Creating Wholeness: A Self-Healing Workbook Using Dynamic Relaxation, Images, and Thoughts

This workbook grew out of the practices assigned for self-growth and development for (1) Holistic Health: Western Perspectives, a course at San Francisco State Uni­ versity; (2) clients and participants at the Biofeedback and Family Therapy Institute in Berkeley; and (3) participants in peak performance training programs. The goals of this workbook are to offer experiences to facilitate life-long learning of skills to enhance health and growth. We hope the reader will experience increased autonomy and gain self-mastery skills through exercises that foster awareness and control. The cascading program is based upon uncovering, allowing, and encouraging the intrinsic drive toward integration, wholeness, and health. Each year many of our students report that practicing these skills has affected them deeply. The program offered them prag­ matic skills to master stress, set goals, and experience a deep change in their worldview and health. A number of them have said that this was the most useful course they had taken at San Francisco State University. The materials presented here are part of a course offered by the Institute for Holistic Healing Studies. It is also a requirement for a Holistic Health Minor and fulfills a part of the general education requirement for integrated and interdisci­ plinary learning. The development of this program at San Francisco State Uni­ versity is due to the foresight and courage of George Araki, Ph.D.

This innovative volume introduces an integrated relaxation program that incorporates physical, cognitive, and imagery-based techniques to reduce stress and promote health. Discusses principles of holistic health, and present structured exercises that individuals can complete at their own pace to guide them through the process of self-exploration, behavior change, and healing.