(This blog was originally posted on February 4, 2014.)
Slow, deep
breathing is an important component of my hypnotherapy work. Breathing this way
not only relaxes the physical body; it also provides them a tangible example of
their ability to control a specific, physical behavior. Breathing is also a relevant
metaphor for the idea of releasing old habits or beliefs and replacing them with
the new, desired behaviors and mental scripts that they believe will improve
their lives in some way. Following is a simple imagery exercise that you can do
at the end of the day to help you relax and let go of any negative emotion or
tension in your body before going to bed:
Start by taking
a slow, deep breath through your nose. Visualize or imagine that you are
drawing cool, clean air all the way into the bottom of your lungs. Hold this
breath for the count of four, three, two, one… This air that you have inhaled
is filled with tiny molecules of relaxation, calm, comfort and confidence that
travels from your lungs and moves throughout your body.
On zero, release
the breath slowly through your mouth. Visualize and imagine that you are
releasing with this breath any tightness or tension that you have been carrying
around in your body; you are releasing any negative emotion (e.g., anger,
frustration, etc.) that you no longer want or need to carry inside of you. Just
let go of all of those negative emotions and physical tensions, allow them to
dissipate in the atmosphere where they can no longer affect you or anyone else.
Repeat this exercise
several times as needed until you feel completely relaxed and start drifting
into sleep.
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in
Southern California. She graduated with honors from the
Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense
Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
© 2014
