One of many notable options of guided imagery is its accessibility. You’ll be able to hearken to scripts with an audio app and a pair of headphones. The favored apps Perception Timer and Headspace each function massive catalogs of guided-imagery audio recordings specializing in a spread of outcomes, from normal rest to supporting well being throughout most cancers remedy. The group Well being Journeys, affiliated with psychotherapist Belleruth Naparstek, ACSW, BCD, additionally supplies in depth sources.
A number of therapeutic modalities, comparable to EMDR (eye motion desensitization and reprocessing), routinely make use of guided imagery, so you may additionally select to do scripts with a mental-health practitioner. The Academy for Guided Imagery affords a listing of licensed practitioners on its web site.
If you’re practising by yourself, make sure to give your self satisfactory time and house. Carve out quiet, uninterrupted time — virtually each recording’s description will embody its size, so you’ll be able to plan accordingly. Discover a place that’s as comfy as potential each bodily and emotionally, the place you are feeling secure closing your eyes and stress-free. You may take a number of deep breaths and give attention to attempting to launch muscle pressure for a minute or so earlier than you start.
Take a second beforehand to set an intention. You’ll be able to silently say to your self one thing so simple as I’m going to open myself to therapeutic as a lot as I can on this second. Then go forward and calm down. There’s no want to guage what you’re experiencing or place expectations on your self.
Guided imagery is talking to your unconscious thoughts as a lot as to your aware consciousness. Which means, in concept, you could not even be paying consideration however your consciousness beneath the floor is absorbing the message.
Your solely job is to launch your routine worries and let your self think about what you want to see and the way you want to really feel. Your physique will do the remainder.
The best way to Discover the Proper Guided Imagery for You
Earlier than you choose a recording, ask your self what you need from this expertise. Are you getting ready for a medical process? Recovering from a breakup? In search of extra normal rest and ease?
You’ll discover there are scripts designed for an enormous vary of experiences, so hold wanting till you hit on one which feels proper to you. That mentioned, guided-imagery workouts all share the identical method: talking to your unconscious thoughts to assist enhance your aware life. They’re not an alternative choice to medical remedy or therapeutic intervention, however they could be a good complement to them.
On that notice, keep away from any guided-imagery experiences that promise miracle cures or encourage you to take any view of your self or different people who feels discordant or hostile. The aim is to align your unconscious beliefs along with your aware needs for well-being, nothing kind of.
This was excerpted from “How Guided Imagery Can Enhance Your Well being — and Efficiency” which was printed within the January/February 2023 difficulty of Expertise Life.
