Many success gurus talk about the value of visualization today, but to the “average Joe,” the idea of visualization seems like an elusive, mystical concept tied to New Age religion and yoga junkies.
Visualization is actually a simple mental exercise that helps the individual gain control over his subconscious, erase negative thoughts that reside there, and replace them with positive, uplifting thoughts that can help him achieve greater success in life.
This article will explain exactly what visualization is, what the benefits are and how to use it for success in your own life.
What is Visualization?
Visualization is the process of clearing one’s mind in preparation for filling it up with a plethora of positive images and thoughts designed to relax, motivate or uplift the individual. The only tools required for a visualization session are a quiet spot and a vivid imagination. However, some people like to add music or a pleasant aroma to enhance their environment while they exercise their mind. Others prefer to do their visualization while running or in the shower. How and when you do your visualization is completely up to you.
Benefits of Visualization
On a physiological note, visualization creates neuromuscular templates, or patterns of mind-body connections that help you accomplish what you set out to do. Other benefits of regular visualization include:
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The ability to manage stress more effectively and even reduce your stress level overall
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The power to diminish negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones that promote healing and success
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The ability to leave your comfort zone within the confines of your mind, allowing you to broaden your horizons without the stress and anxiety that typically accompany such an action
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The stretching of your mind and intuition to grasp new concepts and overcome obstacles
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Focus that helps you remain on the path to your goals no matter what distractions might come your way
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Healing, both emotionally and physically, by gently forcing your mind to a positive path with less pain and trauma
The best feature of the visualization process is that you can make it a tool for whatever you want to achieve in life. By directing your thoughts to your specific needs and situation, you can customize your visualization techniques to specifically help you where you currently are.
How to Use Visualization
Visualization techniques vary somewhat, but most start in a quiet room with the person in a reclined, relaxed position. Once you are comfortable, follow these basic steps:
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Begin by focusing on every muscle of your body, relaxing each one in succession until your entire body is completely at ease.
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Create a peaceful picture in your mind of a place you love to go; it might be a forest, mountain meadow or beach.
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Use all of your senses to visualize your scene. For example, if you are visualizing a beach, imagine a soft breeze caressing your cheek, the smell of salt and warm sand between your toes.
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Repeat positive affirmations to yourself throughout the process, such as, “I am completely relaxed,” or “I am at peace with myself.”
This is a good first exercise in visualization that is effective in calming your mind and body and reducing stress. Try using this technique any time you are feeling tense or out of sorts.
If the purpose of your visualization is to achieve a goal, like losing weight or earning a promotion at work, use the same process to visualize yourself meeting your goals. People striving for weight loss can imagine themselves in a bathing suit without embarrassment or eating healthy meals that help them drop the pounds.
If a promotion is your goal, visualize yourself in the position you want, performing the responsibilities to which you aspire.
People who are sick or injured can also use visualization techniques to imaging the illness leaving their body or the wound healing on its own. In fact, many doctors encourage patients to use visualization techniques as part of the healing process. It has been found that patients who spend less time dwelling on their symptoms and more time meditating on the healing process actually have a better outcome in their treatment.
Visualization can be used in a variety of ways to heal your mind and body, lower your stress level and help you achieve your goals. Once you master the basics of visualization, you can tailor your sessions to encompass your own personal goals. Visualization is a simple exercise that removes the negative thoughts that get in the way of your goals and replace them with positive affirmation that put you on the path to success. Can you see them clearly now?
