A beginner's how to skillfully use Guided Imagery - A metaphoric manual

1. 1 A GUIDED IMAGERY FIELD GUIDE

2. 2 THE WHY Your field guide We saw a need to bring a degree of perspective to the present field of guided imagery and related therapies. With the continuous access to new theories , therapies and products being made available and often heavily promoted to the health consumer as well as healthcare professional a tool for sorting through the healing landscape was needed. The natural metaphoric field guide is in its own way such a fundamental tool. We at the Guided Imagery Collective trust you will find it useful. Since it is work in progress we welcome your comments. Contact us at: info@guidedimagerycollective.org

3. 3 GUIDE MAP A GUIDED IMAGERY FIELD GUIDE

4. 2 4 3 1 Nature’s guided imagery eco-system THE WHAT Natural levels of guided imagery’s metaphoric waters for accessing healing imagination Most common entry for engaging healing is on the the forefront of feelings and memory, CD’s and self directed imagery works well Deeper states, imagination a bit muddied , one is uncertain in how to deepen, coaching helps in starting One’s healing Intuition is calling to go below the surface through deeper exploration; moving into body mind enriched healing therapies with a practitioner is most beneficial Deepest levels entering healing on the soul (consciousness) level; here one’s Inner guide advances engagement on how to enter new levels through inner work and adaptation to new states of becoming

5. Relaxation response, Breathing, Meditation (mindful and others) Upside , well documented evidence-based case studies leading to high levels of adoption have created many first rate integrated models with practitioners from medical professionals to coaches offering services. Usually one to one or small group instruction with on-going support groups. Good for a variety of issues and compatible with Guided Imagery. Downside, none for relaxation and breathing . Meditation while the basic instructions are often easy depending on the school, grasping the process requires long term commitment and effects are subtle which can lead to early extinction of practice Off the virtual shelf, pre recorded materials. self directed , scripted narratives, CD’s, and DVD’s Upside , patient friendly and easy to secure materials, often available for free sampling and are designed to cover a wide range of specific health issues and have a proven healing effect. Also a good guide to empowering the healing self. Downside, Easy for user to discount value because success of materials is dependent on one’s reaction to the presenters skills as to voice, scripts, presentation and basic direction of imagery. A poor experience, misalignment of imagery, or incongruence may negate further inquiry Into related tools. The shallow effect in promoting levels of the quick self fix may derail deeper healing therapies Opening the petals to guided imagery and related therapies CHOICES Hypnosis and related therapies that integrate visualization and therapist intervention. Upside , forms of hypnotherapy, and psychotherapy that advance depth psychology and visualization bring to healing powerful solutions. Essentially they engage a client patient on a deep personal level and allow for feedback and levels of intimacy. Imagery when integrated with language and cognitive inquiry can lead to very deep healing. Downside, few, finding the therapists that resonates with your form of communication and listening styles. Hypnosis can open healing channels very quickly and issues of bridging/ building trust become accelerated

6. considerations and inquiry Under the surface/ Hidden Issues About: Framing current reality Opening a door to possibility Under the surface/ Hidden Issues 1 3 2 Under the surface/ Hidden Issues to consider About: Feeling out healing modalities Relationship to therapy, one on one, group or self directed Listening to inner advisor, guided in trusting intuition Ways I go about: Seeking, understanding the challenge Becoming informed Framing issues and concerns Forward gazing , desired outcomes Pre-planning in getting below the surface THE HOW Peeling away layers can be a catalyst for guided imagery

7. I’m the hidden observer Looking into the reflection of the mirror Body mind patterns Cellular / molecular pathways Inner guidance system My autobiographical tapes My worldview My cultural imprinting I’m the active observer Having a sense of how I process and my patterns of feeling, seeing, being in spatial environments, textures, colors , sounds , the poetics of being, and deepening, act as a guidance system in selecting an appropriate therapy. As is how they are relational to my imagery and imagination? Patterns images / degrees of self knowing ORIENTATION Artful sensing Clues for selecting a form of Guided imagery

8. 1 2 3 4 2 1 3 What do I expect ? Goals are great reality checks to set a path for one’s choices for alternative healing Triangulate a course by having three objectives. Some common ones range from reducing pain, overcoming levels of anxiety or readying for treatment What course or orientation fits my needs and temperament in choosing a direction to explore in therapy Processing style are indicators for type of intervention Externals are personality types that have styles and attitudes for problem solving which enjoy going on expeditions into uncharted territories. Favor risk reward and uncertainty . Don’t engage in too much analysis, non linear. Suited to therapies that have degrees of interaction Internals are personality types that have styles that are strong in developing plans, thoughtful and linear, work in high levels of comfort. Suited for steadfast processes and may benefit from longer forms of engagement CHARTING This is an example text This is an example text. Go ahead an replace it with your own text. This is an example text. Go ahead and replace it with your own text.

9. 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 3 2 1 This is an example text. Go ahead and replace it with your own text This is an example text. Go ahead and replace it with your own text This is an example text. Go ahead and replace it with your own text Ultimately the love that lives within each of us is the source of all healing we experience … Reflect in your inner mirror then dip into these waters and see own PRE-LAUNCH The art of the start We can journey into the healing waters of guided imagery by our Attitude of intention and attention to opening up to the waters of healing energies when we feel called Senses and feeling of symbols and images, as the make-up of the language of deep listening which is the language of change and compassion Recognizing the world as a reflection of our beliefs and polishing the mirror of our true self This is an example text This is an example text. Go ahead an replace it with your own text. This is an example text. Go ahead and replace it with your own text.

10. The essence diver The mythic dive , seeing healing as a deep inner journey that is calling you to enter . A way of confronting the shadowy depths of the psyche the wellspring of living and deepening compassion 2 The petal jumper The lotus petal approach. Move from one lotus allow it to open, listen to the intuitive voice or the voice of your guide and swim a flower at a time. Expand and go deeper into the pond. Imagination is the field of healing energy that is opening your healing passages Wade in the water The subtle approach . Exploration by finding out simply by seeing how it feels. Watch your breath and get a sense of the pond and gently allow yourself to feel the cleansing waters of guided imagery; a toe at a time but don’t hold your breath. Relaxation and floating in the tides of the elements Entering the Lotus Pond the practice of Guided Imagery ANSWERING THE CALL Metaphors for immersing into guided Imagery 3 1

11. 11 Let my body mind bear sweet fruit and fragrant lotus petals, as this lotus is rooted in the waters of thy spirit

12. 12 Beginnings A GUIDED IMAGERY COLLECTIVE OFFERING See resources at www.guidedimagerycollective.org