Saving the Apple's Core

Years ago, I stumbled on a small, unpretentious book at the Kenton County Library. Since then, the little thing, a guide to relaxation and peace, has resurfaced at perfect times. I was lucky enough to find a copy of Learn to Relax at the downtown library's book sale.



The book, whose full title is Learn to Relax: A Practical Guide to Easing Tension & Conquering Stress, is written by a British meditation teacher. He tackles topics of modern living with his understanding of Western and Eastern tradition, his tension-release techniques, and his own thought. While it offers more than twenty relaxation exercises, it's in the linking text that I have found the energy and guidance I've needed to refocus my path and renew my purpose. It's design is stellar and rather smart, and it has paintings by Sarah Ball (who Starbucks has enlisted to make murals for some locations) that are awesome. It reads as rather undecorated, yet it's very articulate. It might not be the Bible or Qur'an, but its important to me, because it both dares and guides its readers to live beneath the everyday surface of life (my personal definition of failure).


I figured that I'd save some of the gems here. Read one or two.

On change:

"We all have vast reserves of energy inside ourselves, but when purpose is lost and self-expression is blocked we fail to tap these phenomenal resources. The danger is that we will start to live on the surface of our lives, no longer active, but reactive. Unless we find and use the power to change, we drift at the mercy of random currents" (80).


On the search of the heart:

"A self-contained personality, calm and purposeful, is the most powerful magnet" (88).


On purpose, its paradox:

"With regard to finding relaxation, what matters is that the trajectory of our life purpose provides a shelter in which we can genuinely find calm. There is a pattern to our life, and however accurately the pieces come together, we know at least that we are not merely drifting. We can relax without feeling that we are neglecting the inner self"(82).


On compassion:

"Awareness of the differences between our roles and our true identity (and of the influence of our roles on our actions) also helps us to cultivate an understanding of others. If someone does something wrong, or something against us, we are able to see that they too may be acting from an inappropriate sense of self. They have momentarily lost the plot. This insightful understanding is the basis of compassion, enabling us to reach out with more relaxed and forgiving hands" (77).


On touch:

"Think about the most tender moments in your adult life. Perhaps you will recall a hug from a friend, or your partner running a finger over your cheek, or someone taking your hand to reassure you. We all give and receive touch from time to time, yet we have forgotten its benefits. We are so used to seeing touch in a family context, or link with sex, that we tend to undervalue its efficacy as a simple, reassuring act of connection between two people" (66).


On navigating to peace:

"Make yourself a magnet. This means having faith that you will encounter the relevant opportunities and recognize the signs they are giving you - which may not be direct. Look out for such signs with patience, and act on them when they come" (83).