Relaxation Techniques: Visualization (Guided Imagery)

Sometimes when we’re meditating it helps to use guided imagery or visualisation to help us focus on a happy thought or happy place.

The great thing about visualization is that it makes full use of all your senses.

Closing your eyes, imagine a scene and choose a setting that is most calming and relaxing to you. It could be a beach, a park or a favorite childhood memory.Now visualize this calming spot you’ve chosen and think about what surrounds it.

Use all your senses so you feel you’re right there. For example if you were on a beach you would think of lying on the beach, surrounded by hot, white sand and you can feel the sun beaming on your face and warming your whole body. You can hear the sound of the ocean and the waves lapping the shore.

To help you with your visualization you could listen to some soothing music or ocean sounds and you could also light a scented candle. If I was thinking about the beach I would light a coconut scented candle as this would remind me of sun- screen lotion or the coconuts from the palm trees.

Whatever scene you’re focusing on, take it all in and use props like music, candles, blankets etc. that fit in with your scene to help you visualize your calm and relaxing space and stay here and enjoy it for a while.