Do You See What I See
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere” - Albert Einstein. I’ve been a meditator for many years. For as long as I can remember I’ve been good at visualizing a scene in my mind, usually through guided meditation. An idea is presented and the participant fills in all the details. However, for the last several days I’ve been creating the complete story, start to finish.
Recently, a friend of mine sent a link for a 7 Day Creative Visualization Challenge she thought I’d be interested in. She was correct. During the month of November part of my self-care routine included daily meditation and I felt the visualization challenge would be a great addition. At first I thought it might be difficult to come up with the story on my own, boy was I wrong. I’ve been having so much fun creating and feeling them.
In doing some research on the benefits of creative visualization, I’ve learned the following about imagination:
It has no limits
It is important for creators (i.e., artists, athletes, writers, etc.)
It reduces stress
It can help change habits
It increases positive thoughts
It optimizes performance
Think of when you’ve read a book and all the details your mind added to the story, the people, and the places. Then watched the same story on film and it looked completely different. Our mind creates the wonder or sometimes the woe. We decide. In the 7 day challenge my mind went to awe and possibility.
One of the visualization exercises I created was around the lake house my children and I are currently planning to purchase in the future. I put in all the details from driving to unpacking, even unloading special items I purchased specifically for the weekend. I also envisioned my family’s arrival and settling in. Along with the beautiful meal we shared on the deck surrounded by twinkling lights, laughter, and warm breezes. I imagined the layout, the furnishings, the view, and the direction (west facing on the water to watch sunsets). It was complete joy.
I encourage you to try a creative visualization experience of your own. Set your phone or a timer from four to ten minutes, and then dream every little delicious detail into being. It will be fun and uplifting and soon you’ll be asking, “Do you see what I see?” Let’s play and create them into reality!
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS … Thanks Stephanie! xox