Valley of the Silent Stream Touch of Life: Meditative Imagery for Inner Healing

By Frances Stroh

The Valley of the Silent Stream represents a place within your mind where you receive inner guidance for healing. Total health including body, mind and soul begins with mental renewal. There is scientific proof that what your mind believes is what you feel. From the moment, you enter this life until the moment of transition you experience multiple situations that can influence your life. The discomfort associated with stress can be devastating or it can be a helpful learning experience depending on how you deal with it. Healing begins where our reality originates with thoughts that we ourselves implant within our mind thereby forming belief systems that create physical and emotional reactions. You are the master of your life and determine your own direction by using your ability to think and feel in a way that leads to happiness, inner peace and success.

The meditative imagery prescriptions contained within the book Valley of the Silent Stream use the language of the inner or subconscious mind where only good and positive words create healing, youreceive guidance that naturally and peacefully promote a relaxed state of mind and body. Meditative Imagery prescriptions promote health and inner healing. You learn to solve problems, rest your mind and body and allow your inner creative self to work out acceptable solutions leading to effective peaceful living. Focus is only on pleasant thought and helpful suggestions that lead to a higher level of consciousness. Within this state of consciousness, you find that quiet place where fear and anxiety disappear to free your soul. The self then grows, but as one with all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 21, 2006
• ISBN: 9781425942588

Book preview

Valley of the Silent Stream

Touch of Life

V00_1425914764_TEXT.pdf

MEDITATIVE IMAGERY FOR INNER HEALING

By

Frances Stroh, RN, MA, CH

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AuthorHouse™

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

© 2007 Frances Stroh, RN, MA, CH. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 3/2/2007

ISBN: 978-1-4259-4258-8 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4259-1476-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4259-4258-8 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2006900735

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

GUIDE TO THE VALLEY OF THE SILENT STREAM

The Stress Factor

The Hypnotic Effect

Biofeedback & Neurofeedback

Mental Imagery

The Concept of Meditation

The Art of Meditative Imagery

1. VALLEY OF THE SILENT STREAM

The Silence of the Mind

2. JOURNEY TO THE SILENT STREAM

Place of Stillness within the Mind

3. THE COMMENCEMENT OF BEING

The Beginning of New Life

4. TOUCH OF LOVE

Bonding in Love

5. DEVELOPING CARING RELATIONSHIPS

A Caring Relationship

6. TOUCH OF LIFE

Touch of Life Inner Healing

7. TRANSCENDENCE OF ENERGY

Transcendent Spiritual Healing

8. INSPIRATION FOR COMPASSIONATE LIVING

Developing a Sense of Compassion

9. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Express Unconditional Love

10. SPIRIT OF LIFE INNER HEALING

Healing of Mind, Body and Soul

11. MINDFULNESS

Develop a Sense of Mindfulness

12. LOVE CREATES OUR SPECIAL PLACE

Finding Your Special Place Within The Mind

13. A FLOW OF SPIRIT

Flow of Spirit for Increased Awareness

14. A FORGIVING HEART

A Forgiving Heart for Inner Healing

15. THE NATURE OF FEELINGS

Recognize and Regulate Feelings

16. AWARENESS OF SELF

Increase Self-Awareness

17. PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SPIRIT

Guidance for Inner Healing

18. RESTORATION OF THE SOUL

Retrieval of the Soul

19. THE INNER SELF

Perception of the Inner Self

20. ACCESS TO THE INNER MIND

Inner Vision

21. A REFLECTION OF SELF

Reflection of Self Along the Stream of Time

22. THE NATURE OF A LOVING RELATIONSHIP

Create a Loving Relationship

23. ELEVATION IN CONSCIOUSNESS

An Elevation in Consciousness

24. A SENSE OF FREEDOM IN THE FLOW

OF LIFE

A Sense of Freedom

25. YOUR INNER CREATIVE HEALER

Creative Healing

26. AN EXPLORATION OF UNITY

Create a Vision of Unity

27. THE ANGELIC HEART

Sense the Wonder of Angelic Connections

28. TRANSCENDENT LOVE

Transcendent Level of Love

29. A CARING HEART

Nurturing a Caring Heart

30. COMMUNION OF SPIRIT

A Sense of Unity

31. THE PRESENCE OF TIME

Live in the Presence of Time

32. FOREVER IN MEMORY

Memory of a Gift of Time

33. CREATION OF LIGHT

Renewal of Belief Systems

34. THE STREAM OF LIVING

Awareness in the Stream of Living

35. HOME IN THE VALLEY OF THE

SILENT STREAM

Finding Your Spiritual Home

36. TOUCH OF LIFE STREAM OF LOVE

Spiritual Unity in the Stream of Love

About The Author

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GUIDE TO THE VALLEY OF THE SILENT STREAM

