A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Comparison of the Physiologic Changes of the Flight-or Fight response and the Relaxation Response

flight-or fight response is the "normal" response to to stressful situations

Relaxation Response - response from someone who practices mantra meditation

Physiologic State	flight-or-fight response(normal response)	Relaxation Response
Metabolism	Increases	Decreases
Blood Pressure	Increases	Decreases
Heart Rate	Increases	Decreases
Blood Flowing to the Muscles of the Arms and Legs	Increases	Decreases
Muscle Tension	Increases	Decreases
Slow Brain Waves	Decreases	Increases
Rate of Breathing	Increases	Decreases

from Timeless Healing by Herbert Benson, M.D.(and Harvard Medical Professor)

the relaxation response is a benefit of mantra meditation. The most sought after benefit is the increased awareness and depth to a person's life that is brought about through the process of Mantra Meditation. Practice this technique once or twice daily
Mantra meditation
step 1. Pick a mantra
step 2. sit quietly in a comfortable position
step 3. say the mantra
step 4. listen to the sound
step 5. assume a passive attitude. Don't worry about how well you are doing. When thoughts come up simply go back to hear the sound of the mantra.
step 6. continue for ten to twenty minutes
step 7.practice this techinique once or twice daily
in this generic technique it is suggested you sit quietly, however you can also do it while walking, or standing. Just listen to the sound. Try it for three weeks and see if there is not a difference in your life

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