Relaxation is one of the most important exercises you can do every day. Many instructors guide new Dahn Yoga members to conduct toe-tapping exercise followed by relaxation exercise every night. This simple 10-minute exercise is a good way to let your body wind-down from the day and also allow your brain to recognize it is time to get ready for sleep. This exercise of mindful relaxation, with repeated practice, can help to boost your immune function which kicks in your body’s natural self-healing process. With mindful relaxation, you can become more deeply aware of the energy flow in your body.
Begin by either sitting or lying down — and tapping your toes together quickly. When you find your mind is focusing only on the tapping, lie comfortably on your back. Begin to scan your body — feel the top of your head, then the forehead, face, throat, neck, shoulders, arms, hands. Feel your back, chest, hips, buttocks, legs and feet. Ask your body to relax. Revisit any area that feels that it needs further relaxation. Notice your breathing become deeper and slower. Imagine warm energy flowing down the center line of your body to your dahn jon (lower abdomen). Inside your mind, repeat, my body is soft, warm, loose and relaxed. Continue breathing and becoming more and more relaxed.