The Valley of the Silent Stream is a place within the mind where time is infinite and travel toward a limitless view of reality is instantaneous. You find this place by quieting your thoughts and resting your body. The mind is then clear to receive and accept guidance. Inspiration is the impelling force directing you toward reaching your greatest purpose. Awareness of your spiritual nature transforms the illusion of confinement within the physical body. Knowledge, peace, happiness and the fulfillment of goals are the ultimate results as guidance comes from within.

According to Carl Rogers, There may be a few who will dare to investigate the possibility that there is a lawful reality which is not open to our five senses: a reality in which present, past and future are intermingled in which space is not a barrier and time has disappeared.

As we investigate the possibility of such a reality, take into consideration that a reality, which is not available to the five senses, is one that exists on a spiritual level of consciousness. Past, present and future are one and exist in the present moment. The barrier of space is absent and time is non-existent. The interpretation of spiritual is as varied as the Earth’s multiple belief systems. These beliefs are ancient, but knowledge existing prior to know history must have a basis in reality. We are reaching a level of consciousness where awareness of our spiritual being is a necessary foundation for effective living and total health. There is movement beyond the concept self-consciousness.

We each have individual separate and personal desires and needs. It is difficult to imagine the magnitude of various individual beliefs. Within the realm of infinite consciousness all relate as one and maintain their individuality. There is one God, one sense of spirituality and one religion. When viewing the outer world there is a wide-range of beliefs. It is necessary to combine all in order to become aware of one unified truth.

Spirituality and religious beliefs are part of a unique infinite reality. Each belief system conveys a similar message in different forms. Meditative imagery for inner healing requires the inclusion of boundless spirituality since intelligence, order and creative energy are necessary components of logical strategies leading to health and healing. Holistic health care involves learning to become aware of inner and outer needs in order to care for the real person.

Holistic Nursing consists of all nursing which has healing the whole person as its goal: Holistic nursing practice encourages the nurse toward greater awareness of the connection between self, others, nature and God/Life force/Absolute/Transcendent. (Holistic Nursing Handbook for Practice B.M Dossey)

The transcendent spiritual aspect of healing is included in each chapter, which begins with a preliminary inspiration. These contain information that is the result of inner guidance and acceptance. The purpose of each inspiration is to pre-condition your mind for the guidance received during meditative imagery. The full meaning of each inspiration may not be clear at first but it is a spark for further inspiration as awareness of the inner creative mind is increased and we receive personal insight.

A combination of various healing techniques, lead to the fulfillment of personal goals, a higher state of consciousness and a decisive healing effect. You accomplish this when empathy and compassion are a major focus of inspiration. Following is an explanation of the various methods of access to the inner mind and the influence of stress on our life, interactions and health. Meditative Imagery prescriptions include a combination of strategies for inner healing. You find a very real place as you journey into the mind. Reality is an individual creation so begin to build your perfect reality now.

The Stress Factor

Stress is a part of life. Any change that occurs whether it is good or bad is a form of stress. It is important to learn to deal with these changes in a manner that will prevent physical or emotional illness. Stress is a major cause of mental, physical and emotional illness. Your task in managing disorder related to change is to learn to regulate thoughts and feelings. Relax quiet your mind and listen to what your body is telling you. Thoughts create your reality. Good thoughts lead to effective control of feelings.

Stress is the result of tension that you experience when confronted with a situation that is new and perhaps unpleasant or threatening. Your purpose is to learn effective and individual methods of dealing with these events. We each have personal needs and problems requiring an appropriate plan of action. It is important to take into consideration the physical, emotional and mental factors when devising a plan of action.

Utilize effective methods of self-regulation by learning healthy strategies for dealing with problems and changes. Learn to adapt to each situation that arises. Stress can have a positive or negative influence on mental and physical health depending on the methods that we choose to employ when dealing with life issues. Proper methods of stress management will help you to meet the challenges of life.

Healthy methods of stress management include learning to change thinking patterns. Live in the present moment since reality is now. Understand that the past is over it is therefore not a present reality. The future has not occurred it may never occur it is therefore not a present reality. You may treasure beautiful moments from the past and plan for a wonderful future free of worry as you live in the present. Get in touch with feelings and become aware of needs and goals. Deal with problems using effective problem solving strategies. Learn methods of problem solving and take responsibility for personal behavior. Become an expert in methods of relaxation.

