Listening to guided imagery or creative visualization studios can increase health, leading to experiencing a specific feeling such as tranquility, deepen relaxation and bring balance to the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Through the use of selected images, you can focus very specifically and purposefully towards a chosen goal, since imagery precedes action.

Visualization works best when you are able to relax at a time and place without the pressure of external demands. If you surrender to the guidance of words and background music, you will be able to enter a deeply relaxed, diffuse state, where the psyche will provide your own images of what is being suggested.

Here are some tips from my book

Aftershock

to further improve your capacity to use guided imagery to your advantage:

Turn off the ringer on your phone and asked to not be disturbed

Sit comfortably on a chair or lie on your bed

Shut our eyes and let go into a few deep, full, cleansing breaths

Put your hand on your heart and belly, a place where you can feel the breath coming in and out

Set the condition that you will only go to a place or a situation that feels very nourishing and safe for you where you can let go of burdens you are carrying

Through your gentle breathing, continue to release any tensions you no longer want and no longer need

Call to mind your favorite beach, or create an imaginary beach in your mind. See yourself comfortably sitting in a beach chair on the sand or floating on the calm water.You have nothing else to do and nowhere else to be in these moments

For some people imagery is easy. If you are among one of these who can't quite seem to focus or quiet the mind enough to become aware of imagery, don't worry. It is a skill that develops over time with practice. Once you get it down, the benefits will directly reflect into your daily life.

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings