We are here now to relax and reduce stress by using the technique of guided imagery.
Practicing guided imagery has been used for centuries and was first introduced into mainstream society as a wellness tool for people dealing with cancer.
Research studies have demonstrated that while guided imagery does not have a correlation of curing conditions like cancer,
It helps to reduce stress,
Anxiety,
Depression,
Pain,
And many chemotherapy side effects while also reducing blood pressure.
Meditation and guided imagery are a part of my daily practice as someone who is diagnosed with cancer.
Regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with cancer yourself,
Everyone can benefit from guided imagery's positive health benefits.
So please settle in now to a posture that is comfortable for you and close your eyes if it feels safe and comfortable to do so.
Begin to notice the sounds in the room and then begin to shift your intention to the sensation of your breath.
Notice the coolness of air entering your nostrils and then feel the warmth of the breath leaving the nostrils or mouth.
Now begin to notice the weight of your body.
Feel gravity pulling your body down toward the earth that is holding you.
Begin to create a cloud in your mind's eye.
What does it look like?
Imagine now your cloud is underneath you,
Gently holding you in whichever posture you are situated.
Inhale,
Feeling your neck and shoulders relaxing,
And as you exhale,
Let all the muscles of your neck and shoulders release their hold,
Relaxing fully onto your cloud.
Feel the cloud supporting your entire body.
Notice each place where your body is touching the cloud.
Feel how soft and comfortable the cloud is surrounding you and its protective support.
Now notice how the cloud feels.
It might be cool and soft,
Light as a feather.
Your body is warm,
Very warm and heavy,
And sinking into the cloud.
It is a wonderful feeling.
Now imagine a sky above you.
The sky is bright blue,
Sunny,
Inviting.
You are warm and comfortable,
Warmed by the sun's rays shining down peacefully.
There are some other clouds in the sky floating gently.
See them lazily passing by far above.
How does it feel to be floating on a cloud?
Does it sway gently,
Drifting in a breeze?
You feel so comfortable,
So relaxed,
The cloud supporting your whole body,
Surrounding you and its protective support.
Look up at the beautiful blue sky.
The clouds that were high above you are much closer now.
Continue floating on a cloud,
Drifting,
Rising even higher.
You can even rise higher still and pass right through the clouds above.
Feel the mist on your cheeks as you rise through the clouds.
You rise higher still,
Suddenly coming through the clouds and into the open,
Dazzling sunlight shining warmly on your face.
Feel the cloud beneath you,
Continuing to protectively support your entire body.
Now it is time to return to your day.
Let your cloud take you there.
Feel your cloud returning you to wherever you are situated.
Allow your cloud to lower you back down toward the ground.
Imagine the cloud slowly evaporating from whatever surface you are on.
Notice the weight of your body once again.
Begin to shift your attention to the sensation of your breath,
Noticing the coolness of air entering your nostrils,
And then feeling the warmth of the breath leaving the nostrils or mouth.
Slowly begin to notice the sounds in the room,
Inviting you back to the present moment.
Begin to wiggle your fingers and toes,
Preparing you to rejoin your day or evening.
Remember that your cloud is always a moment away,
Ready to protectively embrace you.
Gently open your eyes and smile.
Namaste.
