Vivid Imaginings

Let’s talk one more time about the skill of visualization. We talked about it earlier, but more in relation to sports and sports activities. Today let’s give it a broader application.

Visualization is a pretty simple technique that has incredible power to change lives and expand potential. In fact, you have probably been using it since you were very young. Then, we called it “playing pretend” as we “practiced” what we wanted to be when we grew up. Unfortunately, as we grew up, we let go of playing pretend. It may be time to pick it up again.

When we let our minds wander and see ourselves not as we are, but as what we can become, we stimulate incredible growth and incredible change. We are giving ourselves hope which, in even the darkest times, can be enough to keep us on the move toward a goal. Life becomes exciting again, and we can continue to grow and expand our accomplishments because of an expanding self-image.

Even Albert Einstein realized the value of visualization when he wrote, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Clear, vivid imaginings become the pictures of our wants, our goals, our vision of our desired future.

Now this doesn’t mean that we go around with our heads in the clouds, out of touch with reality. But it does mean that we have a vision of a new reality that becomes a sneak peek into the future. It also means that our primary focus is not on what we are today, but what we can be tomorrow. This technique, or ability, motivates us to take on new challenges and surpass ourselves. We are no longer trapped by our pasts, but are free to take a greater hand in determining our futures.

Like the song said, “If I can see it, I can be it.” Help your family and friends, especially your children, to keep “playing pretend.” Help them by painting a vivid mental picture of all that they can be and do. You don’t need to be a Leonardo, or a Van Gogh, or Picasso. Your passion and belief in them will give you the colors and the words you need to help them see.