Mastering Relaxation: The Key to Freediving Success in Amed, Bali

The Elusive Art of Relaxation in Freediving

The term "Relax" gets bandied about a lot, especially in freediving circles. "Just relax, take a deep breath," or "you just need to be more relaxed" are common phrases. However, this advice can be frustrating, especially for those who, like my Type A personality New Yorker friend, internally scream, “I’m trying to f**king relax!” Interestingly, even with a background in yoga, she struggled with true relaxation.

Empowering Freedivers: Tools Beyond Words

During our instructor course, we emphasize the importance of not just instructing people to relax but equipping them with effective tools. One key technique we focus on is The Body Scan.

The Body Scan Technique: A Simple Exercise

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you are on your phone or laptop, likely during downtime when you should be relaxing. But are you truly relaxed? Try a little exercise: stay in your current position. Scan your body from head to toe. Notice if your face is soft, your jaw relaxed. How are you holding your shoulders? What about your posture and breathing?

Practicing Mindfulness: Releasing Tension

Now, adjust your body position, take a couple of deep breaths, and shake out any tension. Again, scan your body, letting go of tension, and releasing unnecessary muscle activation. Try to reach subtler levels of awareness by acknowledging sensations like the wind on your face or the breath through your nose.

Integrating Body Scanning into Daily Life

This exercise shouldn’t be a one-time event. Check in with yourself throughout the day, whether at home, work, in the car, or whenever the thought arises or you need recentring.

Applying the Body Scan in Freediving

I use the “body scan” during my freefall—the phase where a freediver stops kicking and lets gravity guide them effortlessly downward. It helps me identify and release tension, keeping my mind present and dispelling negative thoughts.

The Mind-Body Connection: Insights from Meditation

Releasing body tension also relaxes the mind—a discovery yogis made centuries ago with practices like Shavasana. Interestingly, this relationship works both ways. During a 3-day Vipassana retreat, despite not practicing yoga, I experienced increased flexibility afterward, likely due to extensive meditation.

Harnessing Relaxation: A Continuous Feedback Loop

What we do with the body affects the mind, and calming the mind impacts the body—a continuous feedback loop. Tapping into this awareness offers powerful life tools, crucial for navigating today's fast-paced world.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead with Relaxation Techniques

If you’re a freediver, congratulations—you’re already ahead of the curve. Next time your instructor tells you to relax, you’ll have a better understanding of what they mean and how to achieve it.