Visualisation (mental imagery) 

By Jimmy Henderson

 ‘The use of mental imagery is one of the strongest and most effective strategies for making something happen for you.’

 Dr Wayne Dyer

  Visualisation or mental imagery can be described as the ability to create dynamic mental pictures using the imagination. This faculty of conscious imagery has been well-researched in psychology, and experimental evidence has shown that, using a ‘concentration of mind’, three-dimensional images having an almost tangible quality, can be formed and manipulated.

   During imagery, we use the mental spaces or inner ‘visual fields’ resulting from a quiet and controlled state of mind to display impressions, images or entire visual dramatizations involving different persons, places and objects. Some might argue that this is merely toying with the imagination or synonymous with day-dreaming, but evidence suggests that conscious, focused and directed mental creation is different from the undisciplined ‘wanderings’ of the mind, and certainly more powerful.

   Its effectiveness is based on research which suggests that the unconscious mind cannot always accurately differentiate between an inner (imagined) experience and an identical real-life situation. Proof of this would be the cold sweats, accelerated breathing and heart-rate we experience during nightmares or very explicit dreams. In other words, if processed correctly, a recreated mental enactment can bring about the same changes in bodily sensations, state of mind and consciousness as if the event was actually taking place. 

  

   Conscious imagery therefore enables us to reproduce visual enactments based on our deepest desires and goals, and this has been shown to be a great tool in self-development. For instance, by actively formulating our own ‘scripts’, we can create imaginary scenarios directed at positive growth-outcomes, which in turn, can produce highly motivational feelings of excitement, anticipation and expectation. In other words, we use visualization to bring about changes or shifts in our mental state.    

  

   However, on a deeper level, research has also shown that our mental involvement in recreating (visualized) highly novel experiences (such as interacting with complex alternate versions of reality), can challenge and even reconstruct those schemas and subliminal ‘rules’ governing our thinking and perception.

   Finally, case studies have revealed that, with practice, visualization can be used to create an expanded field of perception surrounding the body and even extending into the room, which opens the mind to more detailed and expansive scenarios, as well as subtle cues from the unconscious. Once this skill has been mastered, the unconscious mind can become a full and willing partner in the process, able to assume control of the mental re-enactment, causing spontaneous changes to the scene. This is the real power of visualization, in which communications from the unconscious mind can present themselves in the form of impromptu symbolic images, humanlike figures and activities.

The power of these visualizations lies in the spontaneous changes and appearances that can take place. And, as will be seen from the case studies mentioned later, these enactments can assume the form of biblical scenes, scientific ‘experiments’ involving advanced technology, or even alien interactions, depending on one’s belief system and accepted paradigm of thought.

In this regard, the phenomenon of ‘spontaneous’ imagery is acknowledged in psychology although it has not been extensively researched.

Without this playing with fantasy no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.’

Carl Gustav Jung

   The regular practice of visualisation cements one’s relationship with the unconscious mind and exercises the imagery centres in the brain, improving perception, focus, intuitive thought and the potential for visions. Obviously, there are ‘terms and conditions’ attached to the successful application of this skill, which relate once again to one’s state of mind and ability to initiate and set powerful intentions. However, the twelve steps to the successful development and direction of imagery have already been fully explained in my previous publication ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ (2010) and will not be repeated here. 

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is based in Durban, South Africa. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com