Chapter 5 Meditations and Affirmations for the Job Seeker

Transcription

1 Chapter 5 Meditations and Affirmations for the Job Seeker "Peace can be reached through meditation on the knowledge which dreams give. Peace can also be reached through concentration upon that which is dearest to the heart." Page 5-99 Patanjali Well Known Indian Yogi Instructor What is the most difficult part of being unemployed for you? What gets your gander going? When do you feel those stomach jitters the most? Before you go on an interview? Not having an interview for a while? Monday mornings? Dealing with rejection? General unemployment blues? I know at times being unemployed can be tough. I ve been there. The previous chapters looked at what can be called the more practical side of unemployment, getting through your initial unemployment days, handling with your changing finances, benefiting from your extra time and finding and getting a job. This chapter takes surviving your unemployment a step further by describing how to look inside and connect with your true self. It accomplishes this task by using affirmations, creative visualization xxxii and relaxation techniques. These techniques will help you to remain calm and confident while you find and get the job you desire. Through guided relaxations, visualizations and affirmations you can use your mind to find peace when you want to re-center. I am not saying you can create your ideal job by simply visualizing it, but by using the techniques suggested in this book and this chapter, you can Come to believe you deserve the best possible job. Become confident about obtaining your ideal job.

2 Maintain focus on your goals. Reduce stress as you look for your job and go on interviews. Retain hope as you wait for the phone calls and look through the want ads. By affirming your best qualities and connecting with your true self both during your meditation and throughout the day you will have a better chance at getting the job you want and remain calm and self-assured while looking for it. This chapter will teach you how to do this. It will help you get through the most difficult times of being unemployed and come out on the other end with an overall improved self confidence and self image.. Figure 36. Your dream job can be just a meditation away. You can obtain a CD or cassette tape of the guided relaxations described in this chapter in the following ways: Go to: Send an to: Survivingbooks@aol.com Write to: Valerie Pederson-Purinton PO Box 254 Stow, MA Page 5-100

3 Surviving Unemployment How I Developed These Meditations Developing these meditations took what might be called a life long process. Ever since I was a child, and experienced meditations and the subsequent calm feeling that occurred after them, I realized they could help me in all facets of my life. They helped me feel centered as I prepared to go on my first official date, when I applied for jobs, and as I walked down the aisle to marry my husband. As an adult I bought a pre-recorded meditation tape (combined with visualizations) to quit smoking. I used other meditation recordings to ease the pain when I was in the midst of a migraine. As time went on, I realized I wanted more than I could find in a recorded meditation. Since I could see my problems more clearly while relaxed; I wanted a tape that would provide time for me to reflect on my day to day problems. Also, I had specific areas of my life I wanted to improve. Though I was repeating affirmations I had written in front of my mirror, I knew from what I had read and my experience if I heard affirmations with a quiet mind they would sink deeper into my life. That is when I recorded my first tape. I started off the tape by relaxing my body and mind, putting it into a receptive state. Then, I incorporated two minutes of silence, where I could reflect on any problem I was having that day, such as a specific dilemma with my boss at work. Then, after briefly relaxing my body again (to release any tension that may have occurred during my day s reflection), I incorporated affirmations about the way I wanted my life to be. Finally, I incorporated a word to say throughout the day that would remind me of my relaxed state. I have used this tape for many years. Personalizing it and giving it to friends. When I realized I wanted to write this book, I knew that incorporating meditation and visualization into the book was of utmost importance. I had found them invaluable when looking for a job, and knew they would be helpful for others too. While I make suggestions on the words to use in the meditation, I wanted to make the script available for the reader, so that they could make their own tape; personalizing it as they needed, incorporating the affirmations and visualizations that would most help their unique life. I also make available the recording for those of you who are more comfortable with a pre-recorded version. Meditations and visualizations have helped me throughout my life, I hope you enjoy and can use the script presented in this chapter to live a more centered life, while you survive unemployment. The Meditation Experience They say that these are not the best of times But they're the only times I've ever known Page 5-101

