Relaxation is the key to success. When you are working with all your might to move forward, sometimes the missing ingredient is relaxation. Whether you are looking to make an improvement in sports, music, creating a compelling presentation, even writing, relaxation is key. This idea is a bit counter intuitive and yet such a relief to internalize. Shouldn’t I be working harder to make that big leap forward? Not necessarily. My yoga teacher likes to say “relax is the open sesame!”
On a recent business trip to Puerto Rico, I was walking to the beach early one morning on a narrow paved road surrounded by dense forest and tall, viney trees. The humidity was stifling and I was in a bit of a funk, I just wanted to be home with my family. At the next turn, my heart leapt into my throat when I almost ran straight into a giant iguana. The beast must have been 8 feet long, lying in the middle of the road, motionless. It took me a moment to realize that it was dead, but that didn’t make me feel any more comfortable. I was starting to wonder why I had thought a morning walk alone in the wilds of Puerto Rico was a good idea. I asked Mother Nature to send me a sign, what was I doing here? What was I supposed to do? And then my eyes landed upon, yes an actual sign. Mother Nature does have a sense of humor, you know. The sign said “Relax”. I laughed to myself and knew that was the key. I just had to relax. It’s amazing what can happen when you take a deep breath and let yourself fall into nature’s open arms. Next time you are having trouble making forward movement, take a step back and relax…you might be surprised what happens next!