A small tip that might help with the unstilled mind.

#1 19-06-2011, 10:37 AM

Awareness of the tongue and tension in the jaw.

Whenever your mind is racing you will invariably find your tongue is locked to the roof of your mouth and or your jaw is tense.

Learning to relax the jaw and let the tongue lay on the floor of the mouth has been known to end the racing mind... to turn it back on do the opposite.

#2 19-06-2011, 11:55 AM

Actually in the systems I practice you must touch the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth!

But of course you are right -- in a relaxed manner. If any part is tense, it's impossible to let go and observe the thoughts, so they certainly will not slow down. You're right that the jaw, an incredibly powerful muscle, often holds much more tension than people realize... I found a good whole-body progressive relax done every day at the beginning makes it easy to get rid of jaw tension unless it's really serious, in which case there are a couple of Feldenkrais exercises that work really well.

#3 22-06-2011, 11:46 PM

Mmmm this is very true. I'm a singer so we learn all about jaw and tongue and neck tension and not only does it effect your singing, but it does your stress as well! Relax your jaw, let your tongue lay on the floor of the mouth like Neville said, and I also find that take deep breaths while doing this helps a lot. It's really interesting how the mind and body are connected!

Silver · #4 23-06-2011, 02:04 AM

There's a very simple yoga exercise called The Lion that should help relax all the muscles of the mouth, tongue and face. You simply start out looking straight ahead in a relaxed manner, then you slowly open your mouth as wide as you can without straining while sticking your tongue out with it pointing downwards, and opening your eyes wide, simultaneously, then you hold for the usual time (30 secs, I believe) then slowly relax back to original normal position, and repeat 3 X.

#5 24-06-2011, 03:18 AM

I'm glad i checked this thread out! I'm a "clencher"! I clench my jaw so bad I have TMJ problems, as well as trigeminal nerve problems (among other probs). I've been making a conscious effort not to clench, but most of the time i do it in my sleep. These problems are part of the reason why I'm learning all i can about meditation. I want off of meds.

Silver · #6 24-06-2011, 10:09 AM

Hi, Whispering Pine, so did you try The Lion? It feels funny at first, but it really does help, too.

Spiritlite · #7 24-06-2011, 04:37 PM

yes I'm a jaw clenser too (right spelling), and you can go to youtube and google wai lana lion pose...I love doing the lion pose I do it about 2 times a week and LOVE it.
Spiritlite.

#8 25-06-2011, 12:09 AM

I tried it. I am stiff, but am able to do it. I don't feel a difference, yet, but am optimistic.

Silver · #9 15-10-2011, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whispering Pine

I tried it. I am stiff, but am able to do it. I don't feel a difference, yet, but am optimistic.

This is a slightly older thread, but still can help someone...

Whispering Pine ~ it's all about consistency w/o overdoing.