Lifting Your Spirits is a unique and practical audio guide designed to help people coping with illness or disability. Drawing on the insights of those who have experienced the challenges of serious illness, it introduces seven simple tools to develop inner strength and enhance well-being on all levels. Each tool offers practical and inspiring ways of dealing with the physical and emotional upheaval and uncertainty which illness presents. Some focus on preparing for surgery and treatment, others on coping with pain, anxiety or depression. Each chapter contains background information, illustrative examples, ideas for practice, and meditations for deep, healing relaxation.The guide can be used by individuals for their own sustenance, or introduced into patient support groups, treatment and therapy centres, hospices, day centres and other healthcare services.Contents¿ Illness and change¿ Illness and opportunity¿ How to use this guide¿ Tool 1 Meditation: discovering the power of peace¿ Tool 2 Visualisation: picturing good health¿ Tool 3 Appreciation: giving thanks¿ Tool 4 Creativity: learning to express ourselves¿ Tool 5 Listening: deepening our connection with others¿ Tool 6 Play: enjoying the benefits of fun and laughter¿ Tool 7 Reflection: making time for meeting ourselves¿ Going forwards