Spend time in nature – Fresh air and natural light help reset the body’s stress cycle.
Maintain a clean, hydrating diet – Nourish the body with balanced meals and plenty of water.
Enjoy calming herbal teas – Herbs like holy basil, chamomile, passionflower, and lavender ease tension.
Try magnesium supplements – Products such as Mag Calm help relax muscles and support nervous system balance.
Explore Traditional Chinese Medicine – Practices like acupuncture, qi gong, and tai chi promote energy flow and inner harmony.
Unplug from devices – Turn off WiFi or use airplane mode during rest and meditation to reduce stimulation.
Prioritize quality sleep – Deep, restorative sleep allows the nervous system to repair and recharge.
- Local Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner- James Barfoot has graciously provided us with his expert guidance in deep sleeping (audiolink HERE).I would bet we haven’t yet discovered all of the ways to enter into rest and repair mode. This is why it’s so crucial for each individual to tap into their own understandings– discovering what works for them.
Dr. Michael Burcon show remarkable long-term results in vertigo recovery. Among 470 patients, average vertigo ratings dropped from 7.8 before treatment to 2.8 after six weeks, 1.8 after one year, and less than 0.1 after three years—a 90% success rate.
Listening to the Inner Body
Every moment offers a chance to listen to the body’s language, especially during times of pain or illness. Pain—whether physical or emotional—is not something to silence but an invitation to reconnect with ourselves. When we suppress pain through medication or distraction, we often disconnect from the body’s wisdom and its ability to guide us toward deep relaxation and self-repair.
Perhaps our growing discomfort with medication reflects a deeper longing for genuine connection and awareness. Wherever we are on this journey is perfectly okay; each step, even the painful ones, may hold an important lesson that leads us closer to understanding and healing.
Meditation doesn’t have to be serious or confined to solitude. It can be a fun, living practice that we carry into everyday moments—while waiting in line, chatting at a party, or simply noticing the aliveness in our hands. By tuning into the body this way, we lighten our perspective, allowing both the mind and nervous system to relax.
Life, when seen through this lens, becomes a playful, ever-changing experience. We are constantly creating—and can also un-create—our experiences. Even pain serves a purpose, reminding us that growth and insight often emerge from our most challenging moments.
True meditation is simply being present with the body, feeling its energy, and embracing whatever arises with curiosity and compassion.