Try Guided Imagery Meditation to Manifest Your Heart's Desire!

5 Easy Steps to Guided Imagery Meditation

By Art Stanley

With most things in life, having a guide -- particularly at the beginning -- makes it easier to master.

Learning this process to gain the full benefit of this glorious gift is also easier when you have some help. That's what guided imagery meditation and visualization is all about. It's like having a qualified guide or coach to take you through the process, anytime you want.

Here are 5 easy steps to guided imagery meditation and visualization.

1. Get into a comfortable and relaxed state. That's the first and most important step to guided imagery meditation and visualization.

You've got to be relaxed to make meditation work and the more relaxed you are -- the better. Allow your entire body to go limp. Simply release any tension as you relax your muscles. Start at the top of your head and work your way down your body, consciously relaxing every area and letting all tension fall away.

2. Calm the mind. It is possible to relax physically and still have your mind running at warp speed. But the state you want to achieve through your guided imagery meditation is the exact opposite. You need to free yourself from the continuous and random flow of thoughts.

The first time you try this, you'll find your mind jumping from one thought to the next, without any reason or logic. It simply isn't used to letting go and feeds on thought, whatever the nature. But freeing yourself of the internal dialogue is crucial for meditation and visualization.

3. Focus on your breathing. Take long, slow, deep breaths. Don't strain though. Keep it easy and peaceful. Relax more and more each breath. By concentrating on your breathing, you help to control your mind's tendency to think about other things. Focusing on your breathing alone occupies the mind while relaxing the body, which is ideal for our purpose.

4. Attain a meditative state of mind and body. Allow yourself to sink deeper and deeper into a more calming and peaceful place. This is your target destination -- to find profound peace of mind and comforting tranquility where you are connected to Spirit and where no resistance exists. Once you've found it, you'll know you've discovered heaven on earth.

5. Now that you've attained this wonderful state of complete relaxation, simply project images of what you want to accomplish on the screen of your mind. With guided imagery meditation and visualization, all you have to do is follow along. As the images are painted for you, simply add whatever elements of detail you like. This makes it your own -- your unique creation unlike any other.

Choose something specific and be definite about your ability to manifest it. Involve as many of the senses as you can. Feel at one with your desire now. Do this and you will have applied the secret of guided imagery meditation and visualization to manifest what you want.

"Guided" means that your led every step of the way. It simplifies the process and shortens the learning curve. Simply choose a recorded CD that fits a desire of yours. And then follow the narrator's voice as you are gently guided through the entire process.

Ready to tap into your unlimited mind power to create the life you want? Guided imagery meditation and visualization can give you everything you want, without the struggle, stress and strain. Just follow along on this powerful guided visualization and affirmation session and live the life of your dreams today. Click here for more.

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Wine Tasting, Anyone?

How to Give a Perfect Wine Tasting Party
By Caroline Silverstone

Hosting the perfect wine tasting party will make you the talk of your social group. The perfect party will allow you to entertain your guests and ensure everyone is happy. You will feel less stressed and more able to enjoy the party yourself, too, when you know you have planned your party carefully.

The following five steps will help you to plan the perfect wine tasting party. By following these steps you will be taken from the pre-party planning to wrapping up the party. You will find everything you need to make sure that your party goes off without a hitch in these five steps.

Step One: Find the right setting

You want the setting to reflect the overall atmosphere of the party. The party should be relaxing and laid back. You want people to be able to talk easily so there should not be a lot of noise. You also want a well lit area so people can see the wine.

Step Two: Decide who to invite

You should follow the general rule that a bottle of wine can be used for 15 to 20 people. Any more and you will run out of wine or be unable to give an adequate tasting amount. If you have less people then you will need to plan for the left over wine storage. Additionally, having the right number of people ensures that the conversation will not stall and that everyone will get a chance to speak their thoughts on the wine without being talked over or feeling crowded out.

Step Three: Prepare supplies

You want to ensure that you have everything you need for the party. You will need glasses that are made to match the wines you will be serving. You will need napkins. You will also need something to cleanse the palate in between tasting. You should choose bread at minimum. You can offer other foods, but be sure to follow general pairing guidelines so the taste of the wines is not ruined.

Step Four: Keep the party flowing

You want to make sure that the party keeps flowing. Move from wine to wine at a pace directed by your guests. When the conversation tends to slow you can move on to the next wine. Make sure you follow cues carefully or you could end up with awkward silence in between each wine.

