Imagination and Visualization

We are creative spiritual beings who thrive when we are exercising our most powerful and sacred tool of mind—our imagination. It is through our imagination that we discover all that is possible, and then, through the art of visualization, we design and build our ideal in the mental world. Only then is it possible in the physical world.

Imagination, properly directed, is a means to actively engage with elevated levels of mind and various spiritual forces to bring about a higher order of thinking. Such processes allow curious and creative thinkers to see beyond what is to envision what could be.

Visualization, on the other hand, is the structured use of our imagination to form an impression on the self and numerous spiritual forces to help bring the object of our vision to experience. When we clearly see in our mind the effect we would like to produce, and we strongly believe it is possible, we attract support from the Universe to help bring it to fruition.

Through our powers of imagination and visualization, we engage in a sort of dialogue with the Universe. We ask questions, and It responds. We create our vision, and It rushes in to help us build it. We can enhance this process by fine-tuning our vision, which is the focus of this article.

Next, we will explore the concepts of imagination and visualization. Then we will discover some strategies for making visualization highly effective.

Imagination

People who cultivate their imagination in constructive ways develop powerful visions for how to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. They are the inventors, artists, and problem-solvers of the world. Not content with convention, these people are adventurers in search of new ways. They are often the heroes of their communities because they change the way we interact with our surroundings. How might our lives be different if we didn’t have Henry Ford, Bill Gates, and Sir Alexander Fleming (in case you didn’t know, Fleming invented penicillin)? How might your life be different if your favorite authors, musicians, or actors did not create their art? Most importantly, how could you use your imagination to make your life and the lives of those around you even better?

Sometimes, our imaginations get thwarted through everyday living. Face it, our teachers wanted us to focus and study standardized information so that we did well in their classes. Our parents wanted us to work hard, often through conventional learning and career paths, so that we could grow into responsible human beings. Fortunately, imagination can thrive in any circumstances with a little coaxing.

All that rote memorization and logical thinking may serve us as long as we don’t think of it as the final authority. In many cases, it provides a good starting point—as long as you realize that it is not the only way. There is value in rules, theories, and experiences. But the strength of any person or society lies in their abilities to stretch beyond what is and see what could be.

A person could not build a spaceship without some foundation in physics, engineering, and math. A person could not be a good writer without understanding the principles of effective writing, including proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. However, we never want to be a slave to precedent. This is where imagination comes in. From a solid foundation of knowledge, we can expand what is.

I will explain this concept from a personal example. I love playing music. I’m not great, but I get by. I started on guitar, then applied the theory I knew to the piano and other instruments. Having a firm understanding of music theory made learning new instruments so much easier. The theory was useful, but I was not bound to it. I realized that to be able to defy theory or go beyond convention, we sometimes have to know it first. In other words, to be imaginative, you may need to know the rules before you fully realize how to break them. Some of the most inspiring musicians are those that buck convention, not always by accident but rather by deliberate choice and strategy.

Visualization

Once we have used the imagination to decide upon a goal, we can use visualization to bring the ideal to fruition. Visualization is the act of entering a meditative state and imagining our ideal vision playing out in our minds, as though it were currently happening. This type of practice creates intentionality and puts our plan into motion. Seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, touching, and walking through the desired experience boosts our motivation and allows us to realize the potentiality of our vision.

Visualization provides a blueprint for ourselves and the Universe. Being able to conceive our ideal allows us to put a cause in motion, which will produce the intended effect. Until we form a clear image in our minds, though, there is only a vagueness from which it is difficult to produce any meaningful effect. In solidifying our image, we realize what we need to do, some degree of how to do it, and what to be on the lookout for while we are pursuing it. We move forward with enthusiasm and expectancy because everything seems to work out in our favor. We are then grateful for the meaningful opportunities that appear before us to help us realize our ideal.

A Visualization Method:

If you are wondering where to start, of course—start with your imagination. Some mental excursions will heed fun but frivolous results, whereas others will reveal meaningful content. You will know when it is meaningful when the topic or idea keeps showing up for you, not something that you lose interest in quickly. These are usually goals that you would like to realize in your life. If you would like a few pointers on goals, visit my posting about goals at https://www.holliepetit.com/blog/2014/12/26/goals

 Your visualization blueprint provides a road map for you and connects you to the spiritual forces that bring those meaningful opportunities and ideal conditions your way. Thought truly is the medium of creation, but only a precise map will lead you to your ultimate goals.

Set aside 15-30 minutes daily for your visualization session. Pick a time when you will not likely be interrupted. Early in the morning and before sleeping are ideal times because your mind may be able to focus better when it is not caught up in the busyness of daily life.

Sit in an upright and comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a few slow and calming breaths. Getting into a relaxed state encourages receptivity in your mind and effective transmission of your ideas to spiritual forces.

It may be beneficial to review your goals list before your visualization so that you remember the items that you desire to visualize. While it is good to have plenty of goals in life, too many can be overwhelming. Try to focus on a manageable number of goals in any given session.

To visualize your goals, try to see them in your mind with all your senses. Imagine you are walking through your daily life with your ideal already realized. Use all your senses in the experience—images, sounds, smells, tactile sensations, and tastes. Also imagine what you would think, feel, and do if your vision were reality.  

Maintain a clear image of your goals and vision, focusing on what you want rather than what you don’t want. Sense ease in your visualization process, not trying to control or force anything to happen.

Know that your vision is possible. While it is useful to see any potential pitfalls or problems so that you can fix them, do not cling to doubt, criticism, or negativity because these can dampen your creation. Remaining optimistic about your ideal will draw it to you and provide you with the proper motivation to achieve and sustain your ideal. In essence, you will create constructively when you think constructively, and you will create destructively when you think destructively.

Use affirmations through the process if you would like (or not if this is distracting). For example, if you were to imagine a day in the life of your ideal, internally tell yourself what that entails. “As I wake up, I am rejuvenated after a restful night of sleep. I appreciate living in my beautiful home. Everything is working out in my favor today. My breakfast is delicious, nourishing, and energizing.” Be sure to speak in terms of your ideal and in a way that resonates with you.

Be open to suggestions from the Universe during and after your visualization. You may have a gut impression, a new idea or insight, or suggestions about how to change your vision to better suit you. You can write down any ideas during the meditation, or afterward if you do not wish to interrupt your concentration.

If you prefer, you can use calming music at a low volume. For some people, music is evocative and can help produce more vibrant visions. For other people, it is distracting. You decide what is right for you.

When you have completed the visualization, offer gratitude to the Universe for helping you fulfill your ideal. Slowly come back to everyday consciousness, open your eyes, stretch, and move into the next part of your day holding your vision loosely in your mind.

Trust that your ideal is en route to you. Stay attentive to opportunities and nudges that come your way. Take action when called. As you reach out, the Universe will rush in to help you.

 

References

Bloodworth, V. (1980). Key to yourself. Marina del Rey, CA: DeVorss.