4 And I believe there is a time for meditation In cathedrals of our own." Billy Joel Singer/Songwriter This section will help you visualize the job you want through a deep relaxation. Some people call it a self-hypnosis or meditation. Combined with seeing your actions and goals in your mind - it is called a creative visualization. Buddhists believe that what we truly want in our hearts is what is truly meant to be. But, sometimes, because of incorrect learning we have come to believe we do not deserve what we want or for some other reason cannot attain our dreams. This chapter presents the script for you to record to lead you through a visualization to regain the correct learning and get the job you want. After you create the tape, listen to it as often as possible. Use the tape to help relax, gain confidence and set and achieve goals. In addition to the four types of visualizations that are shown on the following graphic this chapter also offers a relaxation that incorporates silence, during which you can continue to relax your body or reflect on the solution to a unique problem in your life. Figure 37. All meditations in this chapter follow the same format. You can choose the type of visualization you need based on the type of day you are having. Relax During the relaxation section of this meditation you will be asked to take notice of all the parts of your body. Through the pure act of taking notice, your body will relax. To help this relaxation process you will be asked to visualize yourself melting into a big puffy cloud. During this section, you will also take notice of your breath. You will learn a technique that will help your true self become more connected with the universal energy, through noticing the circle of your breath. Page 5-102

5 Surviving Unemployment Visualization Modules (Choose One) Creative visualizations help us make our own realities, our own fate and our own luck. Visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life. There is nothing at all new or unusual about creative visualization. You are already using it every day, when you imagine the activities you are going to do this day, or when you see in your mind, your loved ones returning home. It is your natural power of imagination, which you use constantly, whether or not you are aware of it. Camille Duvall a 2003 Hall of Fame inductee uses visualization before a competition. She visualizes herself making perfect runs with emphasis on technique, all the way through to what her personal best was during practice. You will find within this section four types of visualizations, referred to as Visualization Modules that you record along with the relaxation and closing segments of the complete meditation. Each module leads you through visualization and provides affirmations and suggestions related to the topic. These modules help you to recenter by Noticing and accepting how you feel, Releasing any unpleasant, unnecessary feelings that may be blocking you Seeing in your mind the best outcome Affirming your true self You may choose which (if any) of the following visualization modules to insert into your meditation recording. The script and affirmations included for each module begins on page The module topics are: Affirm Your Employment: Use this module any time during your job search. This module helps you visualize your future employment by focusing on your past accomplishments. It then provides suggestions to remove any emotional obstacles you may have to obtaining your new job. It concludes by focusing on suggestions to visualize the details of your new job. Gain Confidence that You will Soon Get a Job: Use this module when you have not had an interview for a while. This module helps you to focus on and release any negative energy while incorporating new and positive energy. The module also helps you to re-affirm confidence in Page 5-103

6 your skills and goals. It concludes that when the time is right, you will get the job that is best for you. Lessen Pre-Interview Jitters: Use this module before you go on an interview. This module first helps you focus on past successful interviews. It then brings you through visualizing the details of the current interview in a confident, competent manner. It finally, guides you through the conclusion of the interview where you feel comfortable and pleased that the interview went well. Re-center After a Rejection from a Job: Use this Module when you have just received a notice that you did not receive a job for which you interviewed. This module helps you to focus on and release any negative energy you may have felt when you received the notice. It then focuses on in incorporating new and positive energy in place of the negative energy. General Relaxation: This is a special type of module in that it leaves time open, in the format of silence, for the meditator to reflect on their own affirmations or suggestions. This time may also be used to reflect on an issue that may be on your mind. You may ponder any pressing issue with a calmer, clearer mind, coming to a decision that is more in touch with your true self. Some people prefer to only make this type of recording. In this case, they read the script that contains the affirmations and suggestions before they do the relaxation and reflect on them during the time of silence that is incorporated in the recording. Affirm Affirmations support your life. They tell you that you are OK. They tell you your world is OK. They help you accept where you are at the present moment and suggest that you can obtain what you want in the future. Affirmations re-adjust your ideas about yourself and life. They stop you from thinking I ll never get the job I want and start you thinking I will get the ideal job. By being in a relaxed state, your mind is more open to such a suggestion. This suggestion remains with you throughout your day helping to motivate and uplift you during your job search. While the affirmations in the visualization modules focus on specific job related issues, the affirmations section of the meditation includes affirmations that support your everyday life, personal growth and overall self-confidence. Page 5-104