Step Five: Closing the party right

Sometimes people like to linger about after wine tasting parties. It can be helpful if you have a way to wrap up the party that makes it clear the party is done. You may wish to send each guest home with leftover re-corked wine. You could also provide taxi service to get everyone home safely. Anything you do should make it clear the party is complete and everyone should leave. This is not rude, but important so that you are not stuck cleaning up into the wee hours of the morning just because a guest or two refused to leave. This will leave a good tastes in everyone's mouth.

An excellent resource to find out best wine accessories and wine decanters.  The website also provides great info related to glass wine decanters and where to get the best wine products from.

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Schedule an Appointment with Yourself!

When the demands on our time seem relentless and eternal, and we feel like the life we are living is not our own, it becomes increasingly difficult to put our needs anywhere near the top of our "to do" lists. We are too busy taking care of everyone else, while we barely find time to eat meals sitting down or head to the bathroom when nature calls. As time passes, we begin to wonder, "Whose life is this anyway?"

As women, we are notorious for taking care of others at our own expense. Eventually, though, we start feeling resentful, unappreciated, and used up. When concerned friends and relatives tell us we need to make time for ourselves, we quickly respond with "I DON'T HAVE THE TIME!" Of course, we are right. The empty time slots in our calendars fill up rapidly, often weeks in advance. So what can exhausted women do?

The answer is simple. We must first decide that OUR NEEDS MATTER! Then we can schedule appointments with ourselves in our calendar that we honor as much as we do all the other demands on our time. What might we do during our scheduled appointments? Try the following and/or come up with some of your own ideas. The possibilities are endless.

• take a nap
• meditate
• go for a walk
• play with a puppy/kitten
• turn on the radio and sing or dance
• exercise
• get a manicure or pedicure
• go shopping
• swim
• read a book
• journal
• draw
• play a game
• get a makeover
• write a letter
• talk to a friend
• daydream
• take a bubble bath
• go wine tasting

Copyright © 2008 by Holly Cox, L.C. P.C., C.D.C.®

Godiva Chocolate, Fine Wine, and a Bubble Bath!

Last year, my son and daughter-in-law bought me a bath tray designed to hold a book, a glass of wine, and anything else that might add to the experience of indulging in a long, hot soak. On days when I'm running on empty, needing some "me" time, and craving a little bit of pampering, I select a great book to read, pour myself a glass of LA FANTASÍA ("Fantasy") dessert wine from the Castello di Amorosa Winery in Napa Valley, lay one piece of Godiva Chocolate on my tray, fill the tub with steaming hot water, drop in a fragrant LUSH BATH BOMB (see above), and slip into the silky, scented water. After allowing myself this retreat from the cares, concerns, and demands of daily life, I feel recharged, energized, and ready to take on the world. Try this tip for yourself when you feel the need for a little rest and relaxation! You'll never want to get out of the tub!

Copyright © 2008 by Holly Cox, L.C. P.C., C.D.C.®

Summer Transformation Contest!

Pick one area of your life you would like to change by summer's end. It might be your body, your health, your personality, your environment, your energy level, your parenting skills, your relationships, your finances, your career,your social life, or anything else you might want to transform.

Enter your desired outcome in the comments section of this post, and keep us informed of your progress. If you want to send pictures

of the changes you make throughout the process, email me (transformation4you@gmail.com), and I will include them in this blog.

At the end of the summer, send in a complete record of your accomplishments. Be creative. You can include pictures, reflections, daily and weekly action steps, drawings,

or whatever best represents the changes you have made.

The top success stories will be featured on my

Personal Transformations website, and the winner will receive

a $100.00 SPA GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Go to the Summer Transformation Contest page to register

and get more information.

Designing Your Dream Life!

One of the key elements to creating the life of your dreams is to have a clear picture of what you want to achieve. You can't steer your life in a desired direction if you don't have a destination in mind. So where do you start? Try this exercise during the coming week. You'll need some magazines, a notebook, paste, pens, crayons, and/or markers. Pick one area of your life - your body, your health, your career, your finances, your environment, your relationships, your wardrobe, your spirituality, or anything else that matters to you. Label the first page of your notebook with your chosen area. Look through magazines and find pictures that represent the changes you would like to make in this area as your transform your life. Paste these pictures in this section of your notebook, along with any phrases, quotations, questions, or thoughts you might have. When you are finished, write a paragraph painting a word picture of the changes you wish to see in this part of your life. Each day this week, add a bit more to your dream map.

