- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- special kids today articles
- special kids today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The Gift of Being There
8 Secrets for Visiting a Seriously Ill Loved One
Research with imagery has validated the importance of visualizing your breath. As you consciously breathe deep relaxing breaths, chemicals in the brain much like an elixir are released to help you feel greater warmth and relaxation.
Follow your breath on its travels. See the breath actually entering the crown and watch it start the journey through the body. You want to see it and to feel it in your mind's eye and in your body. Visualize it going through every organ, limb, vertebrae, muscle and tissue. Picture it flowing through your bloodstream. Envision every cell delighting in the breath. Notice yourself feeling the increased warmth and see yourself feeling well. This facilitates progressive relaxation. "While doing the breathing, you will experience an increased sense of heaviness," Apollon says. "The paradox is that you will notice a feeling of lightness."
Find your mantra. I'm feeling more relaxed. I'm feeling more peaceful. I'm becoming pure love. These are just a few suggestions. Your mantra can be a favorite expression, the first line of your favorite prayer ("The Lord is my Shepherd"), or something that just helps you relax like "Shalom." Whatever you choose, associate the tone of your mantra with finding peace. Whatever your mantra is, say it over and over in your mind. This creates your "mind's ear" connection.
Make a connection with something greater than yourself. It doesn't matter whether your "something greater" is God, Jesus, Mary, Buddha, Universal Energy or Mind. Just imagine breathing in Its divine energy. Ask your Higher Power for help and guidance.
Begin with gratitude. Be certain to give thanks. The vibration of "thank you," and/or the vibration of "blessings," s very powerful. It draws to us what we secretly desire. Gratitude is a higher state of consciousness.