Meditation and Visualization for Caregivers
Principles of Meditation

Meditation - Centering the mind, body, and energy is the basis of all Qigong.

1. Meditation connects the body, mind and spirit.

2. Meditation allows the mind to slow down so that each individual thought can be focused on.

3. Meditation can be done anywhere. It may involve a couple of deep breaths and an affirming "I am calm."

4. Controlled breathing is essential to passive meditation.

5. Visualizations are an excellent addition to passive meditation.

A. Visualization - guided mental exercises where the participant uses positive statements and images to obtain a systematic calmness and readiness for an event, action, or thought.

B. Good visualization practices adhere to the following equation:
      I x V = R (Imagination times Vividness equals Reality)
This means that if you can imagine something and make every parameter of what you want as vivid as possible, you can make that thought or idea into a reality. This is the basis of goal achieving.

6. Meditation can be performed by anyone. Daily practice is the key to success.

7. Relaxation is a natural byproduct of exertion.
    Meditation is an excellent way to remind your body/mind that it is time to relax.