meditation and guided imagery for beginners
WE’RE DOING A LOT OF YOGA AND MEDITATION IN BORA BORA. You probably know meditation has so many benefits, but if you’re like me, you face the same nagging question: “Where do I start?”
Like yoga, meditation can be a intimidating to a novice. Luckily there’s Ilona, chief doula of Maternabliss, and my associate at Sam Page Fitness. I asked her to give me some pointers. And if you want a really great, free meditation podcast, try Meditation Oasis.
SAM: How does guided mediation and hypnosis work?
ILONA: Meditation, guided imagery and hypnosis, are each very distinct experiences. Guided visualization can transport you to the lush tropics of Jamaica or a secluded cave in Hawaii in less than a half hour. In a fully relaxed state of mind, you allow yourself to fully imagine the taste, scent, feel, temperature and any other sensation that would “trick” your mind into experiencing the physical sensations of where you would like to be. In this deep state of relaxation your subconcious mind is open to suggestions—this is the very abbreviated description of what hypnosis is. Have you ever been driving on the freeway so deep in thought that you’ve missed your exit, or cried at the movies? If you answered yes, then you’ve experienced hypnosis.
Do you think people have a misunderstanding about it?
Yes, of course. It is a complete misunderstanding to think that you are will do something you don’t want to do. While under hypnosis you are totally awake—at no point are you going to do something you don’t want to do. Stage hypnosis, when people cluck like a chicken and do silly things, is just that—for the stage. It has NOTHING to do with true hypnotherapy.
In your work as a doula, has guided imagery or hypnosis affected the woman’s recovery time, or her immune response?
Having a doula present during the birth experience has been proven to significantly reduce the chance of cesarean section, decrease time in labor, and contribute to much great satisfaction with their birth experience. Guided imagery and self hypnosis is one tool (out of many) that a doula can use to help the mother cope during labor.
Where is the best place to start on this journey? Any recommendations for the uninitiated?
A great place to start on this journey might be right after a good physical workout. Ask your trainer to help you do a progressive relaxation with you, or you can even do this on your own. Imagine a colored light starting from the top of your head and moving down, down, down, relaxing each part of your body and ending with your toes. By the end of this exercise, I promise you’ll feel wonderful and relaxed. Not only will you feel physically relaxed but you will feel like you just had an incredible massage for your brain.
For more information about guided visualization or if you need a doula,
call ILONA at 310.592.1996, or visit her website
