Visualize and it will come

Business professionals, athletes and public speakers do this before they perform. Students can do it before taking an exam. Musicians may do it before heading onstage. Just as you map out a road trip prior to leaving, you may envisage how you wish an event to unfold. Results prove this a surprisingly effective tool to success – better than say, worrying yourself into an ulcer.

Extensive research by scientists and Quantum physicists reveal we use only a small percentage of our brain power. Tests show the body cannot differentiate between imagining and doing. If anyone can practice creating new neural pathways in their brains through meditation and visualization, prompting change in the world, why wouldn’t we do it? Why waste brain cells fretting about crazy things like impressing people who don’t matter? Your choice to see something you want in the future instead of dreading something you don’t want will manifest exciting outcomes.

Good feelings improve the effects of visualization. If you feel jealousy or anger, it can be indicative of an action you are failing to take. Conversely, if you feel excitement and motivation, you often take steps to ensure success. Pickling in negative emotions is a recipe for misery and causes everyone to avoid you like the plague! Concentrating on emotions you want transforms a lousy day into something far worthier of you.

There is more than one way to visualize. Meditating, collaging in a scrapbook with magazine clippings and glue, using your imagination daily to focus on your goals, and window shopping for items you desire, such as a new home. These activities help create feelings of success, adding motivational fuel to your fire. I have manifested all sorts of material items and events in my life through the practice of visualization. A new vehicle, free bottles of wine and concert tickets, exotic vacations, new friendships, clothing on sale, a wonderful dog, increased energy, and so much more.

Experimenting can be a lot of fun – just be careful and specific what you wish for! I wanted more doggy-doo bags while hiking since my dog used the last two. I came upon a brand new one lying right in front of me on the trail. The universe can be very amusing.

A helpful book is Shakti Gawain’s ‘Creative Visualization’ (http://shaktigawain.com/). I’ve had to replace my old one since it was falling apart from use. More recently, I’ve been enjoying the experiments in E2 by Pam Grout (http://pamgrout.com/). This #1 New York Times bestseller is thoroughly entertaining and anyone can try her exercises anytime, anywhere.

Photographer Ansel Adams sums it up best – “In my mind's eye, I visualize how a particular... sight and feeling will appear on a print. If it excites me, there is a good chance it will make a good photograph. It is an intuitive sense, an ability that comes from a lot of practice.”

When you dream a better future, you’ve created a new reality, like so many successful visionaries. Followed with action, a different outcome in the future is guaranteed. Even when something doesn’t occur the way you planned, sometimes it brings about a pleasant surprise anyway.

Take your visions beyond your day to day experience and picture the type of world you wish to see. Peace, kindness, everyone living in harmony – these days, we could all use more of that in the world. Welcome to the field of dreams!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.