Phase 2: Visualization

Last week I wrote about Phase 1 of the Benson- Henry Protocol which is the Relaxation Response Trigger.  This week I will explain the second and final phase - Visualization.  

Following 12 to 15 minutes of the relaxation exercise you learned last week you will move into the visualization phase.  During this phase Benson writes, 

“Sit quietly with your eyes closed and picture what it was like to be free of the disease or symptom you are experiencing.  If your problem is back pain, for instance, you might remember yourself as a younger person, moving, walking, twisting your upper body, or jogging easily with no discomfort.  This mental exercise will help you remember and relive a state of wellness that you enjoyed in the past.”

During this time clearly visualize yourself performing all kinds of acts with no hardship at all – wrestling with your children, hiking in the woods, playing golf.  The purpose of this phase is to spend 8-10 minutes seeing yourself happy, smiling, and enjoying all that life has to offer now that you are completely pain, disease, and/or symptom free.

Once this second phase is complete, take a few minutes to return to your normal state.  For the first part of this concluding process keep your eyes closed and then open them but stay in your place for another minute or two.  Then you can continue with your day.

I encourage you to spend a few days this week taking 20 minutes out of your day for your health and try out both Phase 1: The Relaxation Response Trigger and Phase 2: Visualization. 

Wishing you success in all aspects of life,
Tom Klisiewicz
Founder & President
Smart Health, Wellness, & Performance, Inc.