7 Surviving Unemployment Time to Wake Up The final section wakes you up to a day where you are re-centered. You will also find yourself feeling more confident and motivated about your job search. Tip You may find it helpful to record the relaxation dialog with at least one of the focus modules that is most meaningful to you. When recording, talk in a slow soothing voice. Even if you do not believe that you are at a certain point in your life, speak in the recorder as if you were. Listening to the tape(s) you create will help you see the job you want, remove any emotional blocks you may have to obtaining it and connect with your true self. Tip If you do not want to record the script, you can also receive benefits from reading the entire meditation script in a relaxed setting xxxiii. Relaxation Script This section presents the script for the primary relaxation portion of the meditation. 1. Record the relaxation script shown in italic. 2. Insert the visualization module script, which begins on page 5-111, where it is indicated in the relaxation script. 3. Return to the relaxation script and complete your relaxation with affirmations. Page 5-105

8 Each meditation takes approximately 20 minutes. Totally Relaxed. Affirm and visualize Wide awake and feeling fine Figure 38. Relax, Visualize, Affirm, Wake Up Refreshed Tip When you see (pause), in the meditation script, record a quiet moment onto your tape. Tip When you are ready to start the meditation, find a quiet comfortable spot where you won t be disturbed for approximately 20 minutes. If you wish, you can also record or play relaxing instrumental music while you record or read the script. You find yourself in a dimly lit or dark room. You are in a comfortable chair or lying down; your back and head are resting comfortably. Bring your attention to your breathing. Notice your breath flowing in and out.. I want you to prepare to take a deep breath now. You will count to five as you inhale and count to five as you exhale. Inhale Now exhale Excellent. Again, Inhale , exhale Now, just take notice of the air coming into your body and leaving your body. Do not try to change it or adjust it, just notice it. Bringing in life and renewal, releasing all that you don t need. Now, imagine yourself on a big, white cloud. Above you is a beautiful, clear, blue sky. Bring your attention to your right Page 5-106

9 Surviving Unemployment leg. Lift it up just a bit, then let it sink back into the cloud. Now your left leg, lift it up and let it float down. Your buttocks - tighten and release it. Your torso, lift it just a little bit then release it. Your right arm, lift it up, let it fall; let it sink into that cloud. Left arm, lift it up and let it fall. Your right shoulder, your left shoulder. Your whole head lift it your head up, just a bit, and let it sink gently back down. Now, make a face. Scrunch up your face - making everything going towards your nose. Let it go. Open your face wide. Your eyes wide, your mouth wide, open your entire face wide then let it go. Now again, bring your attention to your breathing. Just notice your breath coming in and out of your body, slowly and comfortably. As you go along in the relaxation you may notice that each time you bring your attention back to your breathing it is slower and more relaxed. You feel calmer and more at peace. If you have any thoughts come into your mind, just let them drift off. Peacefully, let them go. Now remember, here you are lying on this big comfortable cloud, a clear blue sky above you. Do you see it? Do you feel the warm air on you? The sun is gently warming your body. Now bring your attention to your right foot. Notice it melting into the cloud. Now your calf. Imagine as I go through these parts of your body that you are just relaxing, releasing and letting go, melting into the cloud. And it feels so great just softening. Bring your attention to your right calf. The top of the calf is melting, the bottom - just melting into that great big cloud. Then there's your knee. The top of your knee and the bottom of your knee is softening. Then, your thigh, the top and bottom. Just resting - making more contact with your comfortable spot. You're just like a warm candle melting in the heat. Bring your attention to your left leg. Let your left foot melt into the cloud, and your left calf, the top of the calf and the bottom of the calf. Just sinking and melting. The top of your knee and the bottom of your knee. And then your thigh, the top and bottom of your thigh. Now bring your attention to both of your legs. Doesn t it almost seem that both of these legs are sinking deeper into the cloud? The rest of your body will be there soon. Now bring your attention to your buttocks. Let it open and melt. And your genitals. And your lower stomach. Feel everything just loosening up. Just melting and spreading out. Picture a candle melting on a table and the wax spreading on the table top, that is how it feels with your body, melting and sinking into the cloud. Now bring your attention to your stomach. Let go and feel the spreading and melting the tension, melting away. Sinking into the cloud. And then your lungs and your special heart. And your lower back, sinking your whole lower torso sinking and melting into the cloud. Your lower back, your mid back and your upper back. All gently being caressed by this beautiful white cloud. Now bring your attention to your fingers - your right hand. Let it melt. And your right forearm and your elbow and your upper arm. Page 5-107

