Article by Leslie Davenport

The roots of guided imagery are ancient, and images are a very natural way of knowing ourselves and life. But this way of perceiving has been severely underutilized in our contemporary culture where the achievement, analysis and organization are prized. While logic is necessary and valuable, when we fail to draw upon the full range of human capacity, it creates imbalance. The cumulative lack of balance eventually becomes unsustainable which is now showing up on a global scale in environmental, economic and health crises. It is of vital importance to inquire how we find ourselves here, and reengage the diminished aspects of our humanity. As Einstein is attributed as saying, "Problems cannot be solved by the same consciousness that created them." I'm not suggesting that if we had all done imagery none of these problems would exist, but I am saying that we have collectively lost sight of the mystery, beauty and soulful aspects of life as ways to inform our decisions. And imagery is a powerful way to remain connected with those depth aspects of life.

Guided imagery is a method of heightening awareness to the subtle working of our body/mind/emotions/spirit which reveal themselves to us through images. As we become familiar with our own inner landscapes, we understand how the many facets of ourselves are intimately connected and influence each other and the world around us. For example, if our awareness is present to our essential, vibrant aliveness, it helps us appreciate the simple miracles in daily life: healthy food, friendships, the beauty of a sunset. Or conversely, if we are wrapped up in worry, the world is quite small, dismal and scary. Fear-based images release a cascade of stress chemicals in the body. We're less available in our relationships. Our decisions are fueled by anxiety, and the day slips past in a blur.

So I invite you on a journey to the subtle, intuitive, and compassionate aspects of life. Simply visit https://www.facebook.com/LeslieDavenportAuthor, and click on the free 30 minute harp and imagery meditation entitled Invitation.

Leslie Davenport is the author of Healing and Transformation Through Self Guided Imagery, and a founding member of the Institute for Health & Healing. She is on the faculty of JFK University and the California Institute of Integral Studies. For more information, go to www.LeslieDavenport.com

Copyright Leslie Davenport