What is NOT an active component of the relaxation response during meditation?

In the context of meditation and the relaxation response, encouraging distracting thoughts does not align with the active components that promote relaxation. The primary goal of meditation is to cultivate focus and clarity by minimizing distractions.

Repetitive focus on sound, such as repeating a mantra or listening to calming sounds, serves to anchor the mind and reduce the chatter of distracting thoughts. The reduction of stress hormone flow is a physiological outcome that occurs as one practices meditation, leading to a deeper relaxation response. Additionally, achieving calm feelings through mental closure facilitates a state of peace and focus, essential in meditation practice.

Thus, while meditation aims to quiet the mind and reduce distractions, encouraging distracting thoughts contradicts the very essence of meditation and the relaxation response it seeks to develop.