Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to calm your anxiety. How does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers.
Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to calm your anxiety.
Before we get started, here are a few things that you’ll need to do in order to get the most out of this.
- Create a safe space - no distractions or interruptions
First off, you’ll need to create a safe space where you won’t be distracted or interrupted… and also, keep in mind that during this exercise, you’ll have your eyes closed. So yeah, probably not best to do this one while driving.
Silence your phone notifications… The world can wait for the next few minutes.
Then, get comfortable in a seated position or lying down, if that feels better. You get to decide. As with all visualization and breathing exercises we do together this year, you always get to decide what is best for you… take what you need, bless and release the rest.
Okay, now close your eyes or avert your gaze to the ground.
- Take 3 intentional breaths together with me
Let’s take three intentional, life-affirming breaths.
- Deep breath in through the nose, expand the belly, hold at the top, and then slowly release through the mouth. (Do this three times.)
Now, let your breathing come back to a normal pace, whatever feels right for you.
- Do a body scan and feel your feet
It’s time to do a body scan… imagine you are slowly scanning your entire body from the tip top of your head, slowly down like molasses, all the way to your fingertips, and then to your toes.
What sensations do you feel? Knots, twinges of pain, soreness, or even , on the flip side, any feelings of harmony, joy, or flow…. just notice what you feel in your body, without judgment or trying to fix it. Just scan down, ever so slowly until you’ve done your entire body.
Once you’re at your feet, really take notice of what it feels like to have your feet make contact with the ground. To be firmly rooted down, the safety and security of that sensation. What do your feet feel like right now?
- Time to visualize - how to calm your anxiety
Okay now, keep your eyes closed. I want you to imagine you are a mighty oak tree.
Strong, rooted, and majestic. You can tell by the rings on your trunk and the way that neighbors look at you when they walk by on their sunset stroll that you are a tree who’s seen some things, stood strong among many, many storms, and lived to tell the tale… Always. Your shade cover creates a cool oasis underneath for people to rest and catch their breath.
What does it feel like to be a mighty oak tree?
Breathe.
Now, I want you to imagine you are a giant weeping willow tree, swaying gently in the breeze.
Don’t get your name wrong, there’s nothing sad about you. Instead, you’re a thing of beauty. One who is flexible enough to go with the flow when the wind picks up and not lose a branch. You’re not bothered by a storm when the weather changes. You sway and you remain rooted. You’re a favorite tree amongst our neighbors and the children love to visit you often because of how unique and one-of-a-kind you are. You are well loved and it shows.
What does it feel like to be a weeping willow tree?
Breathe.
Now, I want you to imagine you are a stunning magnolia tree.
For the majority of the year, you look like any ‘ol tree in the neighborhood. Most people don’t bat an eye at you, you’re so modest, sweet, and unassuming. But then, all of sudden, the weather turns the right temperature and you blossom the most beautiful, creamy white flowers anyone has ever seen. It’s like you come out of hibernation and show the world your glory for a split second moment, standing tall and proud of who you are.
What does it feel like to be a magnolia tree?
Breathe.
Take this last moment to say thank you with your full spirit and remember that you can revisit this gift any time you wish. It’s yours forever and ever. You are never alone and you are always fully supported.
Take a moment to gather yourself with a deep, belly-filling breath. And when you’re ready, open your eyes.
—--------------
So, how did it feel to be rooted down into the ground, centered and strong, like one of your favorite trees in the neighborhood? What came up for you?
I want you to set a 7-minute timer, grab a pen and paper, and take this time to write down everything you remember from this visualization exercise.
- What wisdom was shared?
- What visual clues did you see?
- What did your higher self look like in the mirror?
- What part of this exercise is sticking MOST in your mind and in your heart, that you can’t seem to shake?
- …and what’s one thing that you can do today (with courage and simplicity) to take action and give your body what they truly need?
One final whisper
I know there is a LOT going on with you in this season of your life. And the world around you feels a bit like everyone’s lost their mind, no?
Friend, I encourage you to step back, pause, and reflect.
You set the tone.
You set the pace.
You have the power to remember how deeply rooted down you are (like a mighty oak tree) and no matter what winds and storms and hurricanes or otherwise that kick up around you, you will be fine.
You’ve survived 100% of the days you’ve faced so far in life.
Today is no different.
No matter how today shakes out, you will do what you’ve always done before. Dust yourself off and try again, try again.
In what ways can you make tomorrow 1% better for yourself? What about for the world around you?
Remember to control what you can and release the rest.
Persistence is a muscle that you’re training every single day when you pause, listen, grow… and then take positive action.
I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you’re accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it.
You can do this, I believe in you.
It’s time to SIMPLIFY.
If this thought of the day inspired you...
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Thank you!
Show credits: Suzen Marie, our Podcast Editor and Jeffrey Lynn, our Video Editor. Plus, Aubri Williams, Chris Justice, and George Mills, our advisory board. And I’m your host, Mary Baird. Big love to Dennis Coleman, Kristen Kurtis, plus Mark and the team at Goodboy, as well. Thank you so much for listening and telling your peeps about us.
As always friends, keep things simple.
