Presenter: Helmut Milz, MD
Objectives: Participants completing this presentation will be able to:
- Apply imagery in health care, therapy and education.
- Learn about recent research on imagery related topics.
- Better focus on somatic, felt domains of imagery.
Description: Imagery work runs the whole
gamut of human sensations. Nevertheless the somatic, bodily
aspects often receive less attention than the mental ones.
A "Mind over Muscles" attitude reduces the effective
collaboration of both. Somatically oriented imagery
incorporates and embodies a wealth of anatomical and
functional knowledge that allows one to be mindful of
information from the present body. One can also use imagery
work to find appropriate metaphors for active visualization
and ideokinetic action.
Inner proprioception and outer sensory clues provide us
continuously with information about the state of our being.
Yet most of this information remains unconscious and
contributes to our tacit, autonomous self-regulation. But
by being quiet, attentive and aware we can refine our
possibilities to perceive them. Improved somatic feedback
allows us more conscious participation in our health and
recovery. We all have natural abilities to mirror, imagine
and anticipate movement.