I don't understand why I sometimes find my heart beating faster while I am doing the relaxation tape, especially during the beathing part. I know that I am trying to do it right and not sure if I've got it down. Sometimes I kind of get panicy laying on my back for that length of time. Am I the only odd one? Please share any ideas.
Victoria

I would like to thank those that replied below for their suggestions which are helpful. Doing the tape this morning I realized now fully what my problem is. I am so busy with so much on my plate, caretaker for mom who lives accross the street, CEO of my own business and children with health problems, etc. that I am not getting things even half taken care of. Yes, this course is really helping. However, I find it hard to get the time to do the tape and when I do it -- it is once, two times if I can pull it off. I have a problem relaxing and clearing my mind because of these things. I am working on this. Any of you with similar circumstances? Thanks.

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[This message has been edited by Victoria (edited 02-21-2001).]

Hi Victoria,

I remember the first few times that I listen to the relaxation tape. I noticed every little heart beat. Mine seemed to speed up when I inhaled and slowed down as I exhaled. I realized if I was noticing my heart rate I wasn't paying attention to the tape. So I started concentrating on the tape and soon I was falling asleep to it.

Hope this helps

Cya!
Pam

I know that I am trying to do it right and not sure if I've got it down. Sometimes I kind of get panicy laying on my back for that length of time.
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Hi Victoria,

Perhaps this would help? Next time you listen to the tape lower your expectations. I think maybe you could be trying too hard? The first few times I do things, I normally become fixated on "doing it right". Then I become nervous and can't seem to do anything correctly.

The first time I listened to the relaxation tape I thought, "Ain't going to happen, I'll just listen instead". I found myself sleeping at the end. What a surprise!

As for lying down making you anxious, what would make you comfortable? I like to lay on the couch with a huge overstuffed pillow behind me. I'm more sitting than lying down, but this is what works for me. It's near impossible to relax if you're not comfortable. Don't be afraid to use what works for you. You CAN tailor this to fit your preferences. Give it a try!

Wishing you the best!

Hi there. I have also tripped out on my heart beat too while doing the relaxation tape. I thought I ws the only "weird" one...ha ha. I think we're just focusing too hard. I also notice that my heart speeds up while I am inhaling and really slows down while I exhale. I have a yoga breath chart that I got in the mail and it says that lengthing and holding your exhalation after the air is expelled relaxes you while lengthening and holding your inhalation increases your energy. So this helped me with this "worry" too.
I think Hope gave you some great advice about not trying to get it perfect as well. Good luck.
HealingGirl :d

Hi all,
Have recently been discussing this issue with a friend. I have a problem with the relaxation thing PERIOD!! Avoid the tape and then feel like I'm failing myself. Best I can figure is the perfectionistic thing and I had a really bad panic attack during the tape once. Had to get up and pace like crazy after the tape ended. Wanted to get up sooner but made myself stay put!! Glad to hear I'm not the only "weird" one who has a prob with this. I actually feel a bit relieved now. Been trying to get myself back with it....maybe now you guys have given me some courage.
Thanks......Chins up!! Mick

I wrote the following reply to another post (why re-create it anew!):

I have to say, I've been doing the relaxation tape (I have the new version) for two months now and I still can't relax to it! (I'm sure it's me and not the quality of the tape.) I do it once a day (though I try to get to it more than that if I can...but usually don't). I often end up more anxious than when I began! I find it difficult to focus; my mind just wanders when I lie still. I have trouble with the visualization, and the muscle relaxation does not relieve my tension. I know I'm sounding totally negative, but I'm just saying it like it is...or like it's been. I guess I have to keep at it and hope this eventually turns around.

Just lying still is a problem with me, unless I'm watching TV. So I guess it's lying still trying to focus my mind. If I don't try to focus, my mind just wanders and wanders to all sorts of not so good places. I guess when we do have too much on our plates, or when we think we do, when we haven't taken the time during the day to unload some of the crap going around in our minds (like in a journal or something), then it all just comes out the moment we do take a break and try to relax.

Hey Mick and everyone else:

I think our problem is fear of letting go.

You are not alone. It's feels like when we finally stop we can still feel our engines going. I think that is the same feeling I get when I wake in the middle of the night. My body and chest area (where I tend to hold tension) finally gets the chance to release and I feel muscle tremors and it freaks me out.

I haven't had a problem with this tape only because I have purchased tapes over the years. Anywhere from yoga breathing to past life regression. I have tried them all. In the beginning I felt like I was falling and would jump like a baby does when they raise their arms as they're falling asleep.

I even went to a hypnotist and couldn't let go.

Now I look forward to the free-fall feeling; that's a big change.

Good Luck All!!!


[This message has been edited by EastCobbGABetsyH (edited 03-05-2001).]

Hi to all,

I have been listening to fellow travelers for 15 years...I can't tell you the number of times that I have heard people struggle with relaxation. First: it's not a normal state for us! Whenever we do something we are unaccustomed to doing...it feels uncomfortable...we tense...which reminds us of anxiety...body symptoms...negative thoughts... Tension is also a process!

At first one may have to rock in a rocking chair or pace while listening to the relaxation tape- for a week. Then gradually add two minutes of lying still...gradually another 2 minutes... In month- I BET YOU - you will be able to do very well with the tape. Help yourself to a different response.
Help yourself to a new way of reacting. Help yourself.

Carve the words: process and gradual, into a block of wood, use it as a paper weight.

Positively, Carolyn

Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for your suggestions. I have found that a recliner is very comfortable. I have since found out that it is sometimes easier to be anxious and worried than to stop the negativity and relax. It takes an effort and making the time but it's worth it!
The other day I was at a meeting were I thought my husband was to be the speaker and they used someone else without notifying him. I didn't know that there was an emergency that prevented the responsible person from calling him about the change. It was no ones fault! At first I was angry (the old me) but as I sat there listening to the other speaker I suddenly went thru the relaxation tape. I must of looked odd when I rolled my head but who cares? I totally calmed down and realized there had to be a good explanation. I was right. I was proud of myself to think out the tape without it while sitting in the audience. I didn't even have to leave the room to calm down. The tape is excellant. It's just learning to relax that takes time.
I appreciate all the study materials. Thanks.