If I’m being totally truthful, I am a bit scared of visualisation. I know the benefits. In deed I’ve experienced the benefits first hand. Yet I only tend to tap into these benefits, under very specific situations.
In his blog “Relaxation for the body, mind and spirit Part Two” Andrew mentioned that I use a visualisation technique to help me sleep. You can read that blog here.
I’ve also very successfully used a celery visualisation to help me kick the chocolate habit.
Visualisation has also enabled me to overcome the chronic shyness of my younger self.
I’ve recorded a short video about both situations.
So, I use visualisation to help me sleep, stop eating chocolate and overcome shyness. Yet there are many more situations where visualisation could help me.
Visualisation benefits
Here are some of the benefits that I am missing out on:
- Improving performance
- Realising potential
- Reducing stress
- Feeling happier
- Improving focus
- Sparking inspiration
- Boosting confidence
- Feeling better
- Increasing creativity
- Overcoming anxiety
That’s a whole lot of benefit that I am missing out on.
I KNOW that visualisation works, so why don’t I use it more?
As I wrote at the beginning, I’m scared of it. Giving into that fear has been easier that facing the fear.
Let me explain.
Fear is a dark room
Several months after my mother was killed, I went on a training course for work. During one of the modules we did a relaxation/meditation exercise.
Everything was going well until the trainer asked us to visualise our parents so we could tap into the message they had to share with us.
I lost it.
Dad had died 18 months before my mother. I hadn’t finished grieving for him when I then was faced with my mother’s death.
At the time of the training session I was still in the midst of my double grief.
So rather than a wonderfully relaxing session I had a full-blown panic attack. I was so bad they almost called an ambulance
“Fear is a dark room where negatives develop.” Usman B. Asif
My reluctance to delve more into visualisation is probably understandable. However, I know that I am missing out on all those benefits mentioned above.
Kicking the visualisation fear
I know there will be many occasions when visualisation could help me whilst Creating A New, Beautiful And Courageous Existence.
So, here’s the deal.
Over the coming weeks/months I will be experimenting with other forms of visualisation. I will share the results here, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Perhaps my first visualisation should be that visualisation can be safe and beneficial rather than the grief filled abyss of my distant memory.
You can read more about the benefits of visualisation here.
Practice makes perfect
It’s all well and good writing about things in theory: however, we need to start applying what we learn. Is fear holding you back from doing something that you suspect would be really beneficial? If there is today’s activity is to pull on your big pants, step out of you comfort zone and do it anyway. Only take this step when you are feeling strong enough to handle any upsetting consequences. Also make sure that you plan your activity carefully. Perhaps this would involve telling a trusted friend what you intend to do. Make sure you have enough support if stepping out of your comfort zone bring upsetting emotions to the surface.
To help you keep track of all your work for the daily activities mentioned, we have created a Monthly Diary for you to record your progress. To download your copy of “My January Canbace Diary” please click here.
Be kind to yourself …
In CANBACE friendship!
If anything I have written resonates I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I appreciate that this can be a difficult subject to speak openly about. If you don’t want me to publish your comment on the website, please let me know. I will keep your words private.
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