Visualisation – can it work for you?

Of all the Mindfulness practices, this has to be the one which is most difficult to perfect…..yet can have a major impact if you can get it right. In simple terms it is the ability to form a mental image and then keep that image as the centre of your focus.  One person who tried the approach after one of our introductory sessions explained how his golf handicap had really improved by visualising a long straight tee shot. It sounded so easy but in reality had taken many months of false dawns before it began to pay off. 

We recommend that you start on a very straightforward basis of picturing something that makes you happy, perhaps a favourite place, a particularly fond memory, a family member or close friend. Keep that image as your focus whilst you take some mindful breaths….breaths where you are aware of the flow of air from your nostrils down through your body.  You can also use these breaths to focus your mind on any pain and exhale them away. Then as you maintain that focus push any other images gently to one side. Don’t be frustrated if they emerge from time to time in the periphery but keep the primary image constant. Most people find they can only visualise with their eyes closed and even having mastered the technique the majority still find this the best and most fulfilling way to maintain the right focus.

The next level of visualisation can allow you to focus on a series of words which form the mental image, for example, a favourite quote or lyrics from a song. This time focus on the words themselves and how they are constructed. Be aware of the font, the size of the type or the style of handwriting. Visualising in words is more difficult again because you don’t have the benefit of a picture. Keep persevering and the letters will more readily form the desired mental image.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the practice of visualisation and how it can help you to be focused in the moment please do get in touch.