Copyright © 2008 by Holly Cox, L.C. P.C., C.D.C.®

Savor the Moment!

During my recent trip to Europe, I was amazed at the relaxed atmosphere that was present everywhere I went. Stores closed at lunch so the shopkeepers could go home and eat with their families. People strolled through the streets enjoying the sights. Conversation, laughter, and camaraderie prevailed. The contrast to life in the United States was painfully apparent.

In America, we seem to be perpetually racing from one thing to another - chasing happiness, fulfillment, and joy. These qualities often appear to be just a tad out of our reach, and so the endless cycle keeps repeating itself. We put off vacations because we're too busy! We work extra hours to save money to enjoy when we retire. We would never dream of closing our stores to go home for lunch. Friends and family get put on hold until we can make time for them. Our own needs get placed on the backburner.

Perhaps we need to take a step back and think about what it is we are actually pursuing so diligently. Making lots of money, achieving more and more, competing with our friends and relatives, and outshining our neighbors can be empty rewards when they cost us time with the very people we love, take a toll on our health, disconnect us from our surroundings, and leave us feeling drained. When we learn to savor each moment, we bring the very happiness we are searching for into our daily lives!

If you want to create joy and happiness for yourself in the present moment, as well as in the future, begin to ask yourself the following questions. Let your own answers guide you.

1. What makes me happy?


2. How can I experience more happiness right now in my life?


3. What's missing for me as I go through my days/weeks/years?


4. What drains me of joy, energy, and happiness?


5. How can I eliminate some of these things starting today?


6. In what areas do I need to give myself some slack?


7. What is one experience I want to enjoy to the fullest today?


8. If I were to do something special for myself, what would it be?


9. Who do I want to spend more time with?

Copyright © 2008 by Holly Cox, L.C.P.C., C.D.C.®

Take Charge of Your Life!

For years, I found myself floating along life's path with little or no sense of the direction it was taking me. Each day blended into the next one, and I reacted to whatever came my way. On a Kairos retreat several years ago, I had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth. At first glance, it seemed fairly simple. I couldn't get lost since I wasn't in a maze. I had to just keep walking the path until I reached the end. Half way through, I started to cry; however, at first I had no idea what the sadness welling up within me was really about. Upon reflection, I realized I was wandering through my life the same way I was wandering through the labryinth, going where the path took me and waiting to reach the end. Just when I felt like I was close to my desired destination, the path would take a turn. Suddenly, I'd be back where I started.

Something slowly shifted in me that day. I was no longer willing to be a passive participant in my own life. When I attended Marcia Wieder's Create Your Future Now workshop in Chicago, I knew that I had found the vehicle to steer my life in a desired direction and help others do so as well.

As a Certified Dream Coach®, constantly focused on moving in the direction of my dreams, I am committed to helping you learn to take charge of your own life. Following Marcia's ten step process, you can begin to set clear intentions, learn to trust yourself, discover your purpose, get really clear about your dreams/desires, deal with the doubting parts of yourself, develop new beliefs that serve you, learn from past setbacks, design projects and strategies that move you closer to your "dream-come-true" life, build a dream team, and ultimately become unstoppable! If you are interested in learning more, check out Personal Transformations or e-mail me at transformation4you@gmail.com.

I was lucky enough to get certified directly by Marcia Wieder. However, after January of 2009, Marcia will no longer be personally leading the Dream Coach® Certification program. If you are interested in learning from this dynamic and successful dreamer and saving $500.00 on the cost of training, click this link to Dream Coach® University. Don't delay. Marcia is only offering the discount until May 15th.

Manage Our Minds or Our Minds Will Manage Us!

Many motivated women suffer from high degrees of anxiety. We worry about our families, our jobs, our pets, our to-do lists, our friends, the future, the past, the present, and anything else that crosses our minds. Attempting to sleep at night, we will replay everything over and over again, like sentinels guarding against possible disappointment, heartache, and adversity.

While often annoying, anxiety is not all bad. Let's face it. Couch potatoes usually do not suffer from anxiety disorders, unless the anxiety has truly taken over and induced paralysis. Usually, our anxious thoughts fuel our motivation, and we get things done. However, with too much anxiety we become overwhelmed, exhausted, and resentful. We wonder why the other people in our lives do not feel as responsible as we do and often complain that all the work somehow falls into our not-so-eagerly awaiting laps.

