Picture Yourself To Success! 

“You'll See It When You Believe It.”  – Wayne Dyer

How would you like to improve some area of your life without having to take any “action?”  Wouldn’t it be great if you could progress towards your goals while lying on the couch?  I am happy to tell you that such a thing is possible!

More often than not, you have heard that in order to succeed, you need to do something.  Yes, action is great, but studies have also shown that you can improve a skill simply by picturing the desired result in your mind.  In addition, you can also become more confident, relaxed, and healthy by using visualization techniques, also known as guided imagery.

Top athletes use guided imagery to train the mind to win, and doctors have begun using guided imagery to train the body to heal itself, curing disease by stimulating the immune system.  This is possible because many responses in the body do not distinguish between having a physical experience and imagining having that experience.  For example, getting caught up in a scary movie can stimulate an adrenaline ("flight or fight") response, the same as actually being in a life-threatening situation.

Simply put, whatever concentrated thought you entertain long enough in your mind tends to materialize.

Thought is energy.  By having certain thoughts in your mind, and by concentrating on them and putting emotional energy into them, they become powerful. These thoughts induce some kind of pressure on the energy fields around you, causing them to move and act. Your thoughts change the balance of energy around you, and in a natural way, it brings changes in the environment in accordance with them.

It is estimated that an average person has 10,000 thoughts or images flashing through his mind each day. Your thoughts have a direct influence on the way you feel and behave.  Your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy.  Rather than focusing on what you don’t want and having that become your reality, you have the opportunity to shift your thinking in a way that serves you, thereby creating the life you have always wanted.

Studies indicate that imagery works best when it is used in conjunction with a relaxation technique. When your physical body is relaxed, you allow your mind to unwind and let go, and you can give it the freedom to daydream. Meditation, progressive relaxation and yoga are the most common relaxation techniques used with imagery.

When working with clients, I have them do the following exercise:

Go someplace quiet–a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed, and think about your BIG dreams.  What would you like to create in the coming year?  Can you clearly picture it?  Can you see yourself achieving your big dreams?  Begin with the end in mind.  Write out what you want, and use as much description and detail as possible.  Write as if you have achieved your desire, and describe the happiness, joy and excitement you are experiencing.  How do you feel?  Describe your feelings and the sensations you are experiencing in your body.  Really get into it!  Once you have written this out, visualize it.  Feel it.  Live it!  Spend about 10-15 minutes a day picturing exactly what you want. 

In no time at all, your “fantasy” will become your reality.  Enjoy yourself!  The life you have always wanted is waiting for you.

"Image creates desire. You will what you imagine."  - J. G. Gallimore