10 Feel it all melting, sinking into the cloud. Bring your attention to your left hand. And your lower arm and your upper arm. And now your shoulders, feel space being made between your shoulder blades as your shoulders become wider and broader. Wider and broader and softening. And the back of your neck and the front of your neck and the side. Releasing any tension in your entire neck. And, then to the top of your head and the back of your head. Letting any thoughts drift away. And now into your face. Feel your face become soft and subtle. Start with the forehead feel it spread out - and the eyes - especially around the eyes; and your nose and sinuses. Next, relax your cheeks and your lips and your chin and your jaw. Let your jaw gently fall open. You can now feel you are just sinking your whole body is sinking into the cloud and you feel calm and relaxed. You are going deeper and becoming more relaxed and every bit of tension is soon gone from your body. Now bring your attention to your breathing. For a few seconds be quiet and pay attention to your breathe coming in and out of your body. With each exhale imagine any worry just drifting away. Just let the tension go with each exhale. Just gently let it go. Breathe in calmness. Let any thought that comes into your head drift out with each exhale. Now imagine yourself at the top of an escalator. See it going down in front of you. I am going to start counting slowly backwards from 10 to 1 and when you hear number one you are going to be at the bottom of the escalator and totally relaxed. Again, envision the escalator in front of you. Step on it and feel yourself going down with the movement going deeper and deeper deeper into relaxation and calm and peaceful You are now perfectly relaxed. Bring your attention to your breathing again. This time when you breathe. Feel a oneness with the universe. Feel the oneness as you breathe. See, in your mind, your breath as a circle. Starting at your lungs see the air come up through your throat, through your nose and mouth - out into the room, into the universe, almost touching the outside of your lungs completing that circle. Now breathe back in. See the universe s air coming into your nose and mouth, through your throat and back into your lungs. You feel like your whole life is in balance. Everything is calm and wonderful. You feel totally peaceful, and some things in your life become clear. Like you love and respect yourself and you know that a higher source is working in your life, bringing you what you need. You feel deep within you that you are a highly intelligent, wonderful person. You know that everything works out for the best in the end. Bring your attention to your breathing again. Feel that circle, your center, your connection with the universe. Notice your breath leaving your body: lungs- Page 5-108

11 Surviving Unemployment throat-mouth-room, then coming back into your body: room mouth - throat lungs. And, again lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. INSERT THE TEXT OF ONE OF THE VISUALIZATION MODULES THAT BEGIN ON PAGE HERE. OTHERWISE, IF YOU ARE CREATING A GENERAL RELAXATION MODULE, BE SILENT AND RECORD THAT SILENCE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES. WHEN YOU LISTEN TO THIS TAPE YOU CAN EITHER REPEAT AFFIRMATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED IN OTHER PARTS OF THIS BOOK, OR YOU CAN FOCUS ON ANY PRESSING ISSUE OF THE DAY, KNOWING THAT YOU WILL SEE THE ISSUE WITH A CALM AND RELAXED EYE. WHEN YOU ARE CUED TO RETURN TO THE RELAXATION RESUME HERE. Bring your attention to your breathing again. Your connection to the universe, your center. And feel that circle. The air passing through your lungs-throatmouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. Again, feel that circle: lungs-throatmouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs And, again lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. Now I am going to say some affirmations that will stay with you. You are a beautiful person. You are beautiful physically, emotionally, and intellectually. God loves you and accepts you exactly the way you are. You love and accept yourself exactly the way you are. Occasionally you make mistakes, but that's OK, you always learn from them. You accept other people as they are; accepting their imperfections, their power to grow and your own power to grow. You feel very calm with yourself and at peace with yourself. You always do what is best for yourself, being loving and kind to yourself first, and then being loving and kind to others. You are an excellent employee. Deep inside you know that you are an excellent and valued individual and employee. You are a wonderful person. You know that everything works out for the best eventually. Therefore, there's no need to worry. Bring your attention to your breathing again. Feel that circle, your center, your connection with the universe. Notice your breath leaving your body: lungsthroat-mouth-room, then coming back into your body: room mouth - throat lungs. And, again lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. Again, bring your attention to your breathing. Feel that circle, your center, your connection with the universe. Notice your breath leaving your body: lungsthroat-mouth-room, then coming back into your body: room mouth - throat lungs. And, again lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. Page 5-109

