Creative Visualization and Chronic Pain

In part 1 we learned how your brain can be used to make real physical changes to your body. If you missed that bit please go back and read Creative Visualization part 1.

How To Practice Creative Visualization

Find somewhere comfortable and make sure you will not be disturbed for a little while. Turn off your cell-phone, put the cat out and relax.

Take deep relaxing breaths so that your tummy, not your chest, rises and then falls as you slowly inhale and exhale. Put your hand on your abdomen and feel it rise and fall. Continue to breathe deeply into the pit of your stomach and as you exhale let your body relax. Imagine, that is visualize, all your tension being released and floating away with each exhalation.

Once you are relaxed begin to imagine yourself as you would like to be when you have reached your goal. See yourself in the situations that you know will be so much better once you have reduced your pain. Only you know what these are, and it is worth taking some time to think about them.

What do you miss that has been impossible since you developed the pain? Imagine yourself doing again something that you have had to give up, or something you had hoped to do but could not. Take some time to bring this image of yourself to life. Paint in the details and the sounds. You don't have to believe it, just picture it.

Remember that the patients with the missing limb knew full well that their limb was gone but they convinced their brains that it was back. As you develop the pictures in your mind things will gradually improve for you, taking reality nearer to the image you have created. contd...

Resources for creative Visualization

		Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life by Shakti Gawain The Creative Visualization Workbook: Second Edition  "Gawain's self-help title has sold more than three million copies in English and another three million in the more than 30 languages into which it has been translated. According to the publisher, this revised anniversary edition contains additional "meditations, exercises, and techniques that can become part of your everyday routine." The author asserts that people can achieve an ideal existence simply through mental visualization." Library Journal
		Creative Visualization Meditations by Shakti Gawain Customer review: "I love this tape! I never thought I could visualize. One doesn't need to picture things clearly in order to benefit form this recording. I believe that this tape was designed for those who have difficulty meditating (or don't have the time); but who would also enjoy the rewards of meditation--relaxation, calm, and an overall positive outlook. What I like most about this tape is that the exercises are varied. They range from visualizing a goal to affirmations. Gwain has a nice voice that is also a plus. I bought this tape on a whim , but I can honestly say that it helps bring hope and sense of calm to my everyday life. It's great!"
		Self Healing With Guided Imagery Andrew Weil, M.D., and fellow-physician Martin Rossman introduce you to the far-reaching effects of imagery and visualization on physical, mental, and emotional health. Dr. Weil introduces the topic, shares his own experience with visualization, and reveals the results of current research on how the practice of imagery directly influences one's well-being. Dr. Rossman guides listeners through a complete series of practical exercises that provide an immediate experience of the healing benefits of visualization.