Purpose: Deeply relaxes the mind and body and releases tension in preparation for subsequent postures.

Concentration: Curl your tailbone gently upward and feel a gentle pressure in the lower abdomen.

Breathing: Relax the mouth and keep it gently open as you focus on exhalation. Let inhalation happen naturally without being conscious of it. Do not attempt to control your breath or the movement of the abdomen. Center on the sensation of emptying your body.

Time: Hold the posture three to five minutes, until your body relaxes and your breath deepens.

1.    Lie down on your back on a hard and warm surface.

2.    Squeeze your legs tightly together and then completely relax them. They will part naturally, about the width of one foot. The angle of your feet should be about 30 to 45 degrees from the floor.

5.     Place your middle fingers very lightly on your Dahn-jon (two inches below your navel). Do not press down since the Dahn-jon is sensitive to the slightest sensation. Keep the elbows resting comfortably on the floor. If your elbows lift off the floor, allow the hands to slide down the sides of the abdomen until the elbows rest on the floor.

4.    Relax your body completely, especially the upper body, chest, and shoulders.

5.    Curl the tailbone gently up, letting the lower back touch the floor as much as possible. As your tailbone tucks in, imagine creating a bowl for your Dahn-jon to collect energy, trying your best not to tense your legs in order to do so. You will automatically feel slight tension in your lower abdomen.

6.    Close your eyes and focus on the energy flow inside your body.

Body relaxation articles by Prof. Ilchi Lee