Hello, Health Journeys!

I had been dealing with infertility for almost four years. After the first dismal try (and “failure”, as they like to call it) with IVF, I realized I was going to need help, because the whole process was upsetting, and I wanted to be able to stick it out.  I was feeling discouraged, depressed and, in a way, disabled. I began searching the web for books, CDs and videos that could help me cope.
 
Before beginning the second round of IVF, I purchased your CD, Help for Fertility.  I listened to it every night before falling asleep.  It brought me a great sense of calmness and hope.  I know you could argue with me about this, but I think this relaxing, positive imagery helped me get pregnant.

Anyone who’s ever worked in an office or served on a large, longstanding committee probably knows this scenario – when you find yourself getting overly aggravated, disrupted or distracted by an angry, dysfunctional fellow worker.  

Check out this excellent advice from psychotherapist Phillip Chard, who suggests guided imagery.  When having a reasonable conversation isn’t an option, going inward with guided imagery is the way to go:

This funny, ersatz testimonial came from a witty blog, called Ovulation Adventures: Tackling Infertility while Keeping My Smile, Wits & Hair Intact (An Attempt).

Like a certain percentage of comments we find here and there on the internet (especially Amazon), the writer at first finds my voice pretty weird, but then gets used to it, and maybe even likes it (hard to say).  Either way, it does get the job done of putting her to sleep!   Read on, it’s funny and engaging! 

A friend sent us the link to this blog entry by a woman who underwent surgery for what looks like hip replacement, if I’m interpolating correctly. This is a magical story by a charming woman who refers to herself as a reluctant clairvoyant.  Check it out:

My Magical Band of Allies

Jan. 1st, 2010 at 1:07 PM.  It's been 4 weeks post-op.  I'm off the walker, back to my leopard print cane, and I'm finding myself "forgetting" to use my cane when walking outside or doing minor tasks.  Where once there was pain, now there is none and my pronounced limp is slowly receding every day as I get stronger and re-learn the process of walking. I can't push it too much but I am surprised at how easy, rapid and peaceful my whole recovery has been.  I saw Dr Gilbert earlier this week for my first follow up visit since surgery.  He was pleased with how my gait has improved and how mobile my left hip is becoming.  However, I still need to follow hip precautions for the next 2 months.

Melissa attests to the gentle, incremental but reliable impact a method like guided imagery had on breaking her years-long addiction to smoking.  She writes:

“I truly believe this tape made the difference for me. I have finally quit after years of addiction. I stopped and started, but this tape seemed to build my resolve in a gentle, respectful and non judgmental way week after week, until finally I was less attracted to smoking and more attracted to health.  How wonderful to be free at last from smoking!”

We got this lovely note from a happy Katrina K.:

“Just a comment... used your cancer/surgery cds for my breast cancer…. such a godsend.  Was very upset and frightened… can’t even describe… cds settled me down… got me through.  Thank you, thank you.  If someone told me it would help, would never have believed them… got from being terrorized to calm in no time.  Amazing…. Thank you for what you do…. gave them to my hospital when finished with them….  Please post this.”
K.K.

The very inspiring Dr. James Gordon and his awesome, kickass team of volunteer mental health professionals are currently doing advanced PTS training in Gaza City.  This is something, folks.  Yep, they work separately with both Israelis and Palestinians, and continue in the wonderful tradition of what they did in Bosnia and post-Katrina New Orleans.
 
These folks get it that posttraumatic stress is a biochemical and neuro-physiological condition, and that the way to healing is through the primitive brain and nervous system.

Our staff received this wonderful note last week about how some simple, stress-reducing imagery helped reduce a man’s back pain and shorten recovery time with a back that chronically goes out on him for weeks:

I feel compelled to write to you to thank you for the wonderful audio on Relieving Stress. For the umpteenth time, my back gave out on me. While a student at MSASS [Ed. note: This is The Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University), a professor introduced our class to these wonderful healing tapes. After a few short days of using the Stress tapes twice a day, my back feels so much better. I can't believe how much faster I recovered this time compared with other episodes of debilitating back pain in the past. Wow!

I am going to recommend these tapes to all my friends that lead hectic and chaotic lives. A few minutes out of the day to listen can be so beneficial to general well-being!

Thank you again!
MC

We love this story because it shows how guided imagery (and other mind body practices) can provide lasting tools that cross over into other spheres of living.  This woman was introduced to it for use during chemotherapy, but it wound up as part of her skill set to stay centered and sober:

Thanks to Mary Ann Brussat, I used your tapes during chemotherapy 6 years ago.  Like many others, I found the visualization practices powerful and effective.  

Since then, I have become a member of AA and have used the same summoning of my AA helpers when I am in an environment in which I would formerly have had a drink.  I summon my AA group members, one by one, and surround myself with them in a circle of safety.   I feel cared for and strong and protected.
 
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR TEACHING ME HOW TO SURROUND MYSELF WITH A CIRCLE OF SUPPORT.  

Anonymously Grateful