|
Lie on your back with eyes closed. Make
sure that your entire body, eyes and the speech apparatus are
completely relaxed.
-
After ten minutes of such relaxation,
imagine that you are discussing the weather with a friend at your home.
-
Observe very closely what is now taking
place-the instant you begin to think of this, you get a mental
"picture" along with a slight tension in the eye muscles, as you see
your friend, yourself, and the surroundings where the conversation
takes place.
-
At the same instant, carefully note the
slight tension which appears in your speech apparatus.
-
The "pictures" you see in the process of
thinking or in imagination are called visual images; the activity
(tension) in your vocal apparatus is termed "inner speech."
-
What you have observed should make it
clear to you that mental activity includes brain plus muscle action in
an in separable combination.
-
Now completely relax the eyes and the
speech mechanism. Carefully note that when you do so, the
"pictures" in your mind disappear and "inner speech" ceases.
-
You have stopped thinking! Now you have
reached the desired stage of mental control.
-
Maintain such relaxation for about ten
minutes.
After the ten minutes, now imagine conversing with someone on the
telephone. Again note the slight tension in your eyes and speech
apparatus as you visualize, and talk to yourself through inner speech,
during this procedure. Let the muscles in these regions go and observe
how the visual imagery disappears and inner speech ceases. Relax
completely for remainder of period.
Remember: In an effort to stop thinking you are at no time to try to
make your mind a "blank." Just relax your muscles and the rest will
take care of itself. |