Read this over and then guide yourself through it, or ask a friend to read it slowly to you as you follow the steps.

1. Take a moment to relax. Breathe deeply and let your body sink into your chair. Close your eyes. Now recall a time in your life when you felt great, when your body was as healthy as it could be. Imagine yourself doing something in that healthy state, such as taking a walk or dancing.
2. Notice how you are dressed in your mental picture. What does your complexion look like? How is your energy level? Use all your senses to absorb your picture of health. Notice the smile on your face. Breathe.
3. As you breathe, draw in that image so it deeply penetrates your body. Feel the energy and aliveness that you have in the image. Hold your picture of health for a few minutes.
4. Now open your eyes. How do you feel?

This exercise is a good way to develop and actually feel the effects of healing imagery. As you become at ease with the process, you can use it to alleviate tension and discomfort associated with a variety of symptoms, such as nausea, headache, or muscle pain. The next imagery exercise will show you how.

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