The most basic test of being stressed is to try and think about one particular thought for some time. Human mind in its healthy state is capable to concentrate on one thought at a time. Due to our lifestyle and environment we can expect some distractions but they should be manageable. But if you are entirely unable to concentrate on a particular thought because of many distractions and jumping mind then you are definitely stressed. The objective of de-stressing is to be able to focus on what is important in your life with minimum distractions, if any. However. the problem is when we are engrossed in our life we do not realise how much stress we are carrying. It needs a conscious effort or a major turbulence in our life to realise that we are not focusing on what we should be. Some people get ill and their doctors tell them not to stress. Meditation provides the ability to develop the habit of observing our thoughts without indulging in them to choose which thoughts we need in our life. Practicing
relaxation has the same effect. The purpose of any such practice is to develop the ability to consciously
observe your thoughts and let go of the unwanted and damaging thought patterns.

Silva Mind Control method has two such practices which lead you to the objective of mental housecleaning. One is deep relaxation exercise and the other is backward counting. In the next episode I will explain to you how both lead to the objective of mental housecleaning or to clean your mind of unwanted and damaging thought patterns.
Saad Mahfooz
Islamabad