for those visiting from the mastocytosis conference

The following is a copy of the relaxation script i use for procedures where anxiety might be an issue or where i don't want to use painkillers. i mentioned this during my little presentation
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Now what I want you to do is show you how you can use your imagination
to enter a state of focused attention and physical relaxation. If you
hear sounds or noises around you, just use these to deepen your
experience.

On one, I want you to do one thing – look up.

On two, do two things – slowly close your eyes and take a deep breath.

On three, do three things – breath out, relax your eyes, and let your
body float.

OK let's begin. One... two... three.

That's good, just imagine your whole body floating, floating right
now, each breath deeper and easier. Right now I want you to imagine
that you are floating somewhere safe and comfortable, in a bath, a
lake, a hot tub, or just floating in this space, each breath deeper
and easier. Notice how with each breath in, you let in a little more
comfort, and with each breath out, you let a little more tension out
of your body... as you let your whole body float, safe and
comfortable, each breath deeper and easier. Continue breathing
deeply, remaining in this state of calm focused concentration. Now
this is your pleasant place to be—safe and sound. So just spend your
time being wherever you would like to be.

Now, if there is any tension or discomfort in your body, you can
notice it, but then transform that sensation. If you feel some
discomfort, you might find it helpful to make that part of your body
feel warmer, as if you were in a bath. This warmth becomes a
protective filter between you and any distracting sensations.

If you have any discomfort or tension right now, imagine that you are
applying a hot pack on it and see what it feels like. Develop the
sense of warmth to filter any discomfort out of the distraction.

With each breath, deeper and easier, your body is floating still,
feeling more and more comfortable with each breath.

OK picture in your mind a screen like a movie screen, TV screen, or a
piece of clear blue sky. First picture a pleasant scene on it. Now
picture a large piece of blue screen divided in half. All right, now
on the left half, picture what you are distracted by on the screen.
Now on the right half, picture what you will do about it, or what you
would recommend someone else to do about it. Keep your body floating
and if you are distracted notice the distraction, but your body and
mind can still float comfortably. Good, you know that whatever
happens there is always something you can do But for now just
concentrate on keeping your body floating and feeling comfortable,
safe and sound.

When finished say – OK, it's time now to come back to the outside
world. We are going to leave this state of trance by counting
backwards from three to one. On three get ready, on two with your
eyes closed roll up your eyes, and on one let your eyes open and take
a deep breath and let it out. That will be the end of your trance
experience, but when you come out of it you will still have the
feeling of comfort that you felt during it. Ready, three – get ready;
two – with your eyes closed roll your eyes up; one – let your eyes
open and take a deep breath.