The Journal of Imagery International: Review June 2005

Creating a Magical Garden and Healing Pond (audio CD) by Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D.

Reviewed by Lee Raven, RN

I had the privilege of hearing our own Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D., as a keynote speaker at last fall's Imagery conference at Asilomar in California. We were all mesmerized by her mastery in using Imagery to work with kids, and experienced first-hand what it might be like to be in her classes. It was one of those rare opportunities to be both the child and the adult, taking in gems on many levels—including literally, when she gave us all hearts to remind us to listen from the inside. You'll have that same feeling of multidimensional gifts when you listen to this CD.

The first thing you notice is the beautiful blue cover with subtle clouds, rainbow, gate and key. (There is a matching postcard.) The cover theme is carried artfully throughout the interior and back of the CD cover, and on the label of the CD itself. There is something very calming and welcoming about the choices of color—especially that blue!—and images that makes one feel like something wonderful, and gentle, and healing, is about to happen before you even put the CD on to play.

Relaxation begins with attention to the balloon breath and how the kids can monitor breathing with their hands. The progressive relaxation from toes to head is gifted with an extra dimension by having the child tell each part, "I love you"---a subtle but powerful acknowledgement of acceptance and caring for their bodies. It is good to imagine that these messages will become a natural habit of loving acceptance and connection to their physical selves that will have livelong effects.

The Rainbow Light relaxation is especially touching and meaningful. Starting with "divine purple light" entering the head, the rainbow light changes as it moves down through the body. "Dr. Charlotte," as she is affectionately known, very effectively uses the light for healing, opening and infusing-with-love each energy center (and its associated characteristics) that we know from the Ayurvedic chakras. Her use of the green light of the heart traveling down to arms and hands to be used in positive ways sent chills down my back. Then begins the journey through the gate meant just for them, into a place where they, with the help of their own wizard and animal assistants, can construct their own perfect garden. Plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers are at the ready, as are the seeds of possibilities for joy, wisdom, and peace. There is a special healing pond, with an ingenious support to lie on in the water while they feel the healing waters washing through them. When they rise from the pond, it is to discover that the garden has continued growing and flowering, and that there is a gift waiting just for them.

The CD ends with the promise that the garden, pond, wizard and assistants (assistance) will stay with them always. And with perhaps the two most important messages that anyone can give to a child: they are never alone, and that they deserve the peace and health that they have found here. The entire half-hour Imagery flows with soothing tones, practiced pacing, and beautiful background music. There are an extra 10 minutes of calming music at the end of the CD that can be used for drawing time, or additional mediation and relaxation at home or in the classroom…

This is a beautifully wrought CD that I will be proud to own and share. Not only is it polished and professional, from cover design to music, but the interior is rich with messages that are phrased and felt and delivered in a measured and meaningful way. The planning and careful attention to detail are evident throughout. There are some places, even for those of us who have worked with children, that are absolutely striking in their mastery, clarity and potential for healing and growth. The whole CD speaks of years of attentive experience with young minds and hearts, and of the gems gleaned in helping them to recognize and cultivate the very best in themselves.

You owe it to yourselves to listen to it if you have children of your own or if you are considering working with children through Imagery. And something deeply effective that we could all do, with rippling effects, is to consider gifting our school classrooms with this CD. There are tremendous seeds of possibility planted here with potential to offer paths to well-being for a lifetime. It is meant for kids of all ages, from 5 to 105—so you and the teachers you know are going to benefit, too! Creating a Magic Garden and Healing Pond: A soothing guided journey to inner peace.

Excerpted from ImagiNews, The Journal of Imagery International