dealing with stress

Have you noticed the multitude of articles, books, and other information about dealing with stress that seem to be out there these days? It just struck me the other day, when I was paging through a magazine in a waiting room. While they seem to have good suggestions to offer, like getting some exercise, watching your diet, relaxation techniques, and so on, I think they're missing out on another area that could be of help.
You've probably heard the phrase about picking up on other people's "vibes." Well, that description is pretty accurate, because actually we are all composed of energy, and each of us emits our very own "force field." Likewise, thoughts and words are forms of energy as well. And when we suffer from stress, often it's because of the pressure of negative thoughts we may have or that we "pick up" from others.
Just like dirt that can accumulate on the body, this negative energy can accumulate as well. What I've found to be very helpful is to do what I call an "energy cleansing." This is a simple visualization that you can perform whenever you wish, but it's especially useful at the end of the day.
Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Imagine that a golden shower of light is descending on you, starting from the top of your head. Visualize it moving downwards through all the parts of your body, cleaning any dark spots that may be there. See it pushing this "sludge" of dark negative energy out of your body down through the soles of your feet into the ground. Keep visualizing this golden light doing its clearing action until there is only the light left in your body. Open your eyes and sit for a few minutes, enjoying the sense of calm and peace.
So, why not try this little exercise the next time you're feeling stressed? I hope it will help.