Our minds are powerful. They can back us into a corner with fear. They can cause vast amounts of anxiety. They can push us to ruminate effectively draining our energy. But they can also be used for good. Our minds can be used to change how we feel when facing any kind of difficult or stressful situation.

One excellent method used to engage the mind and relax the body is guided imagery. In Buddhism, this is often called ‘Guided Inquiry’ and is used to focus on key Buddhist tenets (such as impermanence, suffering, and the preciousness of life). You can use this same imagery technique to focus on a task, remember your purpose, or just to relax.

How Guided Imagery Works

There are many different guided imagery scripts. You can find some for free online or you can create your own. Whichever one you chose to use, the method remains the same.

1. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
2. Think of a place or person that makes you feel safe, warm, and peaceful.
3. Remember being in that safe or warm place or with that person. Remember how it feels, what it looks like, and what sensations you might have experienced.
4. Focus on that mental image for a few moments, bringing your mind back when it wanders.

By recalling this image in your mind, your body will begin to relax. As we’ve discussed in my book and on this blog before, you cannot separate your mind and your body. Just as your mind can cause your body to react adversely, it can also help to relax or rejuvenate your body. In fact, guided imagery is so powerful it has even been found to help cancer patients alleviate pain.

By Yourself or With Someone Else

While many people seek out the help of a therapist when moving through a guided imagery exercise, you can complete one on your own. The steps above are simple to follow while also effective. The best part about this type of visualization is that it can last for hours or for minutes – and it can result in more focus almost immediately.

Where is your safe place? I’d love to hear about it!