Guided Meditation
Sandi Anders, M.Div., R.Y.T.
WebMD.com offers the following useful overview of Guided Meditation (Guided Imagery), answering frequently asked questions about this technique.
What is guided meditation?
Guided meditation is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. You can use an instructor, scripts or recorded audio to help you through this process.
Guided meditation or imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel. Continue to imagine the smell of the lemon, and then see yourself taking a bite of the lemon and feel the juice squirting into your mouth. Many people salivate when they do this. This exercise demonstrates how your body can respond to what you are imagining.
You can achieve a relaxed state when you imagine all the details of a safe, comfortable place, such as a beach or a garden. This relaxed state may aid healing, learning, creativity, and performance. It may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitudes, health, and sense of well-being.
What is guided meditation used for?
Guided meditation has many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress. You can also use it to help reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), manage pain, and promote healing. Using guided meditation can even help you to prepare for an athletic event or for public speaking.
Is guided meditation safe?
Guided meditation is safe-no known risks are associated with it. Guided meditation is most effective when the person teaching it has training in guided meditation techniques.
The Alchemy of Peace and Love makes extensive use of guided meditation to deepen the process of relaxation and to allow you to experience the creative power of your imagination.
You can call upon this creative power of your imagination at any moment. As you move into Deep Relaxation, your imaginal senses remain alert and available to produce scenes of calm and quiet contentment.
Sandi’s astonishing voice guides you gently on a journey along your life’s path – to a deeper sense of the inner resources that only await your invitation to foster your sense of profound well-being.
The guided meditation on Alchemy is coupled with gentle, relaxing music to enhance your experience of relaxation. Sandi's soothing voice accompanied by this tranquil music leads you gently to a place of Deep Relaxation where you can restore your balance and sense of well-being.
The advantages of guided meditation are many!
1. You can use a guided meditation CD anytime you wish!.
With Alchemy, you have your own personal guide to encourage you on your journey to greater tranquility and calm.
2. Guided meditation often makes the journey into stillness through meditation easier and more attainable.
With guided meditation, you have a soothing voice coming to you via audio, and this provides wonderful support to help you focus your mind throughout your meditation. The soothing, welcoming images also invite you to engage with your imagination and feel the tension releasing from your mind and body.
3. Guided Meditation is user-friendly and uncomplicated.
Beginners frequently find guided meditation to be advantageous. It is easy to use and helps you slip more easily into a calm, quiet state where you can find the delight in being more relaxed and peaceful.