So how do we use our anxiety to produce positive results while maintaining control over its negative effects? One of the best ways I know is to learn to manage our minds. If we follow these steps, we'll be well on our way to fantastic results.

• Become students of our own thoughts. The first step involves just noticing our thinking patterns without judging them.


• As thoughts pass through our minds, we can realize that we don't have to grab on to them. We can allow them to be very temporary guests.


• Imagine two walls. On one side, picture thoughts, people, and events that trigger anxious feelings. On the other side, imagine all the happy events and memories in our lives. Both the negative and the positive consistently co-exist in the world. Decide now to spend more time glancing at the wall containing things that contribute to feelings of happiness, serenity, and a sense of well-being.


• Recognize that we can't control the people and events in our lives, but we certainly can control where we place our attention.


• Notice our self talk. What we say to ourselves matters!


• Spend five minutes each day paying attention to our bodily sensations. Run through our physical feelings from our head to our toes. This temporarily stops the endless chatter in our minds and grounds us in the present moment.


• Make friends with our anxiety. Instead of fighting it, be curious about its good intentions in our lives. What is it trying to tell us? Do we need to slow down? Take a walk? Write in a journal? Change directions? Get more information?


• Let it become our trusted advisor, while realizing that we have the ultimate say in how we live our lives.

Copyright © 2008 by Holly A. Cox, L.C.P.C., C.D.C.®

Reclaiming Relaxation! Three Simple Tips to Calm the Mind and Relax the Body

by Ntathu Allen

Reclaiming Relaxation!

How many times during the day have you felt pressurised or unsure how to meet the demands placed upon you?

Do you long to take "time-out" yet feel you have too many responsibilities and commitments to manage?

Maybe you have financial problems and worry how you are going to pay your bills; perhaps you are caring for an elderly relative who has recently been hospitalised and you are anxious about their welfare.

For people living in high-crime areas or uncomfortable or unsafe living conditions, you may have the added worry about your children's or your own personal safety. All these factors can contribute to you feeling "stressed" and that you have no-control over events in your life.

As a Yoga Teacher, I see many people suffering from the physical effects of stress, for example, low back pain, digestive disorders, migraine headaches.

On an emotional level, when you feel stressed you constantly worry, feel anxious, irritable and unable to concentrate and think clearly. Long term exposure to stress wears you down which makes it harder for you to find the energy to stop and regain balance and enjoyment in your life.

Have you noticed that when you are completely stressed, the last thing you find time for is to rest and relax? Yet, your ability to cope with the various demands you face diminishes as you continue to push yourself. Learning how to relax, letting-go and regain your perspective is vital to help you manage your life successfully.

Have you ever experienced moments when you are totally at peace, calm and content with your life? Many of the students I teach yoga say that practicing yoga has given them "inner strength", a "sense of balance and inner peace" which helps to enhance the quality of their personal relationships, stay focused at work and learn how to cope with stressful situations in a calm and more positive way.

THREE SIMPLE TIPS TO CALM THE MIND AND RELEASE TENSION FROM YOUR BODY

One: Sit comfortably on a chair, rest your hands on your thighs, uncross your ankles, place your feet apart flat on the floor and close your eyes. Breathe in slowly and deeply, through your nose, for a count of three and slowly breathe out for a count of three. As you breathe in and out be aware of the rise and fall of your abdomen. Repeat 5 -7 times. Slowly open your eyes and take time to re-engage with your day.

Two: Have a loving bath. Add four to six drops of bergamot, lavender,
ylang ylang, or rose essential oil to your bathwater. These aromatic oils are uplifting and help to refresh your mind.

Three: Stand or sit in a comfortable position. Breathe in through your nose and shrug your shoulders up to your ears, slowly breathe out as you lower your shoulders. Repeat 5 - 7 times.

I hope you find these relaxation tips useful.

If you are interested in trying other relaxation techniques, please email me at ntathu@yoga-inspires.com for your free copy of the article "Relax! Seven Simple Steps to Reduce Stress and Energise Your Body"

Ntathu Allen, Yoga Teacher, teaches professionals simple yoga stretches and meditation to manage stress at work , improve creativity and strengthen relationships at work and at home.
Contact Ntathu for your free monthly Yoga and Polarity Enewsletter - Healing for the Soul.
Email :ntathu@yogainspires.co.uk ; http://www.yogainspires.co.uk
phone: 07973 777 882

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