Fin WE CASUALZLY send off our friends with the phrase “Take it easy." But do they? Do we? By Barbara Biack News Reporter ‘The problem could be that we just don't know how to relax. Re- ally reiax -- not watching televi- sion or playing video games, but simply sitting or lying back in deep relaxation. That is the key to a course be- ing offered by Easton and Snelgrove, a private counselling practice in North Vancouver. it is called ‘‘Autogenic train- ing,’* and although it has 2 sort of science fiction ring to it, it is sim- ply based on deep relaxation. Beth Helsley, a North Van- couver counsellor who will be leading the course, describes autogenics as a ‘‘course which trains attentiveness to a pro- gressive series of six bodily sensa- tions that have been found to be associated with deep relaxation.’* Those six sensations will be covered in each of six sessions. They are heaviness, warmth, res- piration, heart beat, internal warmth, and cool forehead. “Each night we'll do a physical component of relaxation. The first part (of the evening) will be gen- eral information on stress in our lives, how we manage and perceive demands and how we in- terpret them,’’ says Helisley. ‘‘The family of origin plays a large role. What came out of that affects us all, those ‘head tapes’ and Jeftover baggage," she explains. The participants will discuss stress in their lives (to the degree they feel comfortable), practise each skill as it is learned and then discuss how it worked. Helsley, who received her masters degree in counselling psychology fram UBC, says the beauty of this method is that it becomes a tool that people can apply to their own situation: “Each person controls it.”" She came to autogenic training . as a graduate student. “Being under a lot of stress, 1? said, Hey, I'd like to learn this.’* The method was developed in the 1920s by a German man nam- ed G.H. Schultz. Helsley believes that a lot of people do not have a way to relax from the stress of their lives. And research has shown that a high degree of life stress leads to ill- ness. Some examples of symptoms linked to disease and stress are heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, asthma and cancer. “And also burnout charac- terized by a sense of emotional and physical exhaustion and loss of identity and apathy,’’ she adds. Having a mechanism to relax can be a great help in reducing the likelihood of illness, as well as in managing pain, says Helsley. ‘‘It can help in anything you fee! anx- ious about.”’ Autogenics has been helpful in managing symptoms such as ten- sion headaches, gastrointestinal lig the key to real relaxation NEWS photo Mika Wakefield NORTH VANCOUVER counsellor Beth Heisley (right) goes through the steps of deep relaxation with a client as part of the process of learning autogenic training: Helsiey will be leading sessions in autogenic training, a method to manage stress and pain or to increase awareness, starting May 13 and 15 through the auspices of Easton and Srelgrove private counselling practice. difficulties, appetite disorders, anxiety and other stress-related phenomena. The course is offered in two sessions: Fridays, 12-1:30 p.m., Public Meeting Notice to discuss plans for the management of the Vancouver Port Corporation's property referred to as Maplewood South All those interested in learning more about the plans are welcome to attend a public information session Thursday May 21 8:00 p.m. at Canadian International College 2420 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver On hand to answer questions will be representatives from: Envircnmental Services, Public Works Canada Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada Vancouver Fort Corporation Lambur Scott Morris (architectural consultants) For more information please call 666-2119 May 13 to June 17; and Wednes- days, 7-8:30 p.m., May 15 to Sune 19. For more information or to reg- ister, phone Easton and Snelgrove at 985-2222. Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years 4877 Marine Dr., N. Van. #4-38948 Progress Way, Squamish i Whistier 984-4104 | 892-5857 #