Chronic Illness Counseling
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Wellness Writings
Chronic Illness Counseling
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Wellness Writings
Chronic Pain and Illness

5 Meditations to Try when you Get an MRI

by KendallH February 21, 2019
February 21, 2019

If you live with Chronic Illness, you’ve experienced your fair share of medical testing! The truth about MRIs is that while they provide undeniably important information, they are loud, cold, very small tubes that you’re expected to lay inside for hours without moving a muscle.

Whether you enjoy the MRI experience, are claustrophobic and dread every moment, or are just looking for something to do while you’re in there, here are 5 meditations to try when you get an MRI:

1. Breath

Just breathe – sounds simple, right? For some it’s no big deal, for others the experience of getting an MRI is extremely anxiety provoking. Either way, a breath-focused Meditation can be helpful. Breathe in and out through your nose, and just focus on that. If you notice yourself thinking about other things, or getting uncomfortable midway through the test, acknowledge the thoughts and fears, and then just come back to your breathe. And, again. And, again.

2. Choreography

Have a choreographic mind? Try imagining yourself or others moving to the rhythm of the sound coming from the MRI machine. Are you on stage by yourself? With a group? Are you watching from the audience? Notice how the movements change as the MRI machine shifts to a new section of your body with a click, click, click.

3. Visual Art

More of a visual artist? Let colors and brushstrokes come to mind as you feel the vibration and sound change throughout the MRI process. Notice what types of shapes you’re drawn to, the speed of your strokes, and how the mediums change throughout the process.

4. Gratitude

Gratitude – specifically for your body’s abilities. There are many reasons one might find themselves needing an MRI, but in the moment it can be easy to focus on all the negative aspects of the situation. What about using the time to breathe and think about all the things about your body and it’s abilities that you’re grateful for?

5. Mantra

Think about an intention you want to set for the time of the MRI test, that specific day, or this entire year. Something you want more of in your life, something you want to feel, or how you want to heal. It can even be the gratitude of your body’s abilities. Then, create a phrase. For example, “I am grateful for this test, it will help me be my best.” Or, “I send love to myself, I send love to others.” Or, I acknowledge the pain and welcome positivity.” Breathe normally and repeat your Mantra to yourself again, and again…and, again.

________________________________________________

Living with Chronic Illness often means not having control over what’s happening in your body, and having to go through experiences you’d rather not. What YOU CAN CONTROL is how you approach and react to experiences. If you’re looking for a different way to approach your next MRI, give one of these meditations a try!

0
FacebookTwitterEmail
previous post
The First Step to Becoming A Creative Person
next post
Can EMDR really help with Chronic Pain and Illness?

You may also like

3 Things to remember when newly diagnosed with...

December 5, 2019

3 Tips for Traveling with Chronic Illness

July 2, 2019

Recent Posts

  • 3 Things to remember when newly diagnosed with a medical illness
  • 3 Tips for Traveling with Chronic Illness
  • Can EMDR really help with Chronic Pain and Illness?
  • 5 Meditations to Try when you Get an MRI
  • The First Step to Becoming A Creative Person

Archives

  • December 2019
  • July 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019

Categories

  • Chronic Pain and Illness
  • EMDR Therapy
  • Self Care

Kendall Hagensen 2021 - All Rights Reserved. Designed by Bethany Works


Back To Top