Writing & New Age

Lesson 1: Techniques, Imagery, and Beginning Exercises.

Section 1-3: Guided Imagery, II-Practice Imagery Session.

I. Imagery Techniques:

Several different types of Guided Imagery are used depending on the application. Most visualization techniques begin with relaxation, followed by summoning up of mental images. In one simple exercise known as painting, you close your eyes, cover them with your palms, and concentrate on the color black. You then try to make the color fill your whole visual field screening out any distracting images. To reduce stress try concentrating first on a color you associate with tension and mentally replace it with one that you find soothing (i.e., the color red changing to the color blue). You may find it more relaxing to picture a peaceful natural scene such as the unruffled surface of a pond, gently rolling hills, a serene waterfall, or an evening at a beach watching the sun set, etc.

As you continue to practice Guided Imagery incorporate some of the fifty presentations provided in Fifty Visualizations That Promote Relaxation, Problem-Solving, Creativity, and Well-being. Andrew E. Schwartz. Whole Person Associates, Incorporated. 1995. $24.95. ISBN: 1570250669. Continue to develop, grow, and learn through the use of Guided Imagery.

In summary from lesson one (sections 1-1 to 1-3) you should have a good concept orientation of the mechanics of message, goal and sub-goal selections, the concepts for brainstorming, your inner voice voice, and guided imagery. Make a list of these tools highlighting ones that you believe will enhance your writing performance.

You may desire to go through a session of the relaxation steps that are presented in this lesson (a practice Guided Imagery exercise is posted at the close of this section body. If you utilize these relaxation exercises determine a quiet time of day to begin. Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you want to visualize. Go through the steps and relax as much as possible to develop this tool. If you like it, you can attempt this twice daily at times that are convenient for you.

II. A practice imagery session:

To perform Guided Imagery in a meditative, progressive relaxation, and self-hypnotic state you need to loosen your clothing, take off your shoes, and sit comfortably in a chair, or lie on your bed (the latter posture may induce sleep, be certain you are not overly tired, if you choose imagery in bed-if you fall asleep don't sweat it-you can always try again later in the day or upon waking in the morning.). You can use yoga or meditation postures if you like. You may dim your lights if it is your relaxation preference.

Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Picture yourself descending an imaginary staircase. With each step, notice you feel more and more relaxed. Make this a conscious leap. You may imagine your body from your toes upward turning to sand, moving slowly up the entirety of your body. This can be played out, along with the descending staircase, three times until you reach an entirely relaxed state. You may also think from your toes to the top of your head, going through each part of your body (e.g., toes, arch of the foot, ball of the foot, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, lower back, middle back, breasts, hands, lower arm, upper arm, shoulders, neck, head, tip of head) and imagine all stress and pain moving to the tip of your head as you go through each area of the body, imagine the stress and pain emptying into a balloon affixed over the tip of your head and then release the balloon to float away holding all stress and pain within it.

When you feel fully relaxed imagine a favorite scene. It can be the beach, a mountain slope, or a particularly enjoyable moment with friends and family. Go into this scene each time that you practice Guided Imagery. If you can, create a special, safe place where nothing can hurt you, where you feel secure, it will make you more receptive for other images that may arise. Once you feel comfortable in your favorite scene, gradually direct your mind toward writing you are particularly concerned about. Use one of the images suggested above or allow your mind to create one of its own. Let the image become more vivid and focussed. Don't worry if it seems to fade in and out. Be patient with yourself. If you become too distracted start the exercise over from the beginning.

If several images come to your mind, choose one and stick with it for that session. If no images come to your mind, try focussing on different sensations. Imagine hearing fish frying in a skillet, smelling wildflowers in a meadow, or opening a lemon suggested earlier.

If all attempts fail, think about how you are feeling at the moment. Angry? Frustrated? Imagine the color of your feeling. What color is your anger? What image is evoked? Use those feelings to forge your images. Hopefully, you will have positive images to focus on, but use what is available initially.

Each time you do this, imagine your writing and what ails it to you is completely and totally cured at the end of the session. At the end of your session, take a few deep breaths, picture yourself re-climbing your imaginary staircase, and gradually become aware of your surroundings. Open your eyes, stretch, smile, and go on with your day or go to sleep for the evening.

St. Catherine of Alexandria: Her reputation for learning and wisdom led to her patronage of libaries, librarians, teachers, archivists, and anyone associated with wisdom or teaching. For obvious reasons, St. Catherine can assist you in developing your writing goals.

  1  2  3