On this audio CD, Michael Reed Gach
guides the listener in short exercises to reduce stress.  They are from seven
to twenty minutes each, and involve deep inhaling and exhaling, moving one’s
body, using acupressure on oneself, and meditation.  Three of the exercises are
for a person sitting down, and two are for when the listener is lying down.  Gach
has a tranquil and reassuring voice, which adds to the relaxing effect. 
Occasionally he will illustrate a deep breath by doing one himself, which helps
the listener follow his suggestions.  There is a little music added, but that
is kept to a minimum.   Of course, some people will find it more useful to
follow the instructions in a book or on a video, but Gach’s directions are
simple and easy to follow.  Furthermore, it is good to have an exercise to
follow that takes a set amount of time, so that even very busy people can make
themselves relax a little at some point in a hectic day.  I can’t say whether
the method of acupressure or even meditation actually have the beneficial
effects claimed for them, but whether they do or not, it is likely that
interrupting the constant flow of craziness that so many of us have to endure
for a brief period in order to focus on one’s body and let go of some tensions
will help somewhat.  Having the CD playing will help focus the listener on
relaxing and not get distracted by other desires and other people’s needs
interrupting. 

© 2005 Christian
Perring. All rights reserved. 

Christian
Perring, Ph.D., is Academic Chair of the Arts & Humanities Division
and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Dowling College, Long Island. He is also editor of Metapsychology Online Review. 
His main research is on philosophical issues in medicine, psychiatry and
psychology.

Categories: AudioBooks, SelfHelp