Past Visualization

5-Minute Exercise

This visualization is based on Ashok Gupta’s The Gupta Program and Ben Ahren’s re-origin, both designed to help overcome a myriad of chronic illnesses by retraining people’s limbic systems to calm down. Part of what makes folks tired, dizzy, or brain foggy isn’t a disease per se. It’s a fight-or-flight response on overdrive.

While I won’t give away proprietary methods, these programs are based on the idea that your brain can’t distinguish between what it perceives in reality and vividly imagines. If you can engross yourself in a favorable scenario from your past, this reassures your mind that it’s safe and needn’t be on guard. The trick is to describe the situation verbally and tap into your five senses as part of the process.

I’ve done this by sequestering myself two to three times daily in my master closet for five to ten minutes and narrating the best moments of my life. However, I don’t feel that much time is required for people not struggling with a chronic condition. Even five minutes, when needed, can be beneficial.

Pull up an especially joyous memory from your past, then close your eyes and imagine you are there. Detail what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch out loud. If you are on a beach somewhere, conjure up the feeling of sand under your toes, including texture and temperature, the way the waves sound, and the smell of the sea. The more immersive, the better. Remind your brain that there’s nothing to worry about and everything is OK.

If you’d like to learn more about Ben and re-origin, you can also check out Episode 6 of the RARE SENSE Podcast, where I interviewed him.

DISCLAIMER: RARE SENSE® content is not medical advice. Nor does it represent the official position or opinions of any other organization or person. If you require diagnosis or treatment for a mental or physical issue or illness, please seek it from a licensed professional.