As part of our Quiet Mind Open Heart online Meditation series, participants questions, because we all experience it at one point or another, are shared with all.
This weeks question was:
What to do when the body is restless and twitching?
It reminds me of:
"The candle flame in a windless place does not flicker..."
from the Bhagavad Gita (6.19)
So, when the body is restless that means something makes it restless.
A restless body is a symptom of something going on beneath the surface.
Muscles may contract involuntarily due to stress, anxiety or depression.
We know emotions and feelings can trigger physical reactions in our bodies. Exercise (asanas) can help shift stagnant energies away. They also improve thinking by taking the mind momentarily away from the issue. A break from the problem can give us a new perspective, a fresh look, a different angle to re-approach the matter. Keep active especially during emotional times. A story came to my mind about an easy-going disciple who complained that he had never experienced true stillness and silence that the master frequently spoke about. The master responded, “Stillness and silence only come to active people”.
Too many stimulants
such as coffee or black tea, spicy food, soft or energy drinks, sugar or chocolate can also contribute to restlessness. Check for these in your diet and try to lower their amount. I personally can relate to this issue. Once after a cleanse (Shankhaprakshalana kriya) around day 10 I interrupted the 2 week follow-up period of a special diet with a cup of "good" Indian chai. Although I had it without sugar as a precaution, still the generous amount of black tea and plenty of ginger mucked me up for days. I meditated on my edgy nerves.
Lack of minerals (poor diet).
Please consider eating less processed food and more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Agitation can also be caused by insufficient sleep.
Sleep more if possible or at least try to reduce the blue light of televisions and other screens before going to bed in order to utilize your brain’s natural melatonin production (dim-light melatonin onset).
Twitchiness can be the side effect of some medicines.
Check with your doctor before quitting them.
On the positive note,
we all hold tension in our muscles that is released during the process of relaxation and meditation. Tension dampens spontaneity and adversely affects our external personality. Its release can happen involuntarily and rather sudden like a jerk. If it is a unique, one of a kind, rare occurrence, be happy you are releasing limiting tightness and rigidity from your body. You are rewiring your brain by creating new neuroplasticity and as a result you are remoulding and reshaping your life.
Have a great week everyone and see you in class,
Swami Gopal