12 You feel comfortable and relaxed within your body and within your life. You see the improvements to be made and you are confident that you have the capacity to make the changes. Right now notice how your body feels, how comfortable, and calm. Notice your thoughts are slow and calm. Notice your thoughts are quieter. I am going to give you the suggestion that whenever you say the word "Peace" you will be reminded about how you feel right now. Your body will know how you feel and you will instantly be calm and relaxed. Say the word "Peace" silently to yourself now - "Peace". Remember the word Peace and your body will be calm and relaxed. Whenever you want to feel clam - say the word "Peace" and your body and mind will remember how it feels now. Now, if you are going to go to sleep turn off the tape now and drift off into a peaceful slumber. If not, bring your attention to your toes and start wiggling them, bring your attention to your legs and stretch them out. Reach your arms over your head and stretch and you are fully aware and totally calm and relaxed. Open your eyes. Look around and you see the world as a sunny day. You're wide-awake and feeling fine. Visualization Module Scripts with Affirmations This section presents modules you can use with your relaxation with the associated affirmations. Each module presents affirmations and general suggestions that will help you build confidence in your every day life, especially while getting your ideal job. Choose the module that is the most helpful to you at the time you are doing your relaxation. For example: If you are about to go on an interview, then use the module entitled "Lessening Pre-interview Jitters". Incorporate the module into your relaxation in one of the following ways: Record, in the cued place, the module you will most frequently use Record several versions of the relaxation - each with a different visualization module, or You will also benefit from the module by reading it in a relaxed state. Page 5-110

13 Surviving Unemployment Tip Each visualization script is accompanied by the associated affirmations. For the most effective use of the visualization, repeat these affirmations throughout the day. After you complete each module, return to the relaxation dialog. Affirm Your Employment Module Use this medication module any time during your job search. This module helps you visualize your future employment by focusing on your past accomplishments. It then provides suggestions to remove any emotional obstacles you may have to obtaining your new job. It concludes by focusing on suggestions to visualize the details of your new job. Repeat these affirmations throughout the day to reinforce the suggestions presented in the Affirm Your Employment module. The job I want is the job I should have. I deserve the best possible job. There is nothing blocking me from the job I desire. I am extremely qualified for the job I desire. I receive an excellent salary. I am happy at my new job. I am comfortable with the new tasks at my job trusting my abilities. I am happy with the new people at the job. I feel a sense of purpose mission at my new job. You are now perfectly relaxed. Bring your attention to your career. Visualize the job you just had. See in front of you the tasks you enjoyed. See yourself working doing these tasks. (Pause) Now see yourself in the job you want to be. Ask yourself if you want the same type of job you had. Ask yourself the best way to find the job. (pause) Make a list in your head (pause). Realize that your Page 5-111

14 mission in life is partially defined by the job and career you choose. Realize that the job you most want is the job you should have. Review in your mind any emotional obstacles that there may be to obtaining this job, such as a feeling of non-deserving the job. Affirm to yourself that you deserve the best possible job. Let go any blocks to getting the job. Let go the fear of getting the job you want. Let go the feeling of not being good enough to get the job. Realize that you deserve the job you want. Again, in your mind visualize your ideal job. Visualize yourself receiving the job offer. See yourself comfortable with the amount of money you will receive. Visualize the type of people with whom you want to work. See, in your mind, how they are dressed. Now, feel yourself having a friendly conversation with them. See yourself doing the job tasks. See them in detail. Visualize the most important things as being the best in this job. (Pause) Bring your attention to your breathing. Feel that circle, your center, your connection with the universe. Notice your breath leaving your body: lungs-throat-mouth-room, then coming back into your body: room mouth - throat lungs. And, again lungs-throat-mouthroom - room mouth - throat lungs. See yourself at your ideal job. You are comfortable with any new tasks, trusting your ability. Feel yourself happy and content at your new job. Feel yourself coming home and feeling a sense of purpose and mission at your new job. Now return to the conclusion of the relaxation beginning on page Gain Confidence that You will Soon Get a Job Module Use this module when you have not had an interview for a while. This module helps you to focus on and release any "negative" energy while incorporating new and positive energy. The module also helps you to re-affirm confidence in your skills and goals. It concludes that when the time is right, you will get the job that is best for you. Repeat these affirmations throughout the day to reinforce the suggestions presented in the Gain Confidence that You Will Soon Get a Job module. I am releasing all negative energy in my body. My body is filled with positive energy. The right job is coming my way. I have excellent skills. Page 5-112

