Certain sounds can soothe our mood and relax our body. Each person finds certain music pleasant to hear, other music harsh or unsettling. Although different people have their own individual "triggers", many of us feel better when we listen to the sounds of the ocean, a forest full of birds, or a soft, deep heartbeat.

A good way to help ourselves relax when using sounds is to sit or lie in a comfortable position, in a quiet and safe location, perhaps with our eyes gently closed or slightly open. Any posture we can hold for a few minutes comfortably can work, although some teachers recommend sitting upright in a chair with arms and legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor.

Try listening to these sounds ~ click on one of the following links...

• Bells (© Channel, 1999)
• Home (© Channel, 1999)
• Immaterial (© Channel, 1999)
• Inner Piece (© Mixmaster Mez, 2006)
• Peaceful Ocean Waves (© 2006)

NOTE: To play these files, your computer must have an "mp3" audio player that your browser recognizes, such as Windows Media Player or Quicktime; make sure your speakers are connected and that the system volume is loud enough to hear. With some browser settings, you may need to permit "an Active X control" to operate in order to hear the sounds. Some files are large and can take several moments to load prior to playing, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

Certain real or imaginary images can be calming influences on our energy and mood when we direct our attention to them in a focused way. Common examples of these include the stars, birds, flowers, and abstract patterns such as "mandalas" or Op Art.

Generally, our view of these images should be "soft-focused" and passive rather than actively looking for details. Let the images enter your eye and your awareness on their own, while you merely keep your eyes open to them. We also feel more relaxed when we suspend judgement about the image ~ it just is what it is. This is one reason to select images for relaxation that are pleasant and peaceful rather than distressing or activating.

It also helps to adopt a physical posture similar to those we use for listening to music for relaxation.

Try looking at these images ~ click on one of the following links...

• Ships at Sunset (© MJM, 2005)
• Sun Setting (© MJM, 2005)
• Op Art (© MOMA, 2004)
• Lily Pads (© MJM, 2005)

NOTE: Some files are large and can take several moments to load, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

When we combine sounds and images, they can work together to deepen our relaxation. We do this already if we are sighted ~ we gaze at the ocean waves as we hear them breaking...we appreciate the flower to a sonic background of buzzing insects...we use more than one sense at a time to enrich our experience of life.

Try looking at these images with accompanying sounds ~ click on one of the following links...

• Lilypad Home (© MJM, 2005; Channel, 1999)
• Inner Lotus (© MJM, 2005; Mixmaster Mez, 2006)
• Ships Inside the Sunset (© MJM, 2005; Mixmaster Mez, 2006)

NOTE: To open these images and play their accompanying sound files, your computer must have an "mp3" audio player that your browser recognizes, such as Windows Media Player or Quicktime; make sure your speakers are connected and that the system volume is loud enough to hear. With some browser settings, you may need to permit "an Active X control" to operate in order to hear the sounds. Some files are large and can take several moments to load prior to playing, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.