Hello,
I'm Jennifer Norton,
And this is a guided visualization exercise called The Private Garden.
So I invite you now to close your eyes and allow yourself to get comfortable.
Be sure that your breath,
Your blood,
And your energy are all flowing with ease.
Begin with a few slow,
Deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth,
Letting your body get even more relaxed.
And let the chair that you're sitting in fully support your body and the weight of which as you continue to breathe and relax.
Now use your imagination to picture yourself walking slowly along a path.
It's a pleasant path,
Any kind that you wish.
And it's a beautiful day,
And you feel relaxed and happy.
You can feel the warmth and the energy of the sunlight on your skin.
Walking down your path,
Soon you come to a gate.
You know this gate leads to a special place where you feel welcomed,
Safe,
And comfortable.
Push the gate open and allow yourself to enter your very own private garden.
Your garden is filled with your favorite things.
Whatever is pleasing to you can be found in this place.
Perhaps there are flowers,
Fruit trees,
Animals,
Critters,
Birds,
A water source,
Or maybe music.
Look around and just notice what is in your personal garden.
See all the colors and the objects that are in this place,
And notice how beautiful they are.
Look at the various shapes and the colors and see how varied they are.
Look at the ground beneath your feet.
Look at the sky above you and see where they meet at the horizon.
Your garden is calm and tranquil and beautiful.
Everything peacefully coexists in your garden.
And as you are looking,
Become aware of how things might feel in this private place of yours.
Begin to explore this place with your sense of touch.
Perhaps some things are soft and warm.
Others may be cool and smooth.
Simply spend some time exploring using your sense of touch as you continue to feel at peace,
At home,
And comfortable.
Notice what the air feels like.
Is it cool?
Is it warm?
Is it dry?
Is it humid?
Is there a breeze?
Is the air still?
Take the time to feel the peace and serenity in this private place of yours.
As you continue to explore your garden by seeing and feeling,
Become aware of the sounds that you hear in your garden.
The sounds in your garden are pleasing to the ear and very comforting.
Perhaps it is quiet in your garden.
Or maybe there are a variety of sounds.
Some of the sounds might be very soft and subtle,
While others may be louder,
More distinct.
Relax and listen for a while and see if you can identify the different sounds in your garden.
As you're listening to the sounds in your garden,
Become aware of what smells you might smell.
Take a deep breath in,
In through the nose,
And notice the fragrances that are present.
Some of them may be familiar,
While others may be unfamiliar.
The fragrances in your garden are pleasant and soothing.
Take your time and enjoy your visit to your garden,
Using it in whatever way you wish.
Invest the time that is necessary for you to rejuvenate and to care for yourself.
And when you are ready to leave,
Slowly walk back towards the gate of your garden.
You have enjoyed your visit to the garden and you feel relaxed and content.
This good feeling will remain with you throughout the day.
Push the gate open and return to the path that led you to your garden.
And as you make your way back up the path to the here and now,
Remember that you can use your imagination to return to your private garden at any time you wish.
Visit your garden any time you would like to relax or to be comforted or just to enjoy its beauty.
You are now ready to resume your day.
Gently stretch and butterfly open your eyes,
Feeling refreshed and alert.
And thank you for sharing your garden with me.
Until we meet again.
