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A GUIDED IMAGERY FIELD GUIDE

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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

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GUIDE MAP
A GUIDED IMAGERY FIELD GUIDE

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Natures guided imagery eco-system
THE WHAT
Natural levels of guided imagerys metaphoric waters for accessing healing imagination
Most common entry for engaging healing is on the the forefront of feelings and memory, CDs and self directed imagery works well
Deeper states, imagination a bit muddied , one is uncertain in how to deepen, coaching helps in starting
Ones 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 ones Inner guide advances engagement on how to enter new levels through inner work and adaptation to new states of becoming

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, CDs, and DVDs
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 ones 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

considerations and inquiry
Under the surface/ Hidden Issues
About:
Framing current reality
Opening a door to possibility
Under the surface/ Hidden Issues
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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
Pealing away layers can be a catalyst for guided imagery

Im 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
Im 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

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What do I expect ? Goals are great reality checks to set a path for ones 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 . Dont 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
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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
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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
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The pedal 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 dont 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
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Let my body mind bear sweet fruit and fragrant lotus
petals, as this lotus is rooted in the waters of thy spirit

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