ill
proceed easily and rhythmically.
What are the differences in the practicing of exercises in the morning
and evening?
In the first place the exercises in the evening should be more steady,
more regular, more harmonious, slower and more rhythmic. Every exercise
must soothe the excited nerves, the agitated brain, and the weary
respiratory muscles, the heart, and all the circulatory system.
Release needs to be especially emphasized. After every stretch, for
example, every part of the body must be relaxed. The reaction will take
more time on account of the greater activity through the day. We
should, therefore, take especial pains to accentuate the recovery or
recoil of the muscles into sympathetic passivity and rest.
The object is now not to stimulate as much as in the morning, but to
allay all excitement, harmonize the co-ordination of all parts, remove
all local activities in the different parts of the body, establish
centrality of the vital functioning and the diffusion of blood and
feeling into every part.
It is well to practice the exercises on a hard floor before getting into
bed.
The more violent exercises should of course be omitted unless there has
been a one-sided position during the day. For example, standing
exercises will be beneficial for a person who has been sitting all day.
We must practice intelligently, and carefully apply such exercises as
are needed. Harmony means the removing of constrictions and
over-activity in certain parts which one finds upon exercising. These
often need to be vigorously exercised so as to restore the harmonious
condition.
On lying down on the floor feel in stretching as if the body weighed a
ton,--feel the weight of the arms, legs and head.
Often we lie down but soon the excitement of a thought brings us to our
feet before we know it. Eliminate all such exciting ideas, then let the
stretch reach every part. Let it be slow and steady and let the release
be gradual. There should be a complete rest for quite a little period
before the next activity. Other things being equal, the activity should
be less than one-third of the surrender not only in time but in
attention.
Just before going to sleep it is well to practice a few stretches and to
give full expansion to the chest and to take a few deep breaths slowly
and rhythmically so as to establish a vigorous and normal rhythm,
equalize circulation and bring all parts into harmonious freedom.
In order to emph
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