Day 28 - Water and Meditation for Emotional Balance

How much water have you drunk today?  Emotions and the need for water are intricately connected.  When there is an inbalance of water in the system and the kidneys are pressurized, there is a tendency toward anxiety and upset behaviour.  From a scientific point of view, water is the medium that increases electrical potential across  cell membranes, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. 
If you find yourself upset, worried or don't know what to do drink a glass of water, preferably at room temperature and then try the meditation below.  The combination of drinking water, followed by applying pressure at the armpits with the raised shoulders and a Neck Lock, creates a tight  lock on the entire upper body.  Combined with a natural slowing of the breathing rate, this locked posture forms an automatic 'brake' that is applied to the brain.  The brain cannot continue its previous pattern of thinking, and within a short amount of time a balance is restored.  Those with high blood pressure, a neck injury or heart disease should consult their physical before practicing this meditation.

Meditation for Emotional Balance
Sit in Easy Pose.  Straighten your spine and relax the shoulders.  Keep the chest lifted throughout the meditation.  Place your arms across your chest and lock your hands under your armpits with the palms open and against the body.  The thumbs may be outside the armpits.  Close your eyes

Raise your shoulders up toward your ear lobes as far as possible and hold them there.  Apply a Neck Lock by contracting back of the neck and throat.  The chin is pulled back toward the neck without tipping the head forward.  If you are doing it correctly, you will feel that the cervical vertebrae are in alignment with the spine.  Stay alert throughout the meditation to maintain the Neck Lock and raised shoulders, which are the essential components of the 'brake' you are applying to the brain.  Your breath will automatically become slower.

Begin with 3 minutes and gradually build up to 11 minutes.