At this time of year, you may feel as though you are getting caught up in a whirlwind of preparations, events, and commitments, and this can bring on an unwelcome surge of stress. In these moments, visualisation can be a simple, grounding tool to help you decompress and regain a sense of calm. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it.
In the early 1990s, while struggling with the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) during a period of intense life changes, I discovered how powerful visualisation could be. Through trial and error, I created two personal visualisations that became lifelines on my healing journey.
I talk more about my visualisations in this video.
Though I designed these exercises to suit my specific needs, the power of visualisation is universal, and you can easily create a version tailored to you. Here’s a summary of the two that I designed all those years ago – perhaps one will resonate with you or inspire you to create one your own.
My personal visualisations
The Valley of Healing
I would begin by imagining myself walking up a grass bank. At the top, a serene, empty valley unfolded before me. Each time I visited this valley, I would add one element to it – flowers, trees, a shimmering river. Over time, this space filled with symbols of life, energy, and healing. I eventually visualised entering a transparent sphere infused with restorative energy, allowing the calm to wash over me. This ritual became so meaningful that, as I grew stronger, I would even imagine welcoming others who needed comfort into my valley.
The Cathedral of Light
In this visualisation, I would walk into an expansive, cathedral-like room with high, open proportions. Ethereal beings, like angels with flowing white robes, would shimmer towards me, encircling me with warmth and care. Their wings would gently unfold around me, offering solace and a sense of being protected and nurtured. This powerful image provided a refuge during my most challenging moments and brought a deep sense of peace.
Preparing for visualisation
Setting yourself up properly for visualisation will boost its effects. Find a quiet space, put your phone in another room, make sure there are no distractions around you, then close your eyes, and take several deep breaths. Allow yourself a few minutes to let go of any built-up tension before beginning.
When stress builds, especially during the festive season, it can impact our physical health, sometimes showing up in unexpected ways, like digestive discomfort. Our gut is sensitive to stress, and the extra strain of a busy schedule or those never-ending ‘To Do’ lists can often leave it feeling out of balance. Practising visualisation can help release tension in the body, creating a sense of calm that may benefit overall wellness, including our digestive health.
Whether you choose a simple visualization or a more elaborate one, mentally stepping into a calm, safe space can bring immediate relief and may even soothe those stress-related physical symptoms.
Give it a go!
As the festivities draw near, try a visualisation when things start to feel overwhelming. You might find, as I did, that it becomes a valuable tool during busy and challenging times.
If you have any questions about a digestive and gut health issue, please get in touch. Wishing you a peaceful, stress-free lead up to the festive season!
