Daydreaming is one of the best relaxation techniques


A simple and effective relaxation technique, guided visualisation is, basically, conscious daydreaming. Your imagination is a powerful ally in your quest to create a more balanced and connected life.

Just as it can rev your body up into a panicked 'fight-orflight' response by merely thinking about a stressful situation or problem, it can also counter negativity and anxiety, and help you wind down and become calmer by thinking about something peaceful and beautiful. As poet John Milton said, 'The mind is its own place: in itself it can make a heaven of hell, and a hell out of heaven.'

Use this guided meditation to help you become stronger and more centred, more in control and relaxed. By creating scenarios in your mind in which you react the way you would like to react, you build confidence when faced with challenges and conflict, and you begin to live the life you've imagined. The more you practise, the more vivid the images in your mental journey will become, and the time it takes you to fall into a state of deep relaxation will become shorter.

Choose a quiet place where you are unlikely to be disturbed for a little while. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Cup your palms over your eyes and visualise your 'third eye'. According to yogic tradition, this is the spot in the centre of your forehead that governs intuition, spiritual insight and imagination.

Envisage a resplendent life force - perhaps a beautiful sparkling waterfall, with great plumes of spray rushing up in the air. Visualise yourself stepping towards the waterfall. You can hear the splashing water, feel the cool mist on your cheeks. Appreciate the beautiful deep blue of the water, the dark green ferns around its base, the smooth glistening dark rocks covered with soft, damp moss. Slowly and carefully put yourself in the picture.

Run your fingers in the water beside you as you step towards the waterfall, feel how the top level seems effervescent and full of movement, and how deeper down below the surface the water becomes still and cool. See yourself standing beneath the waterfall, and imagine the water as a force running through your body, flowing through you, washing away your negativity and tiredness as it sinks away into the earth at your feet.

Be aware of how completely relaxed and refreshed you are.

If any negative mind-chatter begins to creep in, simply stop and begin again at whichever point of your mental journey that feels comfortable. When you are ready, take your hands from your eyes and place them in your lap. Say, 'I will see clearly and make calm, intelligent decisions for the rest of the day.' Stamp your feet and open your eyes to re-establish contact with the everyday world.

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This article was sent to us by: Samantha Kemells at 06092010

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