Meditation is becoming more of an acknowledged force for relaxation and stress relief. But would it surprise you to know that it lays the groundwork for being able to visualize with laser focus and transform your state?
Most of the clarity that is achieved when one is in meditation can be used to sharpen images you envision. What I mean is that by learning to master your meditation is to realize that you are also learning to master visualization. Each is an entry point to self-mastery.
There are at least 12 vital links between meditation and visualization.
- Relaxation states
- Pre-dream, theta states
- Being in the flow or Zen state
- Being present , in the NOW
- Exercise [movement]
- Observation skills,
- Knowing the self
- Sensitivity to energy and changes in energy in and around you
- Imagination
- Nature sounds,
- Links to memories.
- Mental images, imprinted shapes and ideas.
1. Relaxation States
In order to meditate or visualize, it is believed that you need to stop for a moment, or a lot longer than that, to allow yourself to properly relax. But is that entirely true? Is it possible to relax whenever you want , even when it seems very inconvenient and when everyone else is looking?
This might seem impossible, especially for anyone very busy or placed under high demands during the day. Relaxation might seem impractical unless you can make time in the morning to meditate. But, understanding that there are different types of “relaxed” might change your opinion of effective stress relief and change the way you look at your path to self- mastery.
Just closing your eyes for two minutes, breathing deeply and imagining a desired result can give your body a break from stress. [ You can also visualize using your mind’s eye without closing your eyes, and place yourself in a relaxed state while doing other things. Absolutely … it’s true! ] While spending a more formal thirty minutes laying on a mat and letting your body relax deeply might not measure the same depth of these mini-stress release sessions, you might find the simple pauses will add up and make a profound difference in your ability to focus, to recall things and to re-energize.
2. Pre-Dream Theta states
That lovely feeling of being sort of awake but beginning to drift into sleep creates an optimum state for both a relaxed meditation practise and for visualization. Here, your subconscious mind is open to suggestions; to take commands and to imagine powerfully.
3. Being in the Flow or Zen state
Those connected states where your imagination and effortless inspiration are merged, are a perfect place to meditate and to visualize. It can happen when you are running, swimming, cycling, walking, hiking etc. Or it can be created through being in a relaxed state; focusing entirely on one task. Time evaporates here. Use your inspired state to create another zone for meditation and visualization. Or, use it to create more mental focus.
4. Being Present- in the Now.
Being able to focus on the moment is an empowerment tool. It is easy to carry the past and to concern yourself with the future. The mind chatter complicates your openness to meditation and to visualization. Reclaim your personal power and try to observe and be present in the Now. It will change the way you see the world and automatically expand your sense of possibility.
5. Exercise and Movement
Movement, especially repetition, sets a pace that can generate a Zen state of being that is open to meditation and visualization. As mentioned, it is possible to use an exercise routine as a meditation practise or to visualize. This literally brings meditation to life, transforms you as you move and allows the body to heal, if you stay open.
6. Observation skills
No one talks about observation unless they are teaching you a skill or asking you to remember details. Common approaches to learning might suggest that you need to be more observant to learn and remember. But perhaps the mastery of the self begins with a meditative state? And, a clean mental slate that is open to record details on an entirely new level. Visualization is about linking these states of being-ness to mindfulness. When you are both relaxed and aware of yourself in the moment, you are able to connect observations to memory. Similarly, by being more detailed in your observations, it is possible to still your mind and use meditation to enable a very sharp recollection of visual details that can catalyze a “shift” in your state. The two are inextricably linked.
7. Knowing thy self
“To thine own self be true”. William Shakespeare [Quote from play:Hamlet]
Being able to appreciate yourself and what makes you unique will enable you to find the best path to relaxation and an openness to visualize. No two people will be the same. And, no two people master visualization the same way. I meditate while I swim laps for instance. Someone might find it too distracting. Use what works for you to feed your soul and master you own state of being-ness.
8. Energy Sensitivity
Sometimes being very sensitive is a gift. It allows you to read others decently and to be able to make decisions about where you fit in and what is the best possible path for you. This “read” state is also an elegant portal for finding your own best receptive states for meditation and visualization. Clearing energy first and knowing how to do that might enable much better stress relief results. It enables you to recalibrate so to speak using meditation and visualization. Not only are the science of visualization and meditation tools for finding your zone in the chaos but for keeping it energetically clear of “interference” from other people and toxic environments.
9. Imagination
Your own imagination is a powerful tool for meditation and visualization. Dreams and day dreams come to life with a relaxed state of mind and yet, a playful imagination can invoke daydreams and cause new images to play out in your mind’s eye. Test out strategies and release stress, fear and worry here. Enable your vital links to create a new state of mindfulness.
10. Nature sounds
The forest, oceans and falling rain bring back memories with the sound. Nature can enable meditation and visualization by tapping into another realm of awareness. Your inner vision, the sound of nature and your energy, all working together with your imagination to create powerful results.
11. Links to Memories
That day walking home from school. You were six and it was fall. The leaves crunched beneath your feet and you bit into a crunchy apple. The sun was on your face but the air was as crisp as the apple. Joy remembered. Inner peace recalled. Love of friends and family. Memories help to feed the soul and place you in a relaxed state for meditation and visualization. And by linking a memory to an experience, it is easy to create new experiences from them by attaching these remembered elements to a new state of being.
12. Mental images and shapes.
These are ideas beyond old memories. Shapes, colours and your mind’s reference library for things allows you to picture colours, shapes and imprint a new outcome into your mind. By picturing a shape, you can invoke a type of focus that precise and yet, meditative. And, by visualizing an object or state you can create powerfully with either meditation or by recalling it as a visualization.
There are many ways to create vital links between meditation and visualization. We are all different in how we see the world and energetically thrive. Mastering one form might be more natural to you. But in time, the two will become recognizable as being equally important techniques for encouraging healing, transformation and high performance.