Ask Ellen Q & A.

Guided Imagery Questions and Answers with Ellen Simon...
 

Ask Ellen is updated frequently, so check back here to find out what people are asking her about Guided Imagery, Medical Hypnosis and Meditation Music Technology, and how Imadulation products can enhance your quality of life, help you actualize your potential and empower you to live your life with purpose.

Meet ellen chernoff simon, B.A., M.S., M.Ed.

Email Ellen with your question: ellen@imadulation.com

QUESTION:

Ellen, 

I have an hour for lunch and come home to listen to the CD Mind Mint, except none of the weeds described are my biggest faults. But it is great and I'm really enjoying the divine connection that I've always felt and is reinforced thru the CD.
How soon will the new CD's listed in the web site be coming out? 

Sincerely,
 

Susan

ANSWER:

Hello Susan,

Thank you for writing to me. I am so happy to hear you are benefiting from Mind Mint. My purpose is to help you remember and feel the strength of your Divine connection. I am waiting for the music/mixing of Keys to Happiness to be ready very soon. I promise to announce when it is ready for shipment. Following Keys to Happiness will be Tree of Life Meditation then Soaring.

I have been busy completing a guidebook to accompany Food for Thought and also with the introduction of a new emotional/behavioral support program for gastric banding patients. If you subscribe to my monthly messages then you will receive an announcement when the new CD's are released.

Thank you so much for your interest!
 

Best Wishes,

Ellen

Question:

I am a psychiatric nurse and have PTSD from a recent assault at work. I'm experiencing difficulty focusing and concentrating as well as anxiety and irritability. I ordered your CD about dealing with difficult times as my therapist recommended guided imagery to help me with these symptoms but I wondered if you felt this would be the best CD to listen to in my situation. I continue to have to go to work, give medications, and deal with assaultive clients. Would you please give me some feedback about what you feel would help me the most?

Thank You,
Pearl


Hi Pearl,

I am so sorry to hear about your experience. You are a very courageous woman. I do think the Comfort Meditation would be helpful as in the CD, my voice guides you to connect to a resource, trait, or attribute that you need right now (like courage, peace, acceptance, etc) Guided imagery is a wonderful tool to help you move from a place of sympathetic nervous system hyperarousal to a place of calm so that the body can do what it does naturally, heal itself. Taking the time to listen daily allows your body/mind the rest from the continuous firing of mental energy and intrusive "replay" so that natural healing forces can be activated.

I wish you the best.

Ellen

Dear Ellen,

I love your CD. I feel like I could become addicted to it. I am not sure if I am getting the most out of it though. I am not sure if I am falling asleep or if I am just in the right state. How will I know? I do know that I am feeling more energized and peaceful. I am not sure if I am seeing much change in the eating area though. 

Thanks,

Lucy


Dear Lucy,

Being addicted to a meditation/guided imagery CD will never hurt you so go ahead...

Feeling more energetic and peaceful is wonderful!! 

Keep listening- these things take time. This is the fist CD in Food forThought, beginning next week, if you folow the schedule for listening, you will listen to Self Love.

You are doing great. The MOST important thing is that you take the time every day to listen.

Can you tell me which foods, what kinds of eating issues specifically you are grappling with?

Best Wishes,

Ellen
 

Ellen: 

I think that I am pretty unaware of what I eat. I think that eating has been a kind of place that I have used to escape and “take care of myself”. 

I think that I am mindless when I am eating. It is as if I have given up. It seems too big. I know I want the weight to disappear but I also think I use the weight to hide. I think being heavy gives me an excuse to be lonely and if I lose the weight, I will have to face my loneliness.

Thanks for all your kindness,

Lucy


Dear Lucy

Thank you for your candid response. This is what the first CD, Lose Weight helps with...mindful awareness. So you become more aware of what you put in your mouth and recognize if you are meeting a nutritional need or an emotional need.
I'll be waiting for you to tell me what you learn.

Take care,
Ellen

Question: Are your CD's the same thing asNeurofeedback?

