National Endowment for the Humanities Seminar
Saddleback College
Summer 1997
This material was presented and discussed by Susan Ruyle
of Saddleback College during one of the seminar's curriculum
workshops.
Guided Imagery
This is an exercise in exploring nature and the self. It
can be used with a piece of literature or with discussions
of the relationship of nature and the self. Students can
read aloud and discuss what they have written. To facilitate
guiding the imagery, the instructor may read the following
slowly as students write:
Think of your favorite place. Put yourself
there in your imagination.
Describe your place in specific detail. How does
it look, sound, feel, smell?
Are you alone or with others? Describe.
Explain how you feel in this place and why.
In what ways is this place like you?
How does this place differ from your daily work
place, and home?
What gifts does this place offer to the world?
Explain.
Think of one adjective or symbol to represent
this place.
Explain your relationship to the place
carefully.
If this place were destroyed how would you feel?
Explain.
