I had trouble concentrating on some of the images that were presented during the i Vacation guided imagery exercise—certain things that were said brought unpleasant thoughts to my mind. Is there a way to block out these distractions?

Unfocused

Dear Unfocused,

This sometimes happens to guided imagery voyagers. Distracting thoughts also enter the minds of meditators, pro tennis players, Broadway performers, and the rest of us when we try to focus on thoughts and activities. Distraction is as natural as breathing, and working with these stray and unwanted thoughts, rather than actively shoeing them away like flies around a picnic table, will usually pave a shorter and smoother path back to focus.

Once, another vacationer became visibly agitated when she arrived at the beach during a short imagery session to what was billed as a tropical paradise. After returning, she explained that she was allergic to the sun, and that the image of its rays warming her body started to make her sick. She went on to say that she was able to continue with the mental journey when, independent of the guide’s suggestions, she smeared number 35 sun-block on her skin, put on one of those big straw hats, and anchored a big old umbrella over her spot in the sand.

That traveler’s side-trip demos one clever way to get around those distracting thoughts. It also demonstrates the power of the mind to create and control anxiety and stress. Another equally acceptable short-cut is to discontinue your journey until the imagery suggestions become more comfortable for you.

Other Readers can find the free Instant Vacation guided imagery audio stream mentioned by Unfocused in thestresscoach.com’s relax now! area.  There's also a one-click link to it from the homepage.

Hang five,

Les
11/06