How to Practice the Silva Centering Exercise
First practice your concentration daily. Concentration is a basic skill. Concentrate on what the instructor tells you to do or guide yourself through the cycle.
Second, practice your imagination. At Silva we want you to learn how to exaggerate your imagination, because you will be in a better position to control your creative visualization. This will also keep part of your mind active while going through the exercise. By being mentally active, you avoid the tendency to drift off into sleep.
Third, you must practice coordinating your physiological relaxation with your mental relaxation. It is easy to go into a mental relaxation. But you must learn to let your body relax too. It takes a little longer for you to relax your body than it does for you to relax your mind.
You do not have to maintain a fixed, rigid position. If you have to adjust your body to be comfortable, do so. If you need to scratch an itch, do it. Make yourself comfortable and you will be able to relax better.
If you feel uncomfortable for any reason adjust your body position or if you feel that you want to open your eyes, then open your eyes immediately.
Tell yourself—mentally or verbally—to relax, that everything is okay. Then when you are relaxed, go back to the beginning and start over.
Concentration is a skill to focus your mind and body to listen to your desire to relax, let go and yet stay in the levels to effectively practice creative visualization. Perfect practice makes perfect.
Better and better,
Paul Sahota
Silva Genius Instructor