Visualization

Last week we looked at the fact that there are two types of vision. The external vision: that we are mostly aware of and our internal vision. The images we hold in our mind and what we project for our future.{{more}}

I mentioned that the completeness and efficiency of our eyes and brain is unparalleled in comparison to any instrument ever invented and that our vision is a complex process that requires components of the eyes and brain to work together.

Both types of vision are interrelated as they both use similar centers of the brain.

If you can picture something in your mind and constantly hold that image in your thoughts for a long enough period, the chances of making that which you picture materialize and become a reality are quite high.

This process is called visualization. Our thoughts and mental images are controlled by certain parts of the brain. This is regulated by our conscious and subconscious mind.

In visualization we use images to send suggestions to our subconscious mind. The subconscious mind learns by repetition and not by logic. By repeating thoughts and picturing images frequently we subtly make our conscious mind follow suit.

Here are 6 ways to visualize properly.

1) Decide on a goal that you would like to achieve. For starters, choose a goal that is realistic. As you improve, you should try to add goals that are more challenging or that are well beyond your level of comfort.

2) Close your eyes. Make a mental image of yourself succeeding at that goal – Try to see it as already complete.

3) The pictures in your mind should be as clear and as vivid as possible. Try to include details. Make the images as complete as possible. For example: What colour do you see? What are you doing? What sounds do you hear? Smells?

4) Get into the feeling. What does it feel like to be successful? Are you happy, relaxed, proud? Also try to incorporate a feeling of internal peace at having achieved your goal.

5) Make an effort to do these steps first thing when you wake up and again just before you fall asleep for at least 10 minutes at a time

6) Some people collect pictures and create “vision charts”, “vision books” or “vision boards”. They draw or paste pictures and clippings that are symbolic of the things they are trying to achieve. Some have a small notebook and write down ideas as they come.

We visualize even when we are not aware of it. Sometimes when we are not getting what we want, it is because we are habitually and perhaps unconsciously visualizing negative outcomes, pain, failure and suffering.

The question is often asked: What about prayer?

Research proves that visualization combined with prayer or affirmations is even more powerful in the quest to achieve ones goals.

Last but not least, you have to take action. You can visualize till the end of your days but if you do not take action nothing will happen. The closer you move towards something you want, the closer it moves towards you.

Have a great week.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210