What if I don't want to walk with Lucinda?

Joe B. · Post by **Joe B.** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:37 am

The tape helps a lot and I have been listening to it 3 times a day for the last 3 weeks.

The breathing and muscle relaxation are great. The last two times, I had to turn it off when it is time to walk with Lucinda. I can not get into that part. I turn the tape off and then just relax and breathe with my own positive thoughts.

Has anyone here experienced something similar?

Peace

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:21 am

I have problems with the muscle relaxation portion. I tend to feel anxious after I do it. I think though that we need to do the entire thing in order for it to benefit us in the long run. I hear it gets easier and works better as time goes on. Good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:21 am

I too had problems with the relaxation. I spoke with a telephone counselor and she said it didn't work for her either. I just can't get relaxed enough for it to work. I think it's just a relaxation method that doesn't work for some, as I've seen postings and in chat room that we're not the only ones.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:39 am

No, you're definitey not the only ones. I finished the course a few months ago (I did the coaching program) and I remember telling my coach that the muscle relaxation part actually makes me figgit more sometimes. She said don't worry - just use the CD for what it is intended for - to relax. If I don't 'follow along', but do my own thing, it doesn't matter. The point is to learn to relax and create an automatic relaxation response for when you need it.

So, don't walk with Lucinda if you don't feel like it! Just breathe and do what helps you.

Ronda

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:44 am

Like Ronda said, you don't need to follow along with her if you don't want to. You can put it on and do your own deep breathing or whatever works for you. I think they say that the relaxation CD is important, because learning how to relax and calm yourself is an important part of recovery. If you can find another relaxation CD or method you enjoy more or prefer over Lucinda's, go for it and use it! Just find a way to get that relaxation in to your day and you'll be set.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:01 pm

I've wondered also about other possibilities. Like just relaxing music. Or other "walks". I try to visualize things she doesn't even mention- that I enjoy about being outside. From what I understand "we" tend to be very creative. But for myself my creativity can have to sides: calming and over thinking. So I would rather have someone being the "travel guide"! I also wonder about the time frame - is there a RIGHT amount of time? For me I start the tape after her intro and the next 15 minutes relaxes me to the point I feel energized - if my goal is to do things. Yet at the end of the day I use it & quickly fall asleep - my insomnia is much less!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:44 am

Hey Joe,

If you don't want to walk with Lucinda,
WALK WITH GOD.

samcat · Post by **samcat** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:56 am

I also was a little resistant to it at first but then I realized that she was actually a caring person that was trying to help me calm down and relax. So I just decided to let go and allow her to help me.
I also listen to other relaxation CDs that are very helpful. The best relaxation programs I found is the Chi Gong DVDs with Lee Holden. Get the one on “Reducing Stress”. It’s very good. You can do the exercises or just watch and listen to it. The important thing is that you find something that works for you and use it. It doesn’t matter which one you use.