MEDITATION USING VISUALISATION

Visualisation is a simple method to relax the mind and achieve an effective meditation state.  It is ideal for people who need more of a focus during meditation.  It is also an excellent way to strengthen your inner vision or clairvoyance.  Visualisation is the technique of creating imagery using your ‘inner eye’ and imbuing those images with a sense of reality.  It can be used for relaxation, for healing and to create a vision of how you would like your life to be.  Visualisation is not merely daydreaming: during daydreaming there is no sense of belief that the images could become real.  With visualisation your mind is fully focused; the pictures that are created are sharp and clear with every possible detail filled in and noted.

Guided visualisations to a beautiful secluded beach, a garden with flowers and bird song or a walk through a wooded area are all popular techniques to promote relaxation.  Visualisation helps us to enter another world where everything is possible and to return relaxed and motivated.

 

Getting Started

There are many pre-recorded guided visualisations available.  Alternatively you can devise your own and record yourself on a tape or an audio package on your computer if you have one.  You can also find one in a meditation book, read it several times and memorise it.

To use visualisation effectively, you need to be able to relax, be comfortable and free from distractions.  Choose a time and place when interruptions are less likely to occur.  Short periods of time, such as 10-15 minutes, are perfectly sufficient as a few minutes of relaxed concentration will benefit you more than longer periods of time when you are tempted to slip into a daydream instead.

 

A Simple Visualisation Exercise

 

1.    Sit quietly for a few moments.  Breathe deeply and slowly, in and out, until you feel your tension draining away.  You will start to feel more relaxed and peaceful with each exhalation.

2.    Now imagine that you are sitting on a warm, empty beach.  The sun is directly overhead, and the sea is lapping gently against the sand.  You can hear birds in the sky above you, and see the sails of yachts far out at sea being carried by the gentle, warm breeze.  Small beautiful shells are scattered on the sand all around you.

3.    You are alone and completely at peace.  You have left all the worries, stress and anxieties of your daily life behind you.  Imagine that you are on that dream holiday you have always wanted to take.  Let the feelings of calm and relaxation wash over you.  Know that you are safe and protected.

4.    If you have any particular worries that are affecting you at present, such as an upcoming meeting you are dreading, or a bill you are having trouble paying, imagine that you have packed this trouble away in a suitcase and put it onto one of the yachts that is far out at sea.  Imagine the yacht taking the worry away over the horizon and out of sight.  Even if it will have to return at some point, for now you are completely relaxed and free.

5.    Now take three deep breaths, exhaling fully, before starting to breathe normally again.  Wriggle your fingers and toes.  This will help your mind to return to your body.  Then, when you feel ready, slowly open your eyes.  Take a few moments to revel in your new-found feeling of relaxation as it lingers over you.

 

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.