| There is nothing particularly difficult about learning imagery and meditation techniques. In fact, a good general description of practicing this approach to greater health and well-being might simply be what happens when you take time out from your regular activities by (1) first going to a place in which you sit or lie down, (2) then relaxing and turning your mind from scattered thoughts to focus on one idea or sensation and, finally, (3) being receptive to whatever your subconscious might present to you. Actually, once you learn these techniques, you can do them waiting in the check-out line at the supermarket.
The Lotus Position Isn't Necessary
If you're afraid that to learn imagery you'll have to sit for hours cross-legged on the floor, don't worry. Not only is that impossible and uncomfortable for many people, though others swear by it, clinical evidence has shown that such a regimen is not essential for improved physical, mental and emotional health. You can sit comfortably on chairs or lie on the floor -- and you don't need to do it more than twenty minutes a day.
Remember that Rome Wasn't Built in One Day
Although imagery is easy to do, don't expect to become an expert at once. Give imagery a chance. After all, you wouldn't expect to build a strong body after one brisk walk or workout, but practice is needed for building both physical and mental muscles.
Certainly cancer treatment can interfere with developing a daily healing ritual like imagery. But even when we don't have illness, we often say, I know I work too hard and I really ought to relax more, but there doesn't seem to be any time in my busy life. Well, what better time to learn the importance of quiet contemplation than now, when you need to slow down and take care of your body?
You can take the classes slowly, doing no more than one a day and repeating any you would like. I believe you are most likely to succeed if you make a commitment to doing imagery and/or meditation six days a week for six weeks (or as often as treatment will allow). If, after that time, you don't feel these techniques are doing any good, then stop. You are the judge of what works best for you. But I am willing to wager that if you make that commitment, you will have developed a habit you won't want to stop.
Plagiarism is Encouraged
When you use imagery, you will need to set aside time to practice your new skill. You don't, however, have to come up with every idea by yourself. You aren't being graded on your creativity. Besides, if you freely use images and symbols others have created, you will soon discover that your own creative juices begin to flow -- just as pioneers primed the pump with a cup of water when they wanted to get more water.
There Isn't Any One-Size-Fits-All in Imagery and Meditation
If you are told to practice imagery and meditation by always sitting ramrod straight on a hard chair and if, while following those instructions, powerful images arise, it is not uncommon to assume that the position had something to do with it. Similarly, if you are taught to always lie on the floor and, in the process of doing that, realize the insights you experience have changed your view of life for the better; you will tend to believe that lying down made the difference.
Over the years, with different teachers and with trial-and-error on my own, I have discovered that there are no hard and fast rules. I have gotten wonderful results by imaging energy coming down from my head or up from my feet (and I'll discuss that in a later class). I've used soft chairs, hard chairs, the floor and the bed.
There is no "right" way to do imagery. Imagery works best when it feels right and is congruent with who you are and with your beliefs and values. You are the judge of what is best for you, of what method can best help you discover your unique strengths and coping skills.
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