Self Dare #9: Visualize

Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life. There is nothing at all new, strange, or unusual about creative visualization. You are already using it every day, every minute, in fact.

It is your natural power of imagination, the basic creative energy of the universe,
which you use constantly, whether or not you are aware of it.

Actress Kelly Rutherford delves into what she wishes she’d known
in her twenties, and how she discovered creative visualization as a teenager.

To use creative visualization it is not necessary to “have faith” in any power outside yourself. The only thing necessary is that you have the desire to enrich your knowledge and experience, and an open enough mind to try something new in a positive spirit.

Four Basic Steps for Effective
Creative Visualization

1. Set your goal

Choose something you would like to have, work toward, realize, or create. It can be on any level — a job, a house, a relationship, a change in yourself, increased prosperity, a happier state of mind, improved health, beauty, a better physical condition, solving a problem in your family or community, or whatever.

2. Create a clear idea or picture

Create an idea, a mental picture, or a feeling of the object or situation exactly as you want it.Think of it in the present tense as already existing the way you want it to be. Imagine yourself in the situation as you desire it, now. Include as many details as you can.

3. Focus on it often

Bring your idea or mental picture to mind often, both in quiet meditation periods, and also casually throughout the day, when you happen to think of it. In this way it becomes an integrated part of your life. It becomes more of a reality for you.

4. Give it positive energy

As you focus on your goal, think about it in a positive, encouraging way. Make strong positive statements to yourself: that it exists; that it has come or is now coming to you. See yourself receiving or achieving it. These positive statements are called “affirmations.” While you use affirmations, try to temporarily suspend any doubts or disbelief you may have, at least for the moment, and practice getting the feeling that what you desire is very real and possible.

BONUS: Check out our other story about writing letters to your “younger self” here >

4GGL thanks the following for this story!