1. Meditation

2. Any activity that keeps the attention pleasantly anchored in the present moment. Focus on quieting the busy mind. Direct your concentration to one healing element - one sound, one word, one image or one ’ s breath

3. What is Meditation? Calming activity that helps clear and calm the mind Focus the mind and thoughts inward Compare it to a lake with waves and a calm lake with not even a ripple

4. Benefits of Meditation Calms overactive mind Turns mind inward Recharges batteries Increase physical stamina Improves concentration Produces clear mind and thoughts Produces sense of great inner peace

5. Physical Benefits of Meditation Decreased metabolic rate Lowers heart rate and blood pressure Improved flow of air to the lungs Drop in cholesterol levels

6. Psychological Benefits of Meditation Increases brain waves - greater creativity, improved reasoning and higher IQ Decreases anxiety and depression Decreases irritability and moodiness Improved learning ability and memory Increased self-actualization Increased happiness and emotional stability

7. Elements of Meditation Choose a warm space, free from noisy distractions and clutter Choose a comfortable or poised posture Use an object for attention-awareness to focus upon A passive attitude or poised awareness

10. Hypnosis

11. What is Hypnosis Begins with relaxing body and focusing on breathing An altered state of consciousness A natural state for the subconscious mind Sit comfortably, awake but eyes closed, listen to suggestions and react to them positively

12. Hypnosis AMA has approved the use of hypnotherapy since 1958. Must be trained and licensed to practice. You and I can learn to self hypnotize –Daydreaming and zoning out are examples

13. Visualization and Imagery

14. Using all of your senses to relax –Smell the pine trees –Hear the leaves crunch as you walk in the woods –See the blue sky and whispy clouds –Feel the warm sun

15. Visualization and Imagery Listen to someone describing a scene You can think about a very relaxing place Practice a skill without actually performing it –Practice singing song perfectly –Practice speech –Practice shooting free throw