15 Surviving Unemployment I am now making the best possible use of my time. I feel less and less tense and more and more self confident. I am developing an easy going productive attitude towards my job search. You are now perfectly relaxed. Bring your mind to the day of the week. Think of how long it has been since you had an interview. Take notice of how you feel. Pause a moment and take notice of how you feel. Recognize and give name to each feeling. You may feel worthless, rejected or shameful. Just feel the feelings. Feel one at a time - for example if you are feeling shameful be mindful of how your body feels. Be aware of the possible constriction in your chest, the tightness in your arms, the desire to run and hide. Feel this feeling and realize it is only a feeling. Decide whether you want to hold on to this feeling, to the negative energy. If the answer is no, then release the energy. Release any feeling of worthlessness. Release the tightness in your arms. Release any feeling of shame. Release the desire to want to run and hide. Release the feeling of being rejected. See these feelings floating away. Knowing that you don t need to hold onto them. Knowing that you are a wonderful competent person. It's as easy as that - Be calm again. If an unpleasant feeling returns to your body feel it for a moment and say goodbye to it as you let it go. Feel the positive energy coming into your body in its place. Realize you do not need to hold onto any of these negative feelings. Bring your attention to your breathing. And feel that circle, your center, your connection with the universe. Notice your breath leaving your body: lungsthroat-mouth-room, then coming back into your body: room mouth - throat lungs. Again, feel that circle. Lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs And, again lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. Notice your breathing. Reaffirm that when the time is right to get the right job it will happen. Know when the time is right it will happen. You have excellent skills and the job that matches your skill set is coming to you. You feel more and more self confident. You are now making the best possible use of your time. You are developing an easy going productive attitude towards your job search. You know you will get the best job you deserve. Bring your attention to your breathing. See it coming in and out of your body. See its circle and your connection with the universe. Now return to the conclusion of the relaxation beginning on page Page 5-113

16 Lessen Pre-Interview Jitters Module Use this module before you go on an interview. This module first helps you focus on past successful interviews. It then brings you through visualizing the details of the current interview in a confident, competent manner. It finally, guides you through the conclusion of the interview where you feel comfortable and pleased that the interview went well. Repeat these affirmations throughout the day to reinforce the suggestions presented in the Lessen Pre-Interview Jitters module. I remember clearly my past succesful interviews. I am at peace when I enter the interview. I feel confident and empowered when I meet the interviewer. I feel safe with the interviewer. I know I am well prepared for the interview. My confidence returns each time I notice the texture of my interview outfit. I am comfortable with what I want and expressing it. My hand is steady and strong as I complete the job application. I answer all questions easily and smartly. I become more relaxed as the interview progresses. I am confident in my skills. I notice the questions I rehearsed and this increases my level of comfort. The interviewer respects my experience. I feel wonderful after the interview whether or not the job is a skill match. You are now perfectly relaxed. Remember an interview at which you were successful. Maybe the interview for the last job you had. Or, it may be another Page 5-114

