Guided imagery and relaxation are so much more than nice things to do if there’s time.  They are important life skills to know about and practice regularly.  Both are powerful mind-body-spirit techniques that elicits therapeutic relaxation; awakens and activates the natural ability for self-healing to occur; helps with changing behaviors and habits; and uncovers your inner truth and life direction while stimulating the intuition.  Everyone can do it.

Do you want to unlock your highest potential, experience many types of guided imagery first hand, and understand relevant scientific principles? Check out my schedule for upcoming workshops.

“Many common diseases and health complaints can be treated directly with mind-body techniques.” reports Dr. Herbert Benson, the Harvard Medical School scientist who coined the term “relaxation response” 35 years ago.  He states that “study after mind body study, carried out with the most careful scientific protocols, produced incontrovertible evidence that the mind can indeed influence  – and heal the body – even down to the genetic level.” Along with appropriate medical care, mind body techniques are used for health improvement and can eliminate problems associated with anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, PMS, menopausal, peri-menopausal and breast cancer hot flashes, nausea, pain, premature aging and other disorders to the extent that stress is a factor.  Now consider that 80% of all illness is either caused by or made worse by stress.

In addition to the powerful and positive effects of relaxation and guided imagery on physical health, it is invaluable and reliable for tapping into one’s inner source of divine intuition and wisdom.  Plus, behavior change, musical performance, sport and athletic ability can all be strengthened with the regular use of relaxation and guided imagery. It can be used to reveal inner guidance with respect to one’s life direction.

Guided imagery, also referred to as creative visualization, is intentional daydreaming whose aim is to magnify the positive aspects of the mind-body connection. First, focused breathing and/or progressive muscular relaxation prepare the body for guided imagery and creative visualization.  Next, the mind is purposefully guided in a process similar to daydreaming.  The difference is that in daydreaming the mind is allowed to go wherever it pleases.  Instead of this, the mind is directed in a specific and special manner.  For example, a guided imagery exercise might ask you to focus on a setting or environment that feels safe and comfortable.  This can be experienced and accomplished by mentally seeing the setting, feeling or sensing the environment, or using the senses of sound or smell.  As Belleruth Naparstek says, “there are many right ways to experience guided imagery.”  Get more about relaxation, imagery and meditation here.

So, now what? If you want to feel your best, and even prevent or conquer long-term medical problems, it’s time to get back to your yoga, meditation, and visualization habits.  You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth everyday, would you?

If you’re like the rest of us and could use some help, so either join a local class, get together regularly with like-minded people to support each other, and get your DVD’s and CD’s back out.   I am delighted to offer a selection of yoga and meditation classes in the Cincinnati area.  Plus, I have retreats and conferences coming up.  Check out my schedule.

If you prefer here’s some book and CD resources on mind body relaxation to benefit from.  Click HERE to buy my Real Relaxation: Yoga Nidra CD.