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Lesson 7 Converting Tense Everyday Images

Now we are going to work on converting and positively transforming negative images from everyday situations. The practice in this lesson is based on what we explained about how images create muscular tension, and how they can also produce relaxation. If you have correctly worked with your images in the previous lessons, you will have actually experienced how this works and you will know which situations in your everyday life create special tension in you. Before you begin the practices in this lesson, be sure to take note of these situations. Review everything you do in everyday life; examine your relationships with other people on the job, at home, in your social life, with the opposite sex, etc. Note that there are some people who produce special discomfort in you, whether your relationship with them is that of boss or subordinate, mother or daughter, father or son, teacher or student, etc. Mentally go over these situations and note those that bother you the most. You will need this information to learn how to make these discomforts disappear. When you complete your review, relax profoundly, and then begin to remember those persons and unpleasant situations. Now, freeze one tense image; maintain an image in which you see yourself in a difficult situation. Then, gradually relax your tense muscles. But now add a new and very important step: transform and add new images that turn the situation into a more positive and favorable one. Imagine the person who produced tension in you gradually acquiring a different and greatly improved relationship with you. Begin to especially notice the nice aspects of the person, and change the whole situation to a much more satisfactory one. Observe that even in situations where things are difficult you can find some positive aspects. See the good side of things. Make your images positive, give them a pleasant quality, and add a certain pleasurable touch to them. If you can convert the images of negative situations and people into positive ones, and at the same time relax your muscles deeply, you will be making great progress. Repeat this exercise and convert several tense everyday images before you go on to the next lesson.