Relax Completely

Table of Contents

• Relax Completely: The Power of True Relaxation

• The Five Principles of Relaxing Completely

• Living Relaxation (Seishi) vs. Dead Relaxation (Te …

• Practicing Relaxation in Daily Life

Relax Completely: The Power of True Relaxation

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves carrying tension without even noticing it. This nervous energy can build up in our bodies and minds, manifesting as tightness in the muscles or a sense of unease. Over time, this can weaken our resilience and even make us more susceptible to illness.

Relaxation, however, is an incredible remedy—a powerful elixir of life that restores our vitality and prepares us to face the day with renewed clarity and calm. True relaxation is more than just resting; it’s a state we can consciously cultivate, allowing us to remain calm and steady even when challenges arise.

The Five Principles of Relaxing Completely

1. Each part of your body settles in its most natural position. 

2. You relax positively, without collapsing or losing power.

3. Your sense of presence makes you look bigger than you actually are. 

4. You are strong enough to be relaxed. 

5. Therefore you have an attitude of non-dissension.

1. Each part of your body settles in its most natural position

   • Every part of your body has a natural, balanced position where it can rest comfortably without strain. Complete relaxation means allowing each part of ourselves—physically, mentally, emotionally—to settle into this state, free from forced tension.

2. You relax positively, without collapsing or losing power

   • True relaxation doesn’t mean becoming weak or floppy. It’s about softening without losing your inherent strength. Think of it like a strong tree bending in the wind but never breaking. This “living” relaxation lets us stay flexible while remaining grounded and present.

3. Your sense of presence makes you look bigger than you actually are.

   • When we’re relaxed, we naturally project a sense of ease and confidence that others can feel. True relaxation makes our presence feel larger, giving us a commanding yet calm energy that often leaves a lasting impression. This energy, free of rigidity, draws people to us and can even inspire calm in others.

4. You are strong enough to be relaxed.

   • Relaxation is not a lack of power; it is a sign of true strength. It requires energy to let go and remain steady amid whatever life throws our way. Embracing this strength allows us to stay relaxed, poised, and calm when stressors arise.

5. Therefore you have an attitude of non-dissension

   • Finally, relaxation brings with it a spirit of non-dissension. We remain unshaken by external pressures and find that disagreements or irritations don’t impact us as deeply. By allowing tension to dissipate, we cultivate an open, accepting attitude that avoids unnecessary conflicts, keeping us centered on what truly matters.

Living Relaxation (Seishi) vs. Dead Relaxation (Teishi)

Many of us think of relaxation as a time to “switch off”—to sit back and do something mindless. But this is what we call “dead relaxation,” or teishi It’s passive, and while it may offer a break, it doesn’t necessarily rejuvenate us. Living relaxation, or seishi, has vitality and alertness. It’s the kind of relaxation that keeps us both energized and peaceful, ready to respond calmly but decisively to whatever comes next.

In Japanese, this practice is described as:
全身の力を完全に抜く
Zenshin no chikara o kanzen ni nuku
全身 - Zenshin – Whole body / whole self
力 - Chikara – Power
完全 - Kanzen – Completely, absolutely
抜く - Nuku – To take out, extract, omit

Literally, this means “Take the power of your whole self and throw it all away.” This principle encourages us to shed all burdens—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Both positive and negative feelings, accomplishments, and failures—all of them can add pressure if we hold on too tightly. But these are merely stories, parts of the narrative we tell ourselves. The reality is in the here and now. We only realize true relaxation when we let go of these storylines and open ourselves to the present moment.

Practicing Relaxation in Daily Life

Take time throughout your day to relax intentionally. Pause, breathe, and let go of any tension you may be holding in your shoulders, neck, or jaw. Remind yourself to relax your mind as well, releasing thoughts that don’t serve you in the moment.

Whether it’s through a meditative moment, a walk outside, or a few minutes spent breathing deeply, practice letting go and simply being. Remember, true relaxation is a practice of resilience—it’s finding the calm in the storm, meeting each moment with clarity, and living with a calm, steady presence.

With consistent practice, these principles of complete relaxation will help you navigate life’s challenges with calm confidence, helping you feel both grounded and free, able to respond with vitality and ease. Let’s carry this spirit of living relaxation into everything we do.

I look forward to seeing you on the mat (and in daily life) soon!