Visual, audio and reading “journey” mind therapy work is invaluable to human development and healing processes. Anytime that the mind is able to be quieted to a calm, serene level of being is a time that the body can begin to heal and restore itself. And, cumulatively the more time that your mind is able to stay in such a peaceful state of being the better for your overall health and well being in life.
You can find many audio tapes and reading material that will help give you some visual journey scenarios you can utilize to bring you to this positive state of being. After you have practiced one or more of them a few times, you will be able to conjure the images anytime of the day instilling a sense of peace even in the most stressful of situations.
Keep in mind that there are many different types of “journeys” that you can choose from. Find one that fits best with your personality. Maybe you would feel more comfortable with a woman's voice on an audio tape. Or maybe you would prefer reading a “journey” and then thinking about it after you have finished reading it.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is one that you feel completely comfortable and safe with. The following is one developed by me that you can utilize if you would like to.
(I have two years of graduate degree experience in a Master's of Counseling Psychotherapy program, one year of being a therapist intern with regular clientele, in addition to one year experience as a suicide hot line volunteer that required a six month training period.)
Scenario:
Lie down or sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe in. With each new exhale recognize how your body relaxing. Begin with your face. Feel each muscle in your mouth, your forehead, cheeks and lips grow heavy and relaxed. Continue to feel your neck, your shoulders, and your arms grow warmer and heavier. Your chest muscles and your abdominal muscles are relaxing as are your legs, calves and feet. Allow your breathing to continue throughout this process slowly and steadily until you feel that your entire body is heavy and completely relaxed.
Now, picture in your mind the most beautiful, serene moment in your life or one that you imagine being the most pleasant environment you can think of. What does this place look like? Think of every detail you can. What colors are in this image? Are there people in this picture? Continue to think about this place for as long as you can. Note how this place makes you feel, your emotions, and the way your body feels while you are imagining it. Stay in this place for as long as you want to.
When you decide to leave this place, know that you can revisit it anytime that you want to. When you are feeling stressed allow your mind to remember how calm, peaceful and pleasant this place is. Remember that you have the power to bring yourself back to this place again and again.
