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SocialNet presents

Stephan Bodian
How to Combat Stress

November 29, 2000

Combat stress for increased mental and physical health. Are you stressed out, overworked, overextended, or just plain drained by your busy schedule? Not surprisingly, today's hectic way of life has become commonplace for most of us. More people are looking for ways to relax and regain power and control over their lives. Stephan Bodian shares his knowledge of yoga and meditation to help you bring balance to your life.

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SocialNet: Stephan Bodian is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in San Francisco and Marin County, California, specializing in conscious relationships. He's also the former editor-in-chief of Yoga Journal and author of the popular guidebook "Meditation For Dummies" (IDG Books). Stephan is here to discuss how to control the stress in our lives. Welcome!

Stephan Bodian: Welcome to our dialog this evening. If you have any questions for me about reducing stress go ahead and send them in.

Sierra: Stephan, how did you get started in meditation and yoga?

Stephan Bodian: I first read about Zen in high school many years ago. I began meditating when I got to college. I would say that suffering and stress are what brought me to meditation and I think that is true for most people.

A Biera: Can anyone learn yoga?

Stephan Bodian: Yes, I would say anyone can learn yoga. There are many forms of yoga, and some of them can be adapted to any lifestyle or physical disability or limitation.

Eluvv23: What are some of the benefits of yoga and mediation?

Stephan Bodian: There have been numerous studies done on the benefits of meditation. They reveal that meditation has significant health benefits including reduced cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, lowered heart rate, enhanced immune response, and various others. Of course, then there are also the psychological benefits, which include a calmer mind and more harmonious relationships with others. Above all, meditation is the best way that I know to reduce stress.

Tracy: Can you recommend how an intermediate may get started in yoga and meditation?

Stephan Bodian: It depends on what you mean by intermediate. Yoga and meditation are separate disciplines although many yoga teachers also teach meditation. As for meditation, I would suggest getting my book, "Meditation for Dummies", and following the instructions there. It includes not only beginning meditations, but also advanced practices.

DVS Diva: What yoga type do you recommend to those who are looking for a good workout mentally and physically?

Stephan Bodian: I'm not an expert on yoga actually, although I edit the Yoga Journal. I am not a yoga teacher per se. Physically I have heard that Ashtanga Yoga and Bikram Yoga give the most vigorous workout. As for meditation, I don't think a workout is what you are looking for, but rather an opportunity to relax and just be.

Sami: What would you say was the biggest impact or change in your life due to your interest in yoga?

Stephan Bodian: I have been meditating for 30 years and the effect of my practice pervades every area of my life. When I began I was uptight anxious, shy, and now I have developed great self-acceptance and peace of mind and a deep spiritual connection as well. I spent 10 years in a monastery and I have also studied with a number of wonderful teachers.

Spiritual Senses: How does mediation increase my immune system?

Stephan Bodian: Studies show that stress seems to interfere or diminish immune response--for example, heightened adrenal arousal--which cause all the glands to be overworked and diminish their capacity to protect the body from microbes and other intruders. With regular meditation you learn how to reduce your stress and thereby allow your body to function as it was meant to function, i.e. more effectively.

Hecticrus: How can I find the time in my busy life to sit quietly for ten or fifteen minutes?

Stephan Bodian: Good question! I would recommend beginning by setting aside some time either first thing in the morning before getting involved with your day, or in the evening before going to sleep. It may not be easy at first. But, as with exercise or any other discipline, once you get into a rhythm it gets easier. You may also get to enjoy it, which will motivate you more.

Sigma: Sometimes I get so stressed out I just burst into tears! How can I relax before I get that stressed?

Stephan Bodian: You are right, once you are that stressed out it is hard to calm down. That's why regular meditation teaches you how to relax your body and calm your mind, which are skills you then can implement when you need them. It's kind of like running. You can't just get up one day and run a marathon. You have to start out slowly and work up to it.

Dom Santa: I can't seem to relax enough at nights, what advice can you give me, cause when I go to sleep at nights takes me forever to get asleep?

Stephan Bodian: Another good question! In my book I offer several deep relaxation exercises which are excellent to do right before you go to sleep. Unfortunately most of us come to bed with the accumulated stresses of the day, and we don't know how to let go of them. Gentle yoga can also be helpful.

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