Much of how people experience and construct the world is based on what they experience visually. It follows, then, that if one were to want to change how their reality is constructed a good start would be with a visualization of a different reality. Visualization is the process of using one's imagination to create mental images.
Visualization and Imagination in NLP
NLP utilises a number of techniques involving visualization, from requiring subjects to visualize where they want to be in ten years (imagining themselves as they want to be) to using visualization to reinforce confidence and self-assurance. Visualization may be used to create dreams, imagine outcomes and help people achieve desired results.
Using one's imagination to create mental images stimulates focus, self-organisation and points attention in a particular direction, allowing the unconscious mind to work towards the image created. Visualization can be used in the creation of a desired life if one is able to practice it effectively.
Be Careful What You Wish For
A common slogan used by NLP practitioners and in self-help books is 'be careful what you wish for.' The close link between visualization and the unconscious mind make it not only powerful, but dangerous.
If one were to visualize a negative outcome, this would enable the achievement of that outcome. The unconscious mind does not distinguish between negative and positive visualizations; use it wisely.
How to Imagine Effectively
Effective visualization in NLP involves using a combination of memory and fantasy in the creation of positive mental images for the purpose of focusing one's conscious and unconscious mind on a particular goal. It's important to note that the mind cannot tell the difference between a real-life event or a vividly imagined one.
For instance, if one were to read an enthralling passage in a book about a man fighting for his life against a lion in the hot African Savannah and imagine the man's fight vividly, one would find their heart rate rising, perhaps some sweat forming on their brow and their physiology responding in much the same way as the man in the story. This bears testament to the mind's inability to distinguish between the real and imagined.
In NLP, effective visualization is achieved in the present; that is, one needs to visualize achieving their dreams in the now, visualize how they would feel, what emotions they would experience, how other people would respond to them and how they would look among other things. The key to effective visualization is to create as detailed, clear and vivid a picture as possible to focus on. The more vivid the visualization, the more likely, and quickly, a person will begin to attract the things to help them achieve their desired outcomes through their subconscious mind.
Readers may also enjoy reading How to Kick-Start Your Achievement, along with NLP and the Importance of the Subconscious Mind.
Sources:
Effective Visualization - How to Use the Subconscious and Law of Attraction to Materialize Our Dreams.
Harnessing the Imagination.
NLP - 3 Tips for More Effective Visualization.
Isham Jassat - Isham Jassat is relatively new to freelance writing and is looking to make his mark. Currently unemployed and struggling to make ends ...
