Originally Posted by
KPM
I think what Paddingon is talking about is not so much "relaxation" but where you hold tension. If someone was completely relaxed, he wouldn't be able to stand up! You have to use muscles, and therefore tension for any kind of movement or holding of posture. If the muscle was completely relaxed, it wouldn't be working at all. The challenge is to not hold excessive tension where you don't need it or don't want it. This is learned through doing and familiarty. By being able to point out common "problem spots" to a beginner right at the start one can speed the familiarity process up quite a bit. Some people aren't even aware they are holding excessive amounts of tension in some areas until it is pointed out to them. For example, some people have become conditioned to be tense WHENEVER they drive and regardless of the driving conditions. When this is pointed out to them so they are aware of it, then they can begin to relax. Otherwise they mey go on doing something they are "familiar with" for a long time and never realize why they always have a headache when they get home from their commute!