The Hypnotic Effect

Self-hypnosis is any state of consciousness in which the conscious mind is distracted. The subconscious or inner mind then becomes dominant. This inner mind is more accepting of suggestions than the conscious mind and believes all that it receives to be reality. During this restful state, constructive suggestion given to the subconscious mind leads to happiness and healing from within.

Hypnosis utilizes the influence of suggestion and higher levels of consciousness to promote positive changes in behavior. Health care professionals use hypnotherapy to treat and manage many physical and psychological problems. You experience relaxation and an improved sense of comfort and wellness. Research has confirmed that physiologically, the hypnotic state can increase control over the autonomic nervous system. Ordinarily these functions are out of the individual’s control.

During a hypnotic state of consciousness the power of suggestion and subconscious acceptance of images, cause action for transformation and inner healing. There is the experience of relaxation and physiological changes that lead to an optimistic attitude and an increased sense of well-being.

Hypnotic Imaging is the process of creating a specific representation of a desire. When entering a state of hypnosis and during imagery or visualization the mind is actively working to accomplish a goal. Hypnotic scripts may include specific goals and be used to manage various life situations.

During hypnotic states of consciousness, you are always in control. You decide according to personal belief systems and moral values which suggestions to accept or reject. There is an increased susceptibility to suggestion but you must be willing and desire to accept suggestions.

Hypnosis is a tool that leads to healing. Research has revealed that the body chemistry actually changes during the hypnotic state. According to medical research, during hypnosis there is the common experience of decreased sympathetic nervous system activity, a decrease in oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide elimination, decreased blood pressure and heart rate and changes in certain types of brain wave activity. These physiologic effects are similar to those observed during deep relaxation.

Distraction of the conscious mind causes the inner mind to become more active. There is a zone just between being awake and sleeping. Connection within this vast domain of consciousness will help to increase awareness of needs and assist in fulfilling goals. You may remain there for a moment and function in a state that is beyond the ordinary. During this peaceful relaxed condition, the subconscious mind is alert and has access to a higher-level consciousness.

It is important to understand that this is a natural state of mind. You experience hypnotic states of consciousness frequently. As soon as there is a distraction of the conscious mind, the subconscious mind becomes active. This may occur while reading, watching television, daydreaming and in numerous other ways.

You are always in control and have the ability to reject suggestion or images. The decision as to what you wish to accomplish is always yours. While resting in a peaceful hypnotic state of consciousness you may give yourself personal suggestions. Mental suggestions given to your self should be believable, measurable, focused on the present and given using only positive words.

If there is an interruption during a relaxation session or during any type of self-hypnosis, you will automatically awaken. If desired you may repeat to yourself the words wide-awake, feeling good, rested and refreshed or count to five and say wide awake feeling wonderful in every way. During hypnosis, you may fall into a natural sleep and awaken as usual. This is a normal and natural process. Never use hypnotic recordings or any form of hypnotic states of consciousness while driving or doing anything that requires your full awareness.

Any technique that distracts the conscious mind will induce a hypnotic state of consciousness. One method that may be used is progressive muscle relaxation. You accomplish this by resting in a comfortable position as you focus on relaxing each of the muscles of your body. Just closing your eyes and imagining yourself in a peaceful place where you are comfortable and at ease is a method of hypnotic induction. There are various methods used for deepening the hypnotic state. You may envision yourself walking down a staircase or going down in an elevator and thus move into a deeper more relaxed state.

During hypnosis, you may give suggestions to your subconscious mind to work out a solution to a problem without your conscious awareness of what is occurring. You may also view within your mind any situation and change it in a way that will resolve the underlying issue. As stated, what your inner mind believes is your reality. Accept what you feel and believe is helpful and appropriate for you or reject anything that you wish. Remember that you are always alert and in control.

The result of the hypnotic state can be monitored using scientific instrumentation. Reactions to resting your mind and body occur instantly as physiological changes, which are monitored using methods of Biofeedback. Think good thoughts and rest your mind and body, your health and well being depend on it. The hypnotic effect is very powerful. Rest assured you are the manager of your own life.

Biofeedback & Neurofeedback

Biofeedback involves the use of therapeutic procedures that utilize electronic instruments to accurately measure, process and feedback to the individual and therapist information about their neuromuscular and autonomic activity. Feedback is in the form of auditory and or visual signals. It utilizes signals from body functions to teach you to improve health and performance. This process assists in developing awareness and confidence in your ability to increase control