Guided Imagery: Relaxation via Your Imagination

Many of my new clients and listeners are unfamiliar with the idea of guided imagery relaxation. This isn’t surprising to me, because we are exposed to many relaxation techniques that require us to clear our minds or even “zone out,” and few that ask us to engage in an imaginative journey. In fact, using one’s imagination may actually seem like work instead of relaxation. However, many people find that guided imagery can be an enjoyable and effective way to enter into a deep state of relaxation—less like work and more like a beautiful, multi-sensory experience. 

In the sequence of my relaxation sessions and recordings, guided imagery comes after breathing exercises designed to calm the mind and body and muscle relaxation techniques to relax the body. In other words, when people begin to listen to the guided imagery portion, they are already quite relaxed. The soothing imagery is paired with relaxing music to help the listener enter into the narrative. I like to think of guided imagery as a guided daydream that engages all of your senses—touch, sight, smell, taste and sound—and focuses the mind on positive images, feelings and sensations. For example, imagine peeling a fresh lemon, and as you do, perhaps you can sense that wonderful citrusy scent. Or maybe you can remember a time when you enjoyed stroking the soft fur of a kitten or bunny.

Guided imagery goes beyond simple visualization. Visualization requires that you actually picture images in your head, whereas guided imagery simply asks that you remain open to the imaginative and relaxing possibilities presented by the narrative. In other words, there’s no pressure to actually “see” the images in your mind’s eye. If you don't happen to notice visual images during the exercise that is O.K., because you might be a person who experiences other sensations that will lead you to the same goal of opening your mind to positive thoughts and feelings. 

Guided imagery is effective in many different types of situations that require relaxation. For example, guided imagery is a powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety about medical procedures or treatment for illnesses. (i) Research has also shown that guided imagery is an effective way to reduce daily stress—those who practice guided imagery regularly tend to feel less stress overall. (ii) Because guided imagery allows listeners to use their imagination to enter into a relaxed state, it can actually trigger creativity in other areas of your life and help you become a more effective creator and problem solver. (iii) Of course, guided imagery is also a wonderful way to enter into a deep, restorative sleep and supports overall health and wellness. (iv)

I invite you to experience some guided imagery with this excerpt from my recording “A Time for Sleep: Guided Relaxation Techniques for Peaceful Slumber”. I use a guided imagery inspired by the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). This ethereal narrative is designed to inspire sleep. You can either read the selection from the script below, or you can listen to a recorded sample at http://www.atimeforexpression.com/recordings-1/a-time-for-sleep

“Out of the corner of your eye, you see a swirl of pale green and yellow lights.  Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, are above you; a gift from the universe. They move in slowly, washing over the stars. Wide swaths of color spread throughout the night sky, like vivid brushstrokes on an inky canvas. The presence of these rich hues, these reaching lights, puts you even more at ease. As the lights continue to fill the sky, you sink into a deeper place of relaxation and settle in, ready to enjoy nature’s show. " (v)

Images like these are quite powerful in helping listeners achieve a peaceful and deep sleep. Other images can inspire a sense of confidence, balance, wellbeing, enhanced focus and other positive feelings:

"You stop in front of a particularly full orange tree. As you look up at its bountiful branches reaching toward the sky, you are inspired to reach new heights in your own life. The waxy green leaves flutter in the breeze and the globes of fruit sway gently. You spot a ripe orange in front of you. As you pull slightly on the orange, it slips easily into your hand.  Peel its thick exterior to release its delightful fragrance. Breathe in the sweet scent...Memories of good times with friends and family fill your mind.  You feel happy, calm, and loved." (vi)

If you are looking for a more imaginative way to enter into and sustain a relaxed state, I invite you to give guided imagery a try. Keep in mind that, while it is effective immediately for some, it may take a few times listening to a particular guided imagery track before you find your “flow” within the narrative. Your response to each guided imagery exercise will be as unique as you are. Enjoy it, and may you find the relaxation you seek. 

References

i The Cleveland Clinic has done a lot of work in this area: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/wellness/integrative-medicine/treatments-services/guided-imagery

ii Freeman L (2009). Imagery. In L Freeman, ed., Mosby’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based Approach, 3rd ed., pp. 252–282. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

iii McClellan, Tim. “Guided Imagery as a Trigger for Creativity,” www.creativityconference07.org/tabled_papers/McClellan_Guided.doc

iv Academy for Guided Imagery
http://acadgi.com/about_sitemap/imageryresearch/master_bibliography/

v Beth Freschi, “A Time for Sleep: Guided Relaxation Techniques for Peaceful Slumber,”
 http://www.atimeforexpression.com/recordings-1/a-time-for-sleep

vi Beth Freschi, "Uplifting Guided Relaxation"
https://www.atimeforexpression.com/recordings-1/uplifting-guided-relaxation