GFW PTSD Home  | Site Map
Gift From Within
PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers

photo: ltripley

Dear Friends: I thought it would be useful to have a place on the Gift From Within website where members and trauma survivors could find a few meditations. It is our feeling that the meditations can be used as part of your self help regimen and to relieve some of the everyday stresses we all go through. Perhaps they will also aid in ameliorating some of the symptoms of traumatic stress. We researched the Internet and found a few kind hearted folks who have allowed us to put samples of their meditations on our website. We truly hope you find these meditations beneficial. We like their offerings and philosophy. If you enjoy some of the free meditations you may contact the authors and websites for more information. We would appreciate hearing from you if you found the meditations helpful. Of course if you are new to meditations, it is possible that feelings may arise that you are not be expecting. Trauma survivors might want to use caution, although personally, I have never found meditations to be anything other than helpful, relaxing, and at times insightful.

Web Resources | Books | Videos | Tapes & CDs | Articles

photo: ltripley About Dr. Lori Leyden Dr. Lori Leyden is a psychotherapist, consultant, author, workshop leader, and speaker. With 25 years experience in the fields of mental health and business, Lori has dedicated the last 13 years to teaching others how to achieve better health, happiness, and inner peace based on the power of the mind-body-spirit connection. Recognized as an authority on stress management, Dr. Leyden appeared in PBS's Healthy Living Series together with expert authors Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Dr. Julian Whitaker, and Dr. Susan Lark. She has also been featured in more than 100 radio and television shows, and numerous magazines and newspapers Dear Friends: Learning and practicing meditation regularly is one of the most magical tools you can use. Over 1,500 research studies prove what a dynamic and practical strategy meditation is. Regards, Lori Leyden. Here are 9 benefits that you receive from perfecting your guided meditation technique. You will be able to: Listen to your inner voice for direction, comfort, or inspiration Center yourself to appreciate the miracles and gifts in your life Spark your creativity and intuition Boost your immune system and improve health Lower your stress Lift your depression or anxiety Think more clearly Relax your mind, body, and spirit Increase your efficiency and productivity Helpful hints for guided meditation You can begin your guided meditation right now by taking just a few minutes to listen to one of Lori's guided meditations set to a background of serene music below. It is preferable that you close your eyes, but if for some reason that doesn't work for you feel free to leave your eyes open and find a place, object, or use the picture in the background of this page to focus your attention. (Some trauma survivors may find it more relaxing to keep their eyes open.) Make sure you: sit or lie in a comfortable position leave your legs and arms unfolded and loose will not be interrupted If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the words and suggestions on the recording. Don't be concerned about how often your mind might wander. The purpose of the relaxation technique is to train your mind to return to a single focus of attention. Please click on the guided meditation of your choice: Download Free RealPlayer - You will need RealPlayer to listen to the Guided Meditations below. If you are an apprentice of guided meditation and not familiar with the power of the breath, try: Healing Breath Work - This is a 15-minute meditation designed to teach you how to bring your mind, body, and spirit into balance with your breath. Mind-Body Relaxation - Here is a 10-minute meditation designed as a mini-stress break to bring your mind and body to balance. If you are more experienced practicing guided meditation, try: Sacred Place - Try this 20-minute meditation designed for deeper relaxation as you journey to a mystical place where magic can occur. Listening to Your Inner Voice - This 15-minute meditation is designed to connect you with the power and magic of your higher self - the part of you that is connected to your inner wisdom and to the Divine. With practice, you can learn to rely on this meditation to receive insight and guidance that is in your highest and best good.

photo: Hutch

photo: Julie Johnson

Two meditations by Guided Imagery Expert Susan Castle. Susan M. Castle has been in the medical and energetic healing field for over 20 years. Susan founded her company, Mind, Body and Soul International, to assist individuals in manifesting their Heart's desires and making effective changes in their lives. You're invited... to take a break... relax and de-stress! The 5 Minute Vacation Mind-Body Relaxation For more information about Susan M. Castle go to http://www.relax-online.com/

photo: ltripley

photo: Julie Johnson

Produced by the University of Texas at Austin Counseling & Mental Health Center: Relaxation Exercises include deep breathing, muscle relaxation, cruise imagery, and forest imagery. Enjoy!

Web Resources Dr. Lori Leyden- Magical-Living Gift From Within - "Healing Retreats" Relax-Online A Return To Spirit with Susan M. Castle Self-healing.net - Angela Passidomo Trafford Books The Stress Management Handbook by Lori Leyden-Rubenstein The Heroic Path : One Woman's Journey from Cancer to Self-Healing by Angela P Trafford Minding the Body, Mending the Mind by Joan Borysenko The Art of Dreaming: Tools for Creative Dream Work by Jill Mellick Audiobooks Meditations for Relaxation and Stress Reduction by Joan Borysenko The Beginner's Guide to Meditation by Joan Borysenko Videos The Power of the Mind to Heal by Joan Borysenko Tapes & CDs Sounds of Nature Sampler CD ~ Suzanne Doucet Sound Body, Sound Mind: Music for Healing ~ Andrew Weil Sound Medicine: Music for Healing ~ Steven Halpern (Audio CD) The Soul of Healing Meditations ~ Deepak Chopra (Audio CD) Articles Lori Leyden's Daily Renewal Program-article Guided Meditation: Reflections by Julie L. Johnson

photo: northerncross

photo: denise

Thank you to all the GFW members who contributed their photos and artwork. GFW wishes to provide these meditations and resources but can't take any responsibility for their claims, or representations. Please use your discretion.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Home | Site Map | Articles | Order Form | A-V Resources | Video Descriptions & Reviews
Email Pen Pal Support NetworkInspirational Stories | Support Pal Book & Music Fave's | Support Pal Favorite Healing Ideas
Support Pal Book ReviewsSupport Pal's Finding A Therapist | Support Groups | Internet Links | Poetry, Art & Music Gallery
Survivor PsalmSend Online Greeting | What People Are Saying | Support GFW | Frank Ochberg's Bio | Joyce Boaz' Bio | Board Members
Contact Us | Awards | Band of Angels | What's New | Associates | Google's: Search This Site | Refer a Friend | Guestbook