When I wrote about a relaxation technique in my previous article, I neglected to tell you that I always follow up with a follow-up. Why? Because its so easy to try it once or twice, get lazy or forget about it. Ive had people tell me they get so antsy they cant sit still another minute. Yeah, Ive heard it all because Ive been there too. So pay attention to what I am going to tell you.

1) Remember I said that these few precious moments in your busy day are the most important because they have a profound influence on the rest of your days, weeks, months and years of your life? That you are selfishly doing this thing by yourself for yourself?

2) Believe it when I tell you that your family and friends will begin to notice a change in you. Theyll wonder what it is, but might not be able to define it. Theyll definitely want to be around you more.

3) For those of you who have the common antsy complaint, heres whats happening. Were all under varying degrees of stress and we all deal with it differently. Just think of stress as a family of huge elephants stuck in the mud. Eventually the rains come, the mud loosens and the elephants begin moving out. Ive watched them in Africa. When these guys start moving everything around them responds. The ground trembles, trees rustle their boughs and small creatures run for cover.

4) This is exactly what is happening when you are sitting quietly with your eyes closed, following your breath or thinking of that pleasant place. The fact that you might be feeling fidgety is wonderful. Its an indication that something good is happening. Those elephant stresses are beginning to loosen and move out. Theyve been with you so long and they are so comfortably lodged in your nervous system theyd much rather stick around. This is the very time when you should not, repeat not, get up. In a few minutes youll feel more relaxed and youll continue to drift further inward.

5) Remember not to try to push thoughts away. Be still and listen to your breath. If you find yourself on a thought (which you will), just go back to the breath. Its all part of the process of stress release.

Once again, its doing less and accomplishing more. Ill have more to tell you in the next follow up.