meditation

And so the therapy began.

My next appointment was the following week for more root canal and the week after that also. Not only that my newly filled tooth was now even more painful than before so more work on my filling ensued (as well as more root canal). To cut a long story short I then chose to have a crown in place of a filling that may
or not
have lasted very long.

By now I was helping myself to their filtered coffee and newspaper on arrival.

So today
as I again sat in the dental chair I was prepared. I made sure I was sufficiently relaxed
centred and in the present moment before I turned up.

What did I do? I meditated before my appointment and then meditated through my appointment!

As the shrill piercing sound of the drill reverberated through my head and my face sprayed with water
I simply drifted away to somewhere else – somewhere peaceful. The dentist and the assistant continually asked me if I was okay – I’d slowly nod then zone out again
drifting away and closing the door to the sounds and movements of where my physical body was.

And then it was all over!

The next time you visit your dentist
it really pays to zone out during your procedure (if possible even before you get there) - especially if you’re nervous about any dental procedure at all like I am.

7 Steps to help you Zone out

1. Get a meditation session in before you arrive for your appointment. If you’re not sure how to meditate
do some slow
deep breathing exercises. I generally take around 4 to 5 slow deep breaths
focusing on the outward breath.


2. Be in the present moment. This is when you’re not thinking anything about the future – even 3 minutes into the future! Nor are you thinking about the past – not even 3 minutes ago. The present moment is now whilst you’re sitting in the dental chair
staring at the ceiling becoming aware of and concentrating on the rhythm of your breathing.

3. Once the procedure starts close your eyes and take your mind within. Focus straight ahead – wherever you perceive straight ahead to be once you have your eyes closed – and think of nothing – just blank – the void – staring at the colours and patterns you can see as you sit in the chair with your eyes closed.

4. If you’re about to receive an injection – as the needle goes in
breathe into that area and continue to concentrate fully on your slow breathing until the injection is over.

5. Once that’s over
resume staring into the blank void that is the inside of your eyelids!

6. If you find it challenging to think nothing
focus on a visual image that makes you feel really
really good about yourself then have a look around and see where you are.

7. Whenever you sense you’re starting to again focus on the drilling or whatever else is happening in your mouth
breathe in slowly and deeply focusing on the rhythm of your breathing and allow every single muscle you become aware of
to deflate and relax.

Meditation is a great ‘self help’ tool and when applied during a visit to your dentist – it makes the experience if not enjoyable
at least bearable!


Michaela Scherr Transformational Coach