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.

Art Guild offers beauty and creativity Glenwood Springs Post Independent, CO - 1 hour ago In knowing them and their work, I have found a wonderful new source of inspiration and creative energy," said art guild member Annie Bell. ...

Art therapists use creativity to help people express suppressed ... Irish Times, Ireland - 19 hours ago Chairwoman of the Irish Association of Creative Art Therapists (IACAT), Suzie Cahn explains that art therapy is used to help people express their feelings ...

Creativity name of game in baby choices Ipswich Queensland Times, Australia - 8 hours ago By Felicity Caldwell IPSWICH parents have proved themselves to be just as creative with baby names as Hollywood parents Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, ...

Pakenham Cardinia Leader

Thriving on creativity in Bunyip Pakenham Cardinia Leader, Australia - 4 hours ago A BUNYIP artist has been selected to exhibit in the Cancer Council Victoria Arts Awards 2008. Simon Robbins' moving Defragmentation in Progress, ...

DDB Remedy Wins Best of Show at IPA Best of Health Awards FOXBusiness - 14 hours ago The IPA Best of Health Awards celebrates the best creativity in healthcare advertising, a sector which encompasses the promotion of brands to both ...

Local youth nourish creativity during computer camp The Northern Light, Canada - Jul 7, 2008 She said the camp is a chance for youth to show their creativity. "Children are naturally creative and they're naturally curious, which makes them very good ...

Blast has the Power for three days of creativity Liverpool Daily Post, UK - Jul 7, 2008 Co-ordinator Eddie Fitzpatrick added: ?Blast?s aim is simple: to encourage young people to express themselves through creativity. ...

Daily Star - Lebanon

Lebanese showcase their creativity at Beirut handicraft exhibition Daily Star - Lebanon, Lebanon - Jul 6, 2008 "The idea really started around 20 years ago in [the mountainous town of] Faqra, to promote the creative handicrafts of the village of Beit Chabeb," said ...

Helen McCrory: Harry Potter has Amazing Creativity Harry Potter's Page, FL - Jul 7, 2008 So it's amazing creativity both on the acting and production fronts. There's this freedom to create which is quite unusual for Britain," she admits. ...

Celebration of creativity Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - Jul 5, 2008 Dancing duo André Robinson (right) and Noelle Kerr perform at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts as part of KOTE celebrations. ...