"Begin to create a picture in your mind. Imagine that you are floating on a soft, fluffy white cloud. Feel the surface beneath you becoming softer... more cloud-like... Feel the cloud rising out of the surface you are on, surrounding you in it’s protective support... soon you are floating on just the cloud..."
Are you starting to relax yet???
This is part of a guided imagery script that I have used to help relax, sleep, and reduce stress for many years. While it is a considered a form of meditation, guided imagery is easier for most westerners to use than traditional meditation, as it requires less time and discipline to develop a high level of skill. This is because it seduces the mind with appealing sensory images that have their own natural pull.
My first introduction to guided imagery was in college, while enrolled in a relaxation course. I know,I know -- you are laughing at the idea of a college relaxation course. It was a required .5 credit class for all "health" majors, so as a dietetics major I was mandated to take it for graduation. All laughs aside, the class really helped me survive my last year of college. At first I thought I was sleeping, and maybe I was. It frankly doesn't matter as you reap the benefits regardless. You feel so refreshed, clear and ready for anything after wards. Because of these feel good effects, I kept doing it on a regular basis through my internship. And again, I think it is what help me survive the year. Unfortunately, I stopped using the imagery after the internship ended.
It wasn't until my visit to The Oaks at Ojai in 1996, when I rediscovered guided imagery. At the end of the yoga class, while we are all in Savasana ("Corpse pose"), the instructor lead us through a simple guided imagery. There I was floating away with the clouds once again. AHHHHH... Since that day, I have continued to use guided imagery through CDs, yoga class, and on my own.
Over the past 25 years, research has proven the positive impact of guided imagery on health, creativity and performance. Here are just a few of the health benefits:
- Increase feelings of self-esteem
- Improve mastery and performance
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce panic
- Reduce worry
- Promote feelings of calm, peace and safety
- Reduce hopeless feelings
- Reduce addictive cravings
- Release grief
- Regain energy and focus
- Decrease pain
- Ease sleep problems
- Boost immune function
And the best part is anybody can do it! If you haven't already tried it, I highly recommend trying guided imagery. It can't hurt and it certainly can help as you can see by the list above. Here are three easy ways to get started:
- Go to www.healthjourneys.com and download a free audio session.
- Purchase a guided imagery CD online from Amazon or others. The Kerr House offers a box set narrated by the owner, Laurie Hostetler.
- Take part in a class at your local day spa or when visiting a Destination Spa. Not all spas will offer guided imagery, but almost all Destination Spas will. Check the activity schedules.
Let me know if you have a favorite guided imagery that you use.
See you in the clouds!
