Guided imagery for challenging times

Uncertain times cause more stress than we already deal with on a daily basis.

If you feel like the word is reeling around you, you are not alone. 

We are in a time when many are swept up in each trend, concept or thought that is presented in society.

I believe the best way to survive these tumultuous times is to be centred and step back from the calamity.  That, however, does not mean not participating in the world (more for another day!)

What do I mean by centred?  There are so many ways to do this, that if you practice these short examples and experience being centred, soon you will discover other ways to achieve the same that you create for yourself.

One I particularly like, is getting quiet and comfortable. Read this over so you know how to proceed without opening your eyes to check.  Close your eyes and very slowly, take a deep breath in and a slightly longer breath out. Do this 3 or 4 times. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and that your body is relaxed. How does that feel for you? It should feel very relaxing.

Next imagine a tiny intensely bright light in the area of your upper abdomen or your heart area. Continue to breath  deep and slow. Start to imagine this tiny bead of light growing slowly. Is it a steady light or does it pulse? You watch this light expand and it takes on the form of a star you recall seeing in the night sky. There is a definite long ray of light extending from above to below the bottom of the star. There is  also a longer line of light going through the centre from left to right. You can call this your star compass.  Some might see this as their soul. What i see when doing this is the traditional "picture" of the Star of Bethlehem often seen Christian tradition.

Continue to enjoy your relaxing breath and sit with your star compass. In your imagination watch it resting in the core of your body. Experience it helping you feel balance and calm – the antidote for the all the craziness happening in the world around you. Spend a couple of minutes here until you are ready to come back to this space and this time.  Thank your star compass for being with you and let it once again reduce in size, waiting for your next visit.

Start to move your fingers and feet gently, slowly open your eyes and and just sit for another moment or two.  This would be a good time to reflect on what you experienced and how you feel.

Doing this daily will help ground you as you go through your day.