SEEING IS BELIEVING:
THE POWER OF VISUALIZATION
“In order to use creative
visualization to create what you want in life, you must be willing and
able to accept the best that life has to offer you--your ‘good’.”
Shakti Gawain
Visualization is easy to use. Like all the
other tools of creation, we use visualization every day to create our experience
of reality. Daydreaming, fantasizing, mental rehearsals, and imagination
are all examples of visualization. We have all daydreamed about an upcoming
vacation or a visit with a favorite friend. Many of us have fantasized
about winning the lottery or getting a better job.
Unfortunately, due to lack of knowledge about the
power of our images, we also often use visualization to create experiences
we do not want in our lives. We mentally rehearse our greatest fears over
and over in our minds.
Have you ever imagined how you would respond
if you were robbed or attacked, mentally rehearsed an imagined argument
with your co-worker, had a daydream about the death of a loved one, or
imagined the worst possible outcome to a situation you were experiencing?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions,
you are using the powerful force of mental imagery to create things you
do not desire in your life. Although humanity has always used some form
of mental imagery, it has only been in the last few years that the power
of visualization techniques have been taught widely in our society.
Businesses train their employees to use visualization
to improve performance and production. Coaches use visualization with athletes
because research has shown that mental rehearsal is an effective way to
increase athletic performance. Students use visualization to improve test
scores while therapists use imagery to enhance relaxation skills.
Dieters are taught to image a thin and beautiful
body. Medical scientists have watched the power of mental imagery increase
the immune system as well as lower a person’s blood pressure and heart
rate; therefore, medical professionals often teach patients visualization
techniques to assist in their healing process.
Visualization techniques can be applied to
many areas of your life, and if you will use them to consciously create
what you want to experience, these techniques will assist you in soaring
above the crisis.
Positive Visualization
The two components of an effective positive
visualization technique are a clear image of what you want to create combined
with a strong positive emotion. Mental images do not always come in the
form of a picture. Some people use words, thoughts, or sensations to create
a mental image.
You can determine what components you use to
create mental images by observing your daydreams or fantasies. Do you see
clear pictures, or do your daydreams consist of blurred images with clear
thoughts?
Visualization Process
The first step in doing a positive visualization
is determining what you want to create in your life. If you do not know
specifically what it is you want to manifest in your life, you can create
with “broad brushstrokes.”
Broad brushstrokes define the general events
in your life while omitting the specific details. For instance, you may
not know the particular person you would like to have as a life partner,
so you visualize yourself in a relationship that is harmonious, joyful,
and romantic. You imagine yourself and your future partner sharing a fun
and fulfilling life. You generate the feelings of love and joy as you create
these images in your mind. Once you have created the broad brushstrokes,
you patiently wait as the God force fills in the details of the picture
you have created.
If you are certain of the specific details
you want to manifest, you can clearly imagine these events in your minds
eye. There is nothing wrong with creating something specific; however,
manifestation often comes more quickly if you leave the details of your
creation to your Higher Self.
If you need a new car, you can trust that God
will bring you the very best car possible. Visualize yourself driving a
beautiful car without seeing a particular model or color; then wait for
God to surprise you with something better than you could have imagined.
Visualization is a powerful tool of consciousness.
Combine visualization with prayer, faith, or love to assist you in soaring
above any crisis that may come your way.
Reverend Marty Varnadoe Dow, MSW
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