Getting The Most From creative Imagery
To reiterate, creative imagery is the process of consciously creating a mental image or impression as a means of influencing the all-important subconscious mind. This section will help you get the most out of these techniques.Techniques for creative imagery are best used when the body is relaxed and the mind is calm (see Section 25). They are also effective whenever you feel naturally dreamy, such as first thing in the morning, last thing at night and when daydreaming, because the mind is in a natural state of heightened awareness at these times.
Fantasising is good for you – do it often. Fantasise about all the things you want out of life, places to visit, people you would like to meet, acquiring new skills and being the person you would like to be. Let your imagination run wild!
“First I dream my painting. Then I paint my dream. Vincent Van Gogh ”
Calm, Confident And In Control
Vicky came to see me several years ago. She had applied to take a motorcycle test, and although she was a competent car driver and felt confident she could ride a motorcycle perfectly well, she was terrified of the actual test. On previous occasions, she had gone to pieces on the day.
I taught her to enter a deeply relaxed state and visualise herself taking the test with total confidence. Vicky found it easy to make mental pictures and had no problem imagining herself looking over the handlebars, feeling the vibration through the seat of her pants, hearing the sound of the engine, smelling the oil and exhaust fumes. She also used autosuggestion: ‘I am calm, confident and in control.’
Then she visualised the examiner congratulating her on her success. She conjured up feelings of pride, happiness and excitement as he handed her the pass slip. Finally she visualised herself arriving home to an ecstatic welcome from her husband, who took her out for a celebration meal.
Vicky practised every day. Two weeks later I went on holiday. On my return I found a postcard on the mat. It said in gold lettering, ‘I was calm, I was confident, I was in control, and I passed! Can’t believe how well it worked. Many thanks.’