Tips for Using Master-Quest in the Classroom, at Home, in the Clinic or Office

Before you attempt to embark on your journey into Master-Quest, remember that this program is designed to teach relaxation.  Kids have become accustomed to this fast pace video game world.  Your kids may find during the beginning journeys they feel uncomfortable or bored. It takes a while to settle into relaxation.  This is a natural response.  Our suggestion if and when this happens - have them ease into the journeys but stay with the program until all of the journeys are completed.  As they adjust to the pace through the journeys they will gradually be able to shift into determining a fast or slow speed in the future without feeling awkward and uncomfortable with it.  Kids have not been taught how to change activity levels - Master-Quest training will help give them this control.

A 2nd grade teacher in the Enumclaw area let me know she is going to approach this potential roadblock by putting on some classical music while the kids draw free form.  This is to help them begin to shift into a state of quietness prior to training. 

Relaxation techniques have been shown to be successful in increasing immune system responses (Achterberg 1985; Achterberg & Rider 1990; Benson & Stuart, 1992; Fried, R. 1990; Green, 1977; Peavey et al, 1985) decreasing the experience of asthma in some children (Fried, R. 1990; Gordon 1996) decreasing headaches in some (Allen & Shriver, 1998; Andrasik 1995; Ilacqua 1994; Kropp et al 1997; Labbe 1995; Richter et al 1986), increasing the probabilities of staying focused and calm, as well as increasing the ability to learn and experience peak performance (Hamiel 1998). It only makes sense that as we calm our physiology down we free up energy for that physiology to function more optimally. Research supports this.

Parents 

Make Master-Quest Work for Your Child

You can greatly increase a child's success if you can support them in the learning process. This section is devoted to giving you the information you need to do just that.

During the week:

• Do the selected CD-ROM exercise first
• Practice the powers several times during the day - you may need to cue your child to practice
• Work on the pages in the Inward Journal
• Repeat the CD-ROM exercise al least 3 times to practice and reinforce the skill

When a child can answer the questions in the Inward Journal workbook thoughtfully they will have earned that skill.

Do the Journeys Yourself

We highly recommend that you sit down and attempt the Journeys yourself. If you want to really understand these concepts you have to do them. They are short. You will probably learn something that will help  you as well as your children, and teach you better health choices as well.

Who is Best Suited

There are many children who have behavioral problems that are diagnosed and medicated, which not only effects the moment, but impacts the rest of their lives in yet undetermined ways. We think Master-Quest will help these kids. Our intention is to partner with you to teach these kids skills that allow them to make better choices early in life. We want to catch these kids before undesirable behavioral patterns set in. Perhaps together we can stop this cycle.

How to Use Master-Quest

These are skills like any other skills. The more you practice the more proficient you become. We recommend that the program be used on a regular schedule. On the days they are not using the CD they can work in the Inward Journal. As the child learns the skills they will be able to practice without the software.

We have found that some kids absorb the information and exercises very quickly. THey may not need to practice with the software once this happens. Trust that they 'got it' and work with them on cues for when they aren't feeling well or start to escalate in behavioral reponses to stress.

The Inward Journal

The Journal was included to supplement the CD-ROM. The Journals can be carried around and added to at any time. It is a personal reference. They should not be shared - each child should have their own. When there is no more space in the Journal contact us for another one or have the kids make their own.

Practice the Skills

Master-Quest and the Inward Journal were designed to help the kids find ways to use their skills when they are not using the CD. This is something you can do. If you notice that they are getting upset or frustrated, look at their breathing, then gently prompt them to take a few minutes and use their Power of the Wind to take some slow deep breaths. This may take several try's but you will be amazed at the results. You will also be training them in the timing of when to use these skills.

It is crazy to believe that we will have a stress free life. The goal here is not to allow the stress to build and build without some kind of recovery time for the body.                       

We love to hear about suggestions that we can share with other Master-Quest users.

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Risks

We know of no one who has ever been injured by using relaxation or biofeedback training.  While some people do not benefit, most find the skills interesting and helpful.  However, because each person is unique and some people may respond differently then other people, we urge you to consider the following:

Relaxation can bring shifts in body chemistry and in mental, emotional and physical conditions.  Emotional issues are defined as changes in feeling states that would cause discomfort or some form of physical acting out.  Do not allow an individual to use this product if you do not know them well enough to determine their comfort levels.  If you have further questions regarding this matter, please review the User's Agreement, or contact Inner Odyssey at 1-800-545-4384.

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What to look for

Positive changes to look for:

• Adjusts to change more quickly
• Acts more at peace, happier
• More confident
• Calmer
• Gets less frustrated
• Appears to have better control of self
• Able to focus and concentrate longer

Sometimes when people relax emotions which were repressed bubble to the surface. This can cause certain behaviors. If your child seems to be behaving strangely, uncharacteristically moody or is acting out, please take him or her to a professional counselor or doctor.