Guided Imagery as a Relaxation Technique
Guided imagery is one technique that can be used for stress management. It involves guiding yourself through a scene or scenes where each of the senses is evoked, using images that elicit relaxation.
The following is a brief exercise that you can do to show the power that the mind has over the body and its physiological processes:
Imagine holding a fresh, juicy, yellow lemon in your hand. Allow yourself to feel its texture and see the brightness of its yellow skin. As you slice it open, you see and feel the juice squirting out of it. Taste the lemon and let the juices run over your tongue, suck on the lemon and taste the sour flavor as you notice your cheeks may pucker and you salivate heavily.
After this guided imagery exercise, notice what physical changes occurred in your body, i.e. the extra saliva, the twinge in the cheeks, etc. We tend to be surprised about how much our thoughts do, in fact, affect our body.
There are several good books available with sample scripts on guided imagery. See the article on this site called "Free Guided Meditation Script" for a sample script I created from various trainings, mentors and workshops over the years, which I use with my clients. It is best to get comfortable with the general structure of it and to read through it slowly to allow the visualizations and sensations to appear to you. You can then read it into a recorder to play it back for yourself (this copyrighted material is for personal use only).
Barbara has a BA in Biology and an MA and PhD in Psychology, with a specialty in Mind-Body Health. She is a certified spiritual counselor and coach, and was also trained in past life regression by Brian Weiss, MD. She's trained in integrative Eastern and Western techniques to help couples improve their sexual relationship. Barbara teaches clients integrated tools that help them create the life and relationships they envision. She’s been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Love and Lust column as well as other international media sources.
A client recently said that just by doing the meditation techniques in her class, their business and income expanded greatly because they were more centered and present. Another client lost the fear to ask for what they wanted in life in general, so they asked for and received double their salary and several months’ vacation. Clients have revitalized their love lives and become more comfortable with themselves. The techniques she teaches are unique and powerful. She can teach you techniques to get out of the struggle mode and regain your sense of self, while still having an enjoyable work and family life using a holistic, integrated approach incorporating both traditional goal-setting techniques as well as alternative techniques derived from acupressure and yoga to help you raise your self-esteem, feel balanced, and reach your goals more quickly.
Get more resources, information and tools at: http://www.DrCoxConsulting.com