We cannot say that the Imadulation CD's are neurofeedback; however I have integrated principles derived from neurofeedback, namely brainwave entrainment, and brainwave resonance training into the content of the CD's. In neurofeedback, we train flexibility and resilience of the brainwave patterns that when stuck, make it difficult to overcome behaviors and habits, yet when gently "pushed" through the introduction of sound frequencies, can move out of rigid patterns to facilitate change. 

Question: I'm trying to stop smoking, it's bad for my health, are there any answers?

My answer is contained in a comprehensive 3-CD audio program using hypnosis, guided imagery, binaural audio technology and behavioral medicine techniques titled Stop Smoking Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow™ to help you easily release the smoking habit and see your self as a non-smoker permanently, easily.

CD #1 is designed to help you evaluate your lifestyle, your goals, your needs, the times you smoke, what activities you have paired with smoking, the needs you think smoking has (falsely) helped you meet. You will then learn healthy alternatives that meet your real needs. 

CD #2 includes aversive suggestions to repel you from smoking. The aversion includes unpleasant health and social images as well as the cost of smoking cigarettes. We know that there is no price high enough for the feeling of well-being provided by excellent health. 

CD #3 is like a personal wellness coach. It contains suggestions to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle, choosing healthy foods and behaviors as a non smoker!

Of course the money you will save by being a non-smoker is immeasurable not only in regards to cigarette purchases, but mostly in regard to your health- the most important thing you have. 

Best Wishes,
Ellen Chernoff Simon
972-880-0102
888-559-3543
www.Imadulation.com 
"You Can Change Your Life... When You Change Your Mind"
 

Question: 

I do have one question. I know that I need to listen to the CD's with headphones. I transfer all my CD to MP3 and put them on my IPOD. Will this effect the quality? P.G.


Answer
 

Dear P.G.,

This will not affect the sound quality or the positive effects on your mind and body at all. As long as you are using stereo headphones you will gain the full benefit of the sound technology embedded in the music. Thank you for your question. I am here to help you achieve your goals. Ellen
 

Question

Dear Ellen, 

I have been experiencing exactly what you are discussing in your newsletter this week. For the past two weeks I have been short of breath. I generally become more aware of it while I am sitting at my desk and working. It seems the more I try to get a deeper breath, the more I become anxious and cannot seem to get enough air. It is a horrible feeling...almost suffocating. I have taken to go for a bicycle ride a couple of times while I felt that way.  As soon as I begin to cycle, my breathing becomes regular and I am ok....until I get back to my desk. I have had counseling/coaching in the past where a predominance of the session was breathing and opening the diaphragm and really taking it in and letting it out. Your message was a real good and timely reminder of the work that I need to continue to do. Do you have other suggestions to help with this problem? 
 

Thanks, 
Robert

Answer

Hi Robert, 

You are wise indeed to have taken steps to learn how to breathe most effectively. 
I think once we realize that it is the stress response that is causing our discomfort in breathing... and that "work" can activate it as though a tiger is chasing us, then it is not so ominous and easier to tackle. If you can't always go out for a bike ride, maybe you could do some exercises that are possible in a small office space, like pushups or jumping jacks. 

DEEP breathing can also sometimes exacerbate the feeling because you are adding more O2 to a physiological moment that really requires more CO2 for ph stabilization in the blood. Thus paper bags and/or exercise relieves it short term. Long term solutions truly require reevaluation of your thoughts that may be triggering the response. If you notice this when you sit at your desk as you mentioned, then I ask you, what are thinking consciously or subconsciously? 
I also recommended using the "accubreathe" technique as a way to balance an over active sympathetic nervous system activity (aka stress). 
May you be well and enjoy a prosperous joyful life. 

Best Wishes,
Ellen Chernoff Simon
972-880-0102
888-559-3543
www.Imadulation.com 
"You Can Change Your Life... When You Change Your Mind"

Question

Hello Ellen, 

My name is Eric. I tried subliminal cassettes in the 80’s for positive thoughts with some success. With the everyday stresses from financial worries as well as others I just can’t seem to remove negative as well as the past from my thoughts. Any ideas you think might help?

