Using Visualization for Life
Visualization is a healing and empowering technique consisting of the formation of a positive or helpful mental image that leads to the desired outcome, and replaying it in one’s mind. The method is used as a complimentary or alternative medicine for the physically or mentally ill who may suffer from such ailments as cancer, trauma, and depression. Athletes also utilize visualization to help achieve success during a competition.
When carried out properly, visualization can change a person’s life. It isn’t a hard thing to do, in fact children suffering from anxiety are often asked to use visualization as a tool for quieting the ‘worry dragons’. The process begins by learning to identify anxiety when it occurs and training oneself to take measures in fighting it. Then a tool kit for fighting the dragons is built up, including visualization. The child decides on a person, place, activity, object or scenario that brings them positive feelings. When a worry dragon pops up, the child visualizes the chosen scene while taking deep breathes from the diaphragm. Sometimes visualizing a diffusing series of events to take the power out of the worry helps too. For example, picturing the problem as a power cord plugged into an outlet. To diffuse the anxiety, the child visualizes ‘unplugging’ the cord representing the problem.
Oncologists will very often assign visualization exercises for their patients, especially amid intense treatments or periods of pain. The task usually involves creating a mental picture of natural elements such as trees, the sky, a favorite pet, a garden or a body of water. Similarly, an exercise in visualization that includes floating on a cloud or water can be very effective in diverting thought from the unpleasant moment. Of course, those suffering from other ailments such as paralysis, chronic pain, ALS or other diseases can benefit from visualization.
On a more positive note, adults seeking a life change or direction can use visualization to achieve their goals; just as athletes do. Creative visualization allows the individual to set tangible goals that feel so achievable, they are within grasp. If they can see it, they can do it. When the goal can be pictured in the mind, the ways of getting to it seem more realistic and achievable. Combating addiction, low self-esteem, bad body image, even phobias can be achieved through proper use of visualization.
When we are young we use our imagination in many different ways during both play and daily activities. For example, a child set in a grassy yard may see the lawn as a racetrack, the trees as climbing apparatus, the potted plants as places to hide behind during hide and seek, the picnic table as a fort and the swing set as a space ship. The child is visualizing the fun to be had. He or she sees it, so they go do it. Perhaps their mind is not clogged up with all the stresses of adult life, there are no social demands dragging the child down. No judgments, no concern with safety or logistics – everything is possible.
It is fairly easy for us to lose sight of our life goals. Those childhood fancies about the perfect career are still possible, we just need to knock down all those walls we built up. Visualize there destruction, then sit back and let go. Release the stereotypes that have been placed upon you according to gender, social class, education, nationality, body type, language and so on. As you begin to strike down those walls, you will discover who you really are underneath everything. Practice some fluid writing to help get all the negativity out. The process can be a little scary; after all it is a new person within yourself that you are releasing. Share the experience with your partner so they can support your journey and understand the process. Then it’s time to visualize your goals. Create a picture in your mind of who and what you want to be. Replay the picture over and over again. This form of creative visualization can be the key to success in life, no matter what your age.
We often say things like “oh if I had it to do all over again…” or “if only I knew then what I know now.” Statements like that serve no purpose to self-actualization and growth. No one can go back in time and restart their life, but what you can do is move forward. Most of the time the journey ahead isn’t hard, it’s seeing which path to take; so take the time to visualize your goals and the best path will present itself.
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