17 Surviving Unemployment interview that went well and you are still waiting to hear. How did you feel during that interview? How did you feel after that interview? Now, bring your attention to the current interview. See yourself entering the building where you are having your interview. Feel at peace. See the interviewer coming up to you and shaking your hand. Imagine what the interviewer(s) look like. See their face and send pleasant thoughts. Imagine you know this person and you feel safe with them. Feel certain that you are prepared for the interview. Right now, in your mind, feel what you are carrying and the texture of your interview outfit. Feel at peace - knowing you chose the right clothing and you are neat and well groomed. Know that your skill sets match the job requirements. You would not have this interview if the interviewer did not believe you to be an excellent candidate. See the interviewer asking you questions, while you feel competent answering them. See yourself asking questions, finding out what s important for you. Think of what's important for a job for you. Feel comfortable with yourself and your desires. Bring your attention to your breathing. See it coming in and out of your body. See yourself completing the job application. Feel your hand steady and strong. You find yourself answering the questions easily and smartly. Bring your attention to your breathing. And feel that circle, your center, your connection with the universe. Notice your breath leaving your body: lungsthroat-mouth-room, then coming back into your body: room mouth - throat lungs Again, feel that circle. Lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs And, again lungs-throat-mouth-room - room mouth - throat lungs. See yourself answering the interview questions calmly and confidently. Note the expression of acceptance on the interviewer's face. See yourself becoming more confident as the interview progresses. See the interviewer respecting your experience. Feel pleased as the interviewer asks one or more of the questions that you have rehearsed. This further increases your confidence. You feel your true self shining through. As the interview ends, you both rise and shake hands. You know the interview went well. As you shake hands with the interviewer you are confident. Whether you get the job or not - you feel wonderful. Confident in your skills. You have presented your skill sets in the best possible fashion. You know that if you do not get the job - the reason will be because of your Skill Sets and nothing personal - because you just had one of your best interviews ever. See yourself going home feeling comfortable and pleased. Bring your attention to your breathing. See it coming in and out of your body. See its circle and your connection with the universe. Now return to the conclusion of the relaxation beginning on page Page 5-115

18 Re-centered After a Rejection from a Job Module Use this module when you have just received a notice that you did not receive a job for which you applied. This module helps you to focus on and release any "negative" energy you may have felt when you received the notice. It then focuses on in incorporating new and positive energy in its place. Repeat these affirmations throughout the day to reinforce the suggestions presented in the Re-centered After a Rejection from a Job module. All tension is released from my body. I feel calm and relaxed. I am free from fear and worry. I know that a new position is coming along where I belong and feel accepted, respected and happy. I have other interviews where I will get the job. I get a good salary and promotions at my new job. I see myself being happy that I did not get the job for which I just received a rejection. I realize that the universe works for me - and I am getting the best possible job. You are now perfectly relaxed. Bring your attention to the moment you first heard you would not get the job. How did you feel? Feel the feeling now. See the feeling in your body. Take note of the various parts of your body and how they each feel when you think of being rejected from this particular job. Notice that your fists may be clenched, notice that various parts of your body are more tense -or have more "bumps", feel the feeling and be comfortable with it. Are your feet a little chilly? Does your head ache a bit? Notice these feelings. See them before you. Be comfortable with them. And, then...be assured that this is only a feeling and it will pass. Decide now if you want to hold onto the feeling. Do you want to hold onto this feeling? If the answer is no, then release the tension in your arms. Check your body and release all the tension. Visualize yourself again on the white puffy cloud feeling comfortable and peaceful. Let go of any unpleasant feeling - realizing it is only a feeling, a momentary passing event. You will get other interviews. Know that a new Page 5-116

19 Surviving Unemployment position will come along where you belong and you will feel accepted, respected and happy. See yourself at a new job interview. See yourself enjoying yourself at that new job. What is that job like? (pause) See yourself receiving a promotion. See yourself being happy that you did not get the job for which you just received a rejection notice. See yourself in this new position knowing that it is the best possible job for you. Rejoice, realizing that the universe works for you - and you are getting the best possible job. Realize that you deserve the best possible job. Realize that things will work out. Bring your attention to your breathing. See it coming in and out of your body. See its circle and your connection with the universe. Now return to the conclusion of the relaxation beginning on page You can obtain a CD or cassette tape of the meditations described in this chapter in a number of ways: Visit my website: Send an to: Survivingbooks@aol.com Write to: Valerie Pederson-Purinton PO Box 254 Stow, MA Enter code #VVVMMM for a $2 discount. Limit 2 per customer. Page 5-117