True Power Series Part I. Visualization: Image Production and Verbal Thought

(5 minutes a day)
There is no limit to what you can visualize. The most effective visualization usually happens when emotion is connected with a strong image as, for example, when you really want something specific that you think will make you happy. But, visualization can be used to change core beliefs, to combat what you may consider a negative belief, without trying to oppose that belief. Say you would like to have greater abundance, but you believe there's something inherently wrong with money. You want to make a change. To make that change, you can visualize all the positive effects affluence can have in you life. You can attach positive visuals, emotions, even sounds to the idea of money and begin to make new associations. This will begin the process of drawing affluence to you because your beliefs have been repelling it.

To do the visualization exercise, you must agree to suspend your disbelief for only five minutes a day. Agree to give yourself completely to this fantasy for that time without distractions, objections, fears, or doubts. You had no problem pretending you were Batman in third grade. The same sort of abandon is needed here. Bask in the fantasy for this short period of time and, when it's through, you can indulge in all of your doubts again though over time you will learn not to do so.

Visualization Exercise
The only time you can ever accomplish anything is in the present. The present is where everything happens, and there's tremendous power here. Look around the room. Take notice of where you are and how you feel in the moment.

Now, close your eyes and imagine that the thing you want is already in existence. Feel what it feels like to have accomplished what you want. Color the experience with as much feeling and emotion as you can muster up. Experience as if it had already happened, as if it was in the present. See it in your mind with as much detail as possible. If you're not good with visuals, then do the same thing through verbal thoughts, talking to yourself about what you want, repeating the idea in your mind, feeling and experiencing the sensation of the idea. Stay in the present while you're doing this. It's happening NOW. What you think of as your normal everyday life no longer exists. This new idea is what you're experiencing.

When you're done, drop the idea completely. Don't worry about accomplishing it, but do look for new ideas, impulses, gut feelings, and new energy that will begin to guide you to what you want.

Notice when you have thoughts during the day that contradict what you want, and realize they're just thoughts, non-active ones, because you're now building new beliefs. In other words, learn to write-off thoughts you don't want without combating them. You notice them and let them go.

It may be some time before your new beliefs or ideas "take." Even if you get quick results, keep doing the exercise. You want to make sure your new belief is more powerful than competing ones. It's important to do the exercise only once a day for the proscribed amount of time. More is not better because to do more is to focus on the new belief out of fear instead of trust, thereby defeating your work. Mindlessly doing the exercise and letting it go is always most effective. Give yourself a month before you check your progress, and continue to do the exercise as long as necessary.

If this exercise isn't your cup of tea, then look for upcoming articles on self-hypnosis, affirmations, diagramming, treasure-mapping, and much more. Or, think creatively of your own ways to visualize or affirm new realities for yourself.

Next: True Power Part 2. Affirmations

This is the first article in our "True Power" series. If you haven't been following the series, click here to read the foundational material on beliefs before continuing.

S.C. Giles is a contributing author of The Artrepreneur E-Zine and newsletter.

The Artrepreneur offers articles helping artists focus on proven techniques to accomplish any goal. Read More: http://artrepreneur.thepauper.com

Copyright © 2005 Arctic Mouse, Inc. All rights reserved.

---

Creativity and Broken Eggs

In 1420, the dignitaries of Florence held a competition.They offered... Read More

SoulCollage - Combining Collage Fun with Spiritual Practice

SoulCollage? is a unique blend of spiritual practice and the... Read More

7 Techniques to Supercharge your Creativity and Solve your Problems

Do you ever encounter problems, challenges or obstacles in your... Read More

Creativity Management ? Overcoming Blocks

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

3 Simple Steps To Solving Problems

You can move beyond your stuck states by contemplating all... Read More

Creative Memory Tricks

What's the biggest problem with memory tricks? Remembering to use... Read More

Analysis of The Monkeys Paw by W. W. Jacobs: A Study in Lateral Thinking

I first read The Monkey's Paw as a youngster in... Read More

Our Limitless Quantum Reality

Modern science tells us that on a sub-atomic level --... Read More

Attraction: What We Attract With Our Creative Choices

I used to be a jazz singer. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah... Read More

Mindfulness and Music: Things That Go Hmmm

Shhh... can you hear it?One of the most powerful forms... Read More

Mindfulness and Independence: Observing Fireworks

"It's a free country," they say. "Celebrate our independence," I... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to Think Creatively

You may have heard of Roger von Oech's book, A... Read More

Find the Artist Within

Can anyone be an artist? People admiring my work... Read More

Creativity Management ? Collaboration NOT Competition

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

9 Steps to Supercharge Your Productivity with Creativity

Time is the great equalizer. Everybody has the exact same... Read More

Tap the Creative Inside You

Imagination is the source of creativity. It's a place where... Read More

Being Creative is Essential for Online Success

Do you have a strategy that ensures your online business... Read More

How To Increase Creativity... Set Deadlines!

Deadlines are something all of us face from time to... Read More

Why Teach Thinking? Why Not ?

The word 'creativity' has so many diverse meanings and interpretations.... Read More

Tips on Breaking the Creative Block

There's no question that creating anything is hard to do.... Read More

Becoming More Creative -- What We Can Learn From Disney

When you think about the legacies Walt Disney left us,... Read More

Top Ten Reasons To Start Creativity Coaching

DEVELOP YOUR ARTISTIC CONFIDENCE I'd really like to write but... Read More

How to Make Time for Art

The key to making time for art is the ability... Read More

Mindfulness and Creativity: The Wow of Wonder

You are so creative.Don't deny it. Whether or not you... Read More

7 Things Sapping Your Creativity Right Now

This was a very easy article to write. I was... Read More