Thank you, 

Eric Pratt
Patient Services
Gateway Imaging Center
Answer: 
Hi Eric,

Answer

It is the human condition to have unwanted thoughts and it is likewise our birthright to be free. Guided imagery provides an opportunity to experience a deep state of mind similar to meditation or hypnosis. In this state of mind new ideas, new perspectives, can enter your consciousness to facilitate change.
The CD's I have created are like a tool to help you to achieve that which you truly want. I recommend that you listen to "Mind Mint", as that CD addresses the issues about which you describe.

I wish you the best,

Question

Hello Ellen,

I started listening daily to the first CD, "Wants and Needs", of the weight loss CD set almost a week ago.  I can see some positive results already.  Some of the areas of focus worked quickly (sugar cravings), others (portion size) have not fully kicked in yet, though I am sure that they will with time.  You had previously mentioned listening to a CD per week. Does it matter if I have not seen the full effects of all of the suggestions from the first CD in a weeks time before going to the second one? Are the content of subsequent CD's contingent on all of the suggestions from the first CD working, or are they all interrelated?  

Thanks!
Dennis 

Answer

Hi Dennis, 

I am delighted that you have experienced positive results from one week of listening to "Wants and Needs", CD #1 in the series, and I expect your benefits will continue with dedicated listening. You are correct in stating that the content is integrated and interrelated among all the CD's in "Food for Thought", as there are many deeper issues related to eating behavior that are addressed in the other CD's in the program. I recommend listening to CD #2 the 2nd week, CD #3 during week 3 and using the exercise motivation, stress solutions, and sleep CD daily, or as needed. You will then discover which CD is your favorite and then you can choose that one to incorporate in your regular listening routine. I wish you the best and am delighted to hear from you!

Imagining Your Success,

Question

Does the "Food for Thought" CD series put you on a path to any particular diet, or are they more geared to strengthening will power to stay on a dietary plan?  i.e. do they suggest a low fat diet, or Adkins, or do they empower you to stay with whichever one works best for each person?

Dennis G., Tampa Florida

Answer

Dear Dennis,

Thanks for your question. It is a good one. The Food for Thought program honors your individual needs. I am a fan of lifestyle changes that can be maintained over time rather than short term diets that do not last and that may not be entirely healthy. In the "Food for Thought" series, you will be guided to choose a healthy diet and lifestyle.
 

Suggestions are made to encourage you to choose fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains... and to avoid sugary and high fat foods, and to eat smaller portions. The Food for Thought lifestyle enhancement program supports a holistic approach which includes mindfulness, stress management, exercise and sound sleep, so as you listen and follow the program, you can expect to be more loving and respectful to your body/mind. This love is reflected not only in your food choices but also in your thoughts and emotions.  So rather than endorsing a diet per se, it endorses the best choices for YOU!

I wish you the best! 

Question

I have your "Relationship Release" CD. Are you using binaural beats? The CD is very well done and I have been using it and sending lots of folks to your web site.
 
Thanks,
Ed Nayor


Answer

Dear Ed,
 
Thank you for your comments. Yes the "Relationship Release" CD does indeed have binaural beats set to entrain your brainwaves to 7.8 hertz.
 
I wish you the best, 

Question

Hi Ellen, 

My main problem is, my whole life I've been going through problems with men. I'm almost 34 and have never been married, and am wondering what I am doing wrong to keep attracting the wrong men in my life. This is a HUGE burden on me and the biggest source of my depression and hopelessness in life. I just can't seem to get a good attitude about it, even though I believe in the 'power of positive thinking'. I just keep seeming to attract guys that take me for granted, ignore me, say they love me but they never want to get married, etc. You get the picture. I suspect my low self esteem attracts these types to me and I am somehow trying to punish myself or something. I don't know... but it has to stop cause I've had ENOUGH! 

