Is there something in your life right now that feels out of control? Are you surrounded by people or expectations that are overwhelming? Do you sometimes just want an escape from it all? Use this visualization to find your calm center in the eye of life’s storm.
Begin by visualizing yourself sitting or standing in an outdoor setting that relaxes you. You can be seated high on a mountain overlooking the land below, standing in a lush field of your favorite flowers, or sitting on warm sand watching waves crash onto the shore. Take a moment to picture the sights, smells, and sounds in detail in order to fully immerse yourself. As your outdoor “happy place” unfolds in your mind, close your eyes and take deep but gentle breathes through your nose and mouth. You may begin to feel calm and centered, but what happens when chaos enters?
Continue to imagine yourself in your peaceful place, but now add in some of life’s troubles and turmoil. Recall an argument you had with your partner, an inappropriate gesture from a stranger, or being undervalued at school or work. Think about the things in your life that add onto or create more chaos. Visualize your worries, painful situations, and overwhelming expectations coming together to create the storm in your life. Envision this storm surrounding you in your peaceful place and notice what changes. How do you feel now? Do you feel suffocated and anxious or can you find the eye of the storm?