Guided imagery is a self-help technique that many people have found helpful in reducing mental and physical stress. By following suggestions from a recording, doctor, or therapist, you can focus your mind and create imagery that helps you relax and learn to manage mental and emotional stress or specific physical symptoms or other issues. Guided imagery is often conducted by experienced practitioners, but with the help of professionally designed CDs, you can learn guided imagery yourself as a powerful self-care technique.
Guided Imagery is not mind control and will not make you do things you do not wish to do. During any guided imagery, you are always aware of the imagery you are doing, and have full awareness and control at all times. Guided Imagery is simply a way of helping you "reframe" or view differently, stressful situations from your past, present or future. |
 |
 |
When used as a prerecorded CD, a guided imagery recording usually contains soft music, environmental sounds and the voices of individuals who gently guide the listener into a deep state of relaxation called the "relaxation response", where the breathing rate slows, the blood pressure and pulse may slow, and the muscles relax. This relaxation response, in and of itself, is very relaxing.
After attaining the relaxation response, the recording goes on to take the listener on a mental journey to a "special place" in their imagination (e.g., a secluded beach, a gentle stream in the mountains, or a gentle rain in the forest.). In this special place, they are safe and free of interruptions. Listeners are encouraged to focus on all the vivid details of the scenery; sights, sounds, and smells, and the overall feeling of being in their peaceful, special place.
 |
|
The imagery recording then invites the listener to create images in their own imagination to confront and work through any feelings of fear, worry, loss, anger or uncertainties or challenges that they may be dealing with and provides them with an opportunity to "let it go".
For example, in the "Courage" imagery, the listener is encouraged to picture and imagine a fear they are experiencing as a wall in front of them. Then, they are asked to imagine this wall being knocked down by the ocean waves. As a result, you can now "picture, feel or imagine" yourself doing what you previously feared. |
The Tranquilities Series utilizes the voices of Rev. Donna Shenk, a Hospital Chaplain and Robert Miller ND, a Naturopathic Health Consultant.
Guided imagery is a mind-body intervention aimed at easing stress, and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in someone's life. It is a process of assist the body to heal, maintain health or relax by way of an inner communication involving all senses, forming a balance between the mind, body and spirit.
In addition, many people feel uncomfortable "opening up" or expressing their fears or self esteem issues to others. The use of an audio recording on CD offers them privacy and contributes to the psychological and spiritual well being, by helping them find meaning and direction. Guided Imagery has a dramatic impact on slowing down a racing, busy mind and keeping thoughts in focus when faced with stressful and difficult times.
Guided imagery is an easy to use, low cost tool that has been shown to increase dignity, self-esteem, independence, and sense of self-worth that is often lost when faced with emotional trauma or illness.
For more information on guided imagery, a good source is:
Guided Imagery, Inc.
2937 Lamplight Lane
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
(440) 944-9292 Fax: (440) 944-1830
email: dtimagery@aol.com
website:
www.guidedimageryinc.com
|
|