I also have financial problems and it seems almost every area of my life needs major improvement. I'm just not attracting any type of prosperity to me in ANY way, and I can't go on like this! I admit I am a negative thinker and worrier, but don't know how to stop it. I expect the worst cause I've always seemed to get it. How do I stop this once and for all?????? Thanks in advance for any advice/information you have for me. 

Tina

Answer

Hi Tina,

You asked two principal questions:

#1. What am I doing wrong to keep attracting the wrong men in my life? (There is a great explanation on this website: www.findingmrright.net)

#2. How do I stop being a negative thinker and a worrier? (My Mind Mint CD can help with this!)

You really answered your own questions in what you wrote, which is fabulous because writing can have that type of clarifying effect on us! You seem to be clear about what you define as your problems. You also understand well the power of your thoughts and beliefs. My guess is that you are giving attention to what is wrong in your life. I want to hear what you really want. Remember, that which we give attention to in our lives grows stronger. (Visit this site for a wonderful explanation:www.law-of-attraction-info.com) The behavior and thoughts we repeat become easier and easier to maintain, not only out of habit, but because our brains have created those pathways to continue doing what we have always done. Please write me back and tell me what you want. Please keep listening EVERY DAY to "Mind Mint". Make a promise to yourself to listen for 21 days. I am eager to hear what is different in your life after doing so. That act would be a form of self-love which you say is lacking. When you are ready to delete the thoughts and images you hold in your mind and replace them with the thoughts and pictures of what you truly want, there will be a change. Are you ready to update the operating system of your mind? Only you can decide. I will await your response, about want to know what you really want in your life. Until then, I send you light and awareness of your own power to be a co-creator in your life.

Imagining your empowerment,

Question

Hi Ellen, 

I've only been listening to 'Mind Mint' for maybe a week now, and just wanted to let you know I've seen positive changes in areas I didn't think I would. I have been more creative lately... and I can't think of anything else I could be doing to attribute those changes to besides listening to 'Mind Mint'. Does it typically help you become more creative and/or let your creative side out? I was just curious what you'd have to say about this. 

Answer

Dear Tina,

When we experience a state of relaxation either through listening to guided imagery CD's or doing meditation, the simple process of letting go of the chatter of the conscious mind, and quieting the mind/body system allows the natural inherent creativity that is already within you to flow outward and express itself. Good job, keep listening and growing!

Best Wishes,

Question

Hi Ellen, 
 
My name is Tina, and I was recommended to you by my friend. She thought you could be a good help to my problems and have some advice for me! I do have your Mind Mint CD but haven't used it much. I fall asleep very fast and was wondering if I would still benefit from it if I can never even stay awake for 10 minutes of it. I didn't get a chance to read much of your website yet, but I plan on doing that soon. 

Answer

It is quite common to fall asleep right away, when you first begin to listen to the CD's. If you are not accustomed to relaxing, then listening to the CD's can initially bring on rapid sleep. After a while, you will be able to stay in a semi alert (deeply relaxed yet not asleep) alpha brain wave state for longer periods of time.
Before you begin to listen to the CD, simply state that you intend for your subconscious mind to absorb all the information it needs. You will notice that every day, little by little, you will be able to sustain the alpha state for longer periods of time, and more and more of the content will begin to affect you in a positive manner. Five minutes is better than zero minutes, ten minutes is better than five, and so on and so forth.
 
I wish you the best...
Imagining Your Success, 

Question: 

How can guided imagery help with PTSD?

Answer

One of the most basic and initial effects of using purposeful imagery is the experience of relaxation of the body. Those who suffer from PTSD are often plagued with the physiological manifestations of the intrusive recurring images of the trauma, which include physical tension, sympathetic nervous system arousal and emotional symptoms. If readily accessible mind body techniques, such as guided imagery, biofeedback/yoga breathing, etc. are taught and mastered, then the first step to healing the trauma is hastened. It is empowering for an individual to experience the inner resources imagery reveals. These are strengthened with practice and ultimately mastered with regular use.