Meditation
Visualization is consciously creating self-generated images. Guided mental imagery is when a person is directed to visualize images through a series of suggestions provided by an instructor.
When we have physical or emotional pain, the natural response of our body may be to become tense, to push back against the pain and to resist it. Unfortunately, this usually compounds the suffering that we experience from pain. The purpose of guided meditation and visualization is not to remove the painful sensations in the body but rather to help the body and mind to relax, at least to a degree, even in the midst of pain, thereby allowing us to live with pain more comfortably.
Guided meditation might involve, for example, noticing how our body feels while breathing and encouraging us to relax into each breath. Or, we might be guided to visualize a place (such as an ocean beach) essentially transporting ourselves (through awareness) to a more peaceful place. When the mind and body become more at ease, they can begin to let go of their natural inclination to struggle against the pain, and the suffering that we experience from painful sensations in the body begins to subside.
Request Meditation
Ask your nurse to put in a request for you to receive meditation. We will make every effort to fulfill the request prior to discharge.
If you are discharged before the consult, below are some available resources.
Nature
Spiritual moments in nature help us connect with the greater universe and put us in touch with diurnal cycles, seasonal changes and the flow of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I benefit from guided meditation and visualization?
The only way to answer this question is for you to give it a try and see for yourself. Meditation has benefited many people, but not everyone who tries meditation will find it helpful or will want to continue with it. The same is true for visualization.
Which is better, guided meditation or visualization?
This is entirely a matter of personal preference. For some, meditation may offer the potential of greater benefit over time. For others (particularly when you are experiencing significant pain or when you find that you are very easily distracted), visualization may be easier to use and therefore a better choice. Do whatever is best for you at any particular time.
I have never meditated before. How should I begin?
We suggest you start with the “beginning breath awareness” guided meditation. Whenever you feel ready for a somewhat longer meditation or a slightly different approach, you can try any of the other guided meditations.
Do the benefits of meditation change over time?
Yes! Most people who practice meditation on a consistent basis find that their practice becomes stronger over time and the benefits increase.
Is it okay to use meditation to bring awareness into my pain?
Yes! This can be very helpful. But only try this when you feel ready to do so. The guided meditation “breathing into the pain” can be an excellent way to begin doing this.
What should I do if I keep getting distracted or lost during a guided meditation?
It may be helpful to count silently to yourself—one on the in-breath, one on the out-breath, two on the next in-breath, two on the next out-breath, etc. until you reach five and then start over. Also, always remember that following the breath, getting distracted or lost and then returning to the breath (as soon as you realize you have lost track of the breath) is normal for each of us, will likely happen many times even during a short meditation and is simply part of our meditation practice.
How long should each meditation or visualization session be?
This is entirely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer short meditation sessions while others find it helpful to meditate for 15 or 20 minutes or longer. To extend a meditation session, you can simply practice on your own after the end of a guided meditation session or you can combine several guided meditation sessions. Similarly with visualizations, choose a visualization of whatever length works best for you, or extend a visualization simply by continuing to visualize whatever you found to be helpful.
What should I do if my breathing is uncomfortable?
You may want to use the “body scan” guided meditation rather than a meditation that focuses on breathe awareness. Or, you might want to use visualization instead of meditation.
Is it okay to lie down during meditation or visualization?
Yes! If you need to lie down to be comfortable, then you should use this posture. But, if you are able to be comfortable in a sitting posture, then we suggest using this posture for meditation or visualization since you may be a bit more alert and less sleepy.
Can I use meditation or visualization to help me sleep?
Yes! This is an appropriate use of meditation and visualization.
Why are there four different guided meditations?
This is simply to offer a variety of lengths of meditation and a variety of meditation approaches so that you can try them out and decide for yourself what is best for you.
Why are there three different visualizations?
As with the guided meditations, this is simply to give you a choice of different lengths as well as different places and activities to visualize. Use whichever visualization(s) you find helpful.
