Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com.
He has been reviewing books for the past twenty years after retiring from the legal profession.
To read more about Norm Follow Here
Author: Leslie Davenport
ISBN: 978-158761-324-1
Publisher: Celestial Arts
Click Here To Purchase Healing and Transformation Through Self Guided Imagery
Until
recently, Western medicine has been reluctant to accept guided
imagery as a potent healer- a way to discover the natural, ancient
source of wisdom within. Thanks to pioneers like Leslie Davenport,
this ancient practice has now found its way into the mainstream
practice of some primary care physicians as well as other health care
providers. Furthermore, as we discover in Davenport's Healing and
Transformation Through Self-Guided Imagery, imagery is so powerful
that it crosses many disciplines. As Davenport states, not only is
guided imagery useful in health related matters, but can also be
applied to a variety of situations where life has pulled the rug out
from individuals through an unanticipated crisis. Moreover, one of
its most appealing features is that almost anyone can use it, when,
where and how the user wishes.
All of this is clearly
illustrated from the eleven case studies that Davenport presents in
her book where we learn about a technique that generates an altered
state, in which the mind is directed toward multi-sensory images that
the body perceives as real.
As we discover, the power of the
mind to influence the body is quite remarkable, not only as a
self-help tool, but also a way of self-realization. Through these
personal case studies, Davenport explores in simple language a
variety of situations that illustrate how effective guided imagery
can prove to be in treating cancer sufferers, diabetics, heart
disease sufferers or dealing with individuals having financial
problems, marital issues, cultural shame, career transitional
difficulties, identity issues, and loss.
Although guided
imagery may not be curative, it can be helpful in using images and
other senses so that the brain communicates with other organs. After
all, imagery is the most fundamental language a person has and
everything we do, the mind processes through images. When we recall
events from our past or childhood, we think of pictures, images,
sounds, pain, etc. It is hardly ever through words. As Davenport
affirms: "Guided imagery is a process that focuses our attention
inward to receive the impressions, pictures, and dream figures
arising from our true nature. These images are the natural expression
of our intuition, unconscious mind, and deepest self."
There
is often a reluctance to try guided imagery and this, according to
Davenport, is due to several myths about the process. As she
illustrates throughout her book, guided imagery is not some kind of
magical power or extraordinary mental attribute that some have and
others do not. Davenport goes on to dispel these myths and shows us
the path to receive our heart's wise advice. And contrary to what
some believe, guided imagery does not require a rarified state of
consciousness. It is not necessary to stop your thoughts before
imagery is possible. Guided imagery and visualization are not
synonymous. It is not mind over matter and it is not for relaxing and
forgetting about the difficulties of life. Finally, you don't need to
believe in the power of imagery in order for it to be effective.
To
help readers apply self-guided imagery to their own unique
situations, Davenport presents in chapter four a six-step guided
imagery process worksheet that can bring you to your heart's wise
guidance in directing and controlling the images in your head. With
practice and patience you will be able to visualize whenever and
wherever the need arises. The worksheet is broken down as follows:
what do you need guidance about: journey to your heart by traveling
inward: discovering your inner sanctuary: bringing your topic to
heart: receiving your heart's message and thanking your heart. There
is a suggestion as to how long you should devote to each of these
steps and a short explanation of how to proceed. All of the eleven
case studies incorporate the principles outlined in the worksheet, as
well as additional tools that are mentioned in subsequent chapters.
Learning to apply the principles outlined in this insightful
and timeless book can be revolutionary, provided you approach it with
an open mind. As I have personally discovered, this is a subtle and
powerful technique that will help you deal with the painful twists
and turns of life and to look at them through a different lens-one
that leads to finding more happiness and satisfaction. In addition,
as mentioned in the book, imagery is a wonderful companion to other
meditative and growth approaches that can be weaved together that
will have a synergistic effect. And before you next crisis finds you,
be sure to get a copy of Healing and Transformation Through
Self-Guided Imagery. Keep it by your bedside long after you have
devoured it the first time. Trust me, it will prove to be invaluable
in accessing the power of your intuition and imagination.
Click Here to Read Norm's Interview With Leslie Davenport