Wisdom Vault — onlinknow.co.za

DISTRIBUTING NERVE-FORCE. In the preceding chapter I have given you general instructions regarding the first phase of nerve-force generation, i. e., the absorption of nerve-force by means of certain forms of rhythmic breathing. I now proceed to the general instruction regarding the second phase of nerve-force generation, namely, the distribution of the absorbed nerve-force to the nervous system, and particularly to the great reservoirs of nerve-force.

This process of nerve-force distribution naturally follows directly after that of nerve- force absorption, the two being coordinated phases of one of nature’s recuperative proc- esses. Just as is the process of the recuperative breath-rhythm nature’s way of restoring to the system a fresh supply of nerve-force to replace that used in the extra- ordinary mental, emotional or physical strain preceding it, so is the process of nerve-force absorption another (or twin) method of na- 59 60 Personal Magnetism ture to distribute the absorbed nerve-force to all parts of the body, strengthening and invigorating, vitalizing and stimulating, each and every part of the body, and at the same time storing up in the great reservoirs of the nervous system a reserve supply of nerve- force for times of future need.

Again you ask: ‘‘What is nature’s way of distributing the absorbed nerve-force, as above stated, which also is the way in which you state students of personal magnetism may distribute their absorbed nerve-force or physical magnetism?’’ As in the case of the previous question, I answer, ‘‘Go to nature herself, and discover her method.’’ Let us then do so.

Investigating nature’s method of distribut- ing physical magnetism or nerve-force, what do we find nature doing just after the person is exhausted by mental, emotional or physical exertion—that is, in addition to the peculiar breath-rhythm.

Answer: We find, accom- panying the long deep sigh preceding the breath-rhythm, and also, following the rhyth- mic breathing, a tendency to ‘‘stretch’’ the muscles of the body. Not only do we notice this phenomena at such times, but it is also Distributing Nerve Force 61 to be observed when we awaken in the morn- ing with a yawn, followed by an instinctive stretching of the muscles.

We observe the same thing after we have used up nerve- force in listening, reading, studying, ete.— in fact, in any action which has required con- centrated attention. It is always the yawn, the deep sigh, the measured breath, and, finally, the stretching of the muscles.

Now, do not dismiss this matter with a trifling jest, or an amused smile—for this stretching of the muscles is one of nature’s most important offices. It is her own favorite way of distributing to all parts of the body the nerve-force being absorbed into the sys- tem.

It is her own way of sending a vital- izing and invigorating current to the places in which it is needed. And, moreover, if we will take her seriously; examine the mean- ing of her process; and then intelligently apply the same in our work of developing physical magnetism, we will have gained an important secret of nature, and one which we will not be willing to part with, once it is applied and turned to account.

In the first place this ‘‘stretching’’ is some- thing far more than a manifestation of 62 Personal Magnetism laziness, weariness, or fatigue. It is an in- stinctive action resulting from nature’s recognition of the need of a fresh supply of nerve-force, and her rush to supply the needed energy.

Do not mistake and confuse causes and effects in this matter. You will notice, in cases of complete ‘‘stretching,’’ a twofold motion, viz.: (1) An extension; and (2) a tensing or contrac- tion of the muscles, in the direction of draw- ing in the extended limbs or parts of the body.