One of my favourite ways to boost my energy and resilience levels is to listen to guided visualisations or meditation recordings.
When I was working as a therapist I often made recordings for my clients. They found that by listening every day for three weeks or more they were able to make the changes they were looking for more easily, and that the changes were permanent.
I made the recordings short enough – around 6 minutes – so that even the busiest person could find time to slip on a pair of headphones, sit back and relax while allowing themselves to be guided towards their goals.
Today I thought I’d share one of my recordings with you. I made this to help me stay connected to what’s important to me as a parent. I also asked the lovely members of the PowerWood Facebook Group for ideas – thank you to everyone who responded – I think I’ve incorporated all your suggestions!
Why should I listen to ‘Self-Care for Parents’?
Here’s how you might feel after listening:
* more relaxed
* able to focus more on positive behaviour than negative
* knowing when to gently guide and when to give space
* more in tune with what’s important to you (and less bothered about the opinions of those who don’t understand your family the way you do)
* able to see the funny side of things more often
* more playful
* more creative and resourceful
* calmer
* less likely to be triggered even in situations that used to overwhelm you
* able to head off problems before they escalate
* more in tune with what’s important to you
All these benefits will increase with regular listening (ideally every day for 3 weeks, then after that whenever you feel like it).
When to listen to ‘Self-Care for Parents’
The recording’s designed to be listened to while you’re relaxing with your eyes closed, so either sit or lie down in a safe, comfortable place where you’re unlikely to be disturbed. (Don’t listen while you’re driving or doing the ironing!)
Will I dance like a chicken after listening?
If anyone would like a transcript of the recording to see what they’re going to be listening to, please let me know. Don’t worry, I won’t make you dance like a chicken. 😉
How to download ‘Self-Care for Parents’
Press the big red button below to download the (6 min 54 sec, 6.6MB) recording onto your computer or device:
How to play ‘Self-Care for Parents’ (without downloading)
If you want to play the recording without downloading it press this button:
Technical issues?
Let me know, and I’ll try and help! I’ve never done this before so I’m on a learning curve. If the recording doesn’t automatically download, try using a different browser. You might have more success with Chrome or Firefox than Internet Explorer and Safari.
I’d love to hear how you get on
I’m committing to listening to the recording every day for 3 weeks, starting today. I’d love you to join me and share what changes you notice, in the comments below or at the Laugh, Love, Learn Facebook page.
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Thank You
I’ve been blown away by the response to my last post, Why Our Intense Children Trigger Our Suppressed Pain, which was probably the most personal and scary thing I’ve ever written.
I owe an enormous ‘THANK YOU!’ to the thousands of people who shared it. You’ve helped so many people connect with PowerWood, and boosted the PowerWood FaceBook Group into an even more supportive community. Looking at the FaceBook profiles of all the new members was such an uplifting experience. What a caring, compassionate group of people!
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Last, but more important than anything, a message to my mum: I love you so much. I appreciate every single one of your many, many little and big kindnesses over the years. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for being you.
❤️
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