The Practice of Visualization
Let’s highlight the difference between imagination and visualization. Your imagination can take you to Jupiter in the blink of an eye, or even to an alternate reality. Our imaginations can create stories that fairy tales are made of. Who knows, these imaginings may be coming to fruition in that alternate universe. Most likely, our fantasies remain in our minds and rarely become part of our reality. That is a good thing, mind you. Imagination is a very powerful tool. If everything we imagined came true, we would all be struggling to find stability and sanity.
Visualizing, on the other hand, is a solid form of imagination. It takes the awe and wonder from an active imagination and bases it in reality. It solidifies the fantasy, making dreams come true. The practice of visualizing trains our minds to connect that fantastical imagination with the solid reality that surrounds us. Most people ignore their imaginations (and dreams), because it’s so “fake” and well, imaginary. Others ignore reality and live with their heads in a cloud. They may have great ideas, but nothing solid comes out of their dreaming.
How can one find a happy medium, a compromise? How can we attain a real fantasy?
• Welcome the mystery of life.
• Keep it in the present moment.
First things first, we must agree that there is some magic behind the powers of the Universe that lay in mystery. We may think that by being specific about our dreams, we’re helping the Universe figure out what we want. Unfortunately, this is a misconception. By over-defining everything, we may actually be limiting ourselves, which in turn creates resistance, conflict, and turbulence. For example, let’s say your dream is to have a really fast, hot convertible sports car. Your imagination might dream of a Lamborghini, but your reality-based mind might limit you to a more affordable Mazda Miata. Both of which, I’m sure you’d love to drive around.
Why not take the specifics out and let the mysteries of the Universe determine which car is going to come your way. Visualize yourself behind the wheel of a beautiful convertible, with the roof down, wind blowing across your face. The people in the car next to you looking your way in awe. The tires squeal as you race away from an intersection at full throttle. The idea is to re-direct your focus from the details of what kind of car it is, to the feelings you will have while driving it. Apply this technique to every dream you want to visualize. Practice what feelings you would feel by having that dream come true. Accentuate these feelings and carry them with you throughout the day.
The second part of visualizing is being very careful about the time frame in which you place your imagination. For example, if you are looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, that means that they are most likely not currently in your life. It’s normal to imagine this magic person coming to you… in the future. But this is an immobilizing thought. It’s important to recognize this detail. In order to attract what you want into your life you MUST fiercely imagine it being with you right now. If you are always placing your dreams in the future, they will remain in the future. We all have been alive long enough to recognize that tomorrow never comes. As soon as what we perceived as the future arrives, it is the present moment. The future is still off in the distance, waiting for our arrival which never comes.
What is it you want Mr./Mrs. Right to do? Pretend they are doing that right in this instant! So-and-so just called you and told you exactly what you wanted to hear. Now your heart is racing and you’re floating and spinning and swimming in love. Notice the difference you feel between placing this dream in the future and making yourself feel it right now. When placing fantasies in the future, there is a tendency to feel depressed because it’s far away. That is exactly why we must visualize in the present moment – as if it is happening right now. By doing so, we feel free; we’re excited; we’re motivated; we’re vibrating in a positive sphere. I honestly have no idea how it works, but from experience, I can tell you that it does.
Create feelings of wonder, joy, gratitude, and love in your heart. Surround yourself with beauty and keep your dreams in the present moment. Use the feelings you would get from having your dreams come true, as your megaphone to the Universe.