Colour, Mind and Body:
VISUAL GUIDED IMAGERY

 

Visualization

Visualization is also known as “visual guided imagery.” This technique uses the imagination to slow down the chatter of the mind and help release negative thoughts, worries and even distract from physical pain. One of the reasons why visualization as a tool for stress and anxiety reduction is so powerful is due to the developmental fact that children are naturally imaginative and thus, can easily access this specific kind of healing process.   

I have learnt, as an expert in psychosical health, that children are able to create pictures/images from their mind’s eye to cope with stressors. It is often my work to help children hone or learning and practicing visualization, to develop self-care/coping tools that help them deal with, adjust to or reduce stress, pain and difficult feelings in a variety of situations. Visualization becomes a wonderful way to connect with a child as they learn to listen to their inner wisdom and access their own power of healing.

 
 
[BEST] Colours for Relaxation
 
Colours are perhaps one of the simplest visualization focus points used with children to facilitate guided relaxation and meditation and certain colours have been showed to invoke emotional and physical responses.

Colour Chart - Most Relaxing Colours

 
Warm colors are usually stimulating and not the best for a calm and relaxing environment. Blues, greens, and purples are the most relaxing colors and have proven to have a soothing effect on both the mind and the body. That makes these the best colors for stress-relieving environments, and the best choice for peaceful and quiet room décor and clothing.

 

 

 



Visual Guided Imagery

 

Visual guided imagery can be beneficial for a variety of issues and the process can be tailored to suit a particular child’s specific needs. It can help reduce stress but it can also help with specific issues like sleep problems, test anxiety, back-to-school jitters or illness. It can enhance coping skills, encourage self-esteem and increase creativity.

 

** [[Simple Guided Colour Visualization Script]]

 

Color visualization is very simple technique to teach a child. Start by asking your child to find a comfortable position.

 

1. Ask your child to imagine a favourite color that makes him/her feel peaceful, relaxed and safe.
2. With his/her eyes closed, have him/her imagine taking in that color with each breath and sending it throughout his/her entire body as he/she exhales (i.e., breathing in that color and "sending" it throughout the body).
3. Guide him/her to visualize the colour going down his/her throat, into the neck and chest, down to the stomach, and so on until he/she is filled with the beautiful, peaceful, special colour . . . and is relaxed and in control.
4. Have him/her continue until she visualizes being filled with her special and relaxing colour.

 
 
Thanks for taking the time to read.
 
 
<3.

My own experience tells me that when colour visualization is done purposeful, the healing effects of color are sure to lighten a child’s mood, energize or relax their body, and uplift their spirit. It is my hope colour will do the same for you!

 

Visualizing a blue and purple rainbow!

Image Source
Image 1
Image 2: Relaxing Colour Chart: Copyright © 2015 childsplayccls. (This is an original image, please clearly reference image to http://childsplayccls.blogspot.ca if you would like to use it.)
Image 4

Barbie’s New Friend.





Admittedly, I am a Barbie girl (with more than plastic in my little head – thank you kindly!). Still giving recognition to the fact that each child will play differently with whatever toy holds their attention, I love the notion of dolls for children which become their comfort toy, best buddy, little version of themselves, make-over BFF ect. As a Child Life Specialist, we use personalized hospital dolls (soft cloth dolls) for a variety of purposes – to establish a rapport with a child, to engage in a process-oriented activity (distraction, relaxation), to gain valuable assessment information, for dramatic play, and to teach or prepare a child for situations they will encounter. Beyond that, “baby dolls” encourage nurturing play and can inspire pretend play memories that children will cherish – as an adult, I know this to be true (kudos to Susie – my childhood doll). As children get older, dolls begin to symbolize an identity they want to aspire to or an identity that is like to their own. Children often look to identify with something or someone. This can become SO important for children facing illness who already away from normal routines of school and friendships, peer-group activities and who often spend periods of time alone in healthcare environments.

Up until recently, there has been very few and limited (hard to acquire) dolls that are “alternatively” designed to better reflect children with medical or special needs.

TA-DA! It’s here! Mattel, the maker of Barbie has now produced a bald fashion doll for children who have lost their hair because of illness or cancer.

Ella - The bald Barbie

Her name is Ella and she is Barbie’s new friend! Ella is bald (her hair is detachable – it’s a wig, and also interchangeable with other hair pieces). The doll comes with variety of frills such as hats, scarves and cute accessories like a handbag and a headband to allow children a traditional fashion play experience.

“These dolls will be distributed exclusively to children’s hospitals and other hospitals treating children with cancer throughout the U.S. and Canada, directly reaching girls who are most affected by hair loss."

         - Mattel Company spokesman, Alan Hilowitz.

Yes, Canada! Although I have no yet gotten a hold of one, it is so great to know they are out there and available to the right child.






Background HISTORY:

Beautiful and Bald Barbie Facebook Movement

For those unaware, the doll came about as a result of a Facebook movement “Beautiful and Bald Barbie – Let’s see if we can get it made” which begun nearly two years ago, with the goal of appealing to Mattel to produce a bald version of Barbie.
 
Despite the Facebook page generating an overwhelming amount of support and “likes,” it was not successful in convincing Mattel to mass produce and sell a bald version of Barbie. However, Ella will be distributed directly to children through their relationships with the Children’s Hospital Association, CureSearch and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

BRATZ Dolls

True Hope Moxie Girlz

While Mattel resisted the idea of a bald Barbie, it should be commendably noted that MGA Entertainment and producer of the controversial, Bratz Dolls, stepped up to the challenge and created the “True Hope” line of bald Bratz and Moxie Girlz dolls.

True Hope Childhood Cancer Awareness Poster

Even more, for every ”True Hope” doll sold, MGA is donating $1 to City of Hope, which is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. How wonderful!


Regardless..….

These both these dolls are truly amazing. Not only will they serve as inspiration and fun to children facing health challenges, they will also serve to raise awareness for children with cancer, others who have lost their hair due to illness (i.e., alopecia and trichotillomania) and to anyone who sees them in a poster or on a toy shelf.


[?] How do you feel about Mattel’s decision to limit distribution and make "Ella" unavailable to the commercial market?

[?] The Bratz Dolls have long been considered “inappropriate,” for children by many. However, does the fact that MGA Entertainment were the first to acknowledge the need for alternative dolls and manufacture a bald doll, change your opinion about the Bratz and Moxie Dolls?


<3.

Thank you so much for reading!


Forever Dolled Up!

References:
*For additional information about Ella, please see CBC News @ Bald Barbie Doll

Image Source:
Ella in a box
Beautiful and Bald Barbie (page no longer available*)
True Hope Bratz Doll in a box
True Hope Bratz Poster