Mind/Body Fitness Through Imagery

n When we look at people who excel in any area of life, we often see that they have been clear-minded, focused, and have a purpose in achieving their success. They have usually focused their will effectively in attaining their goals, but what is often much less obvious, though no less important, is the way they have used another critical mental function: the imagination. While the human imagination is one of the most powerful mental functions we have, few of us were ever really educated to use it skillfully.

When we look at mind/body fitness, the skillful use of imagery can be employed in many ways. For instance, imagery is a potent antidote to worry and stress. The simplest way I know of to relax is to simply daydream yourself to a place that is beautiful and peaceful to you. Go through all your senses and notice what you imagine seeing, hearing, feeling, even smelling, and keep returning your mind to this place for 10 minutes. Breathe deeply and easily as you do this, and you will return feeling more relaxed and refreshed than you did before.

Imagery also helps us to form tangible, motivating goals. Besides stating your goals, whether they are life goals, relationship goals, or fitness goals, take some time to relax and imagine achieving those goals using as many senses as you can . Notice any positive feelings you feel as you imagine having attained your goal and imagine that you have a control knob that you can turn up to amplify that feeling. Fill yourself to whatever level is pleasurable with that positive feeling as you imagine yourself achieving the goal, and taking the steps necessary to do that. By matching the images with the powerful positive feeling, you will help to motivate yourself along the way.

All great athletes, performers, musicians, mathematicians, scientists and business people use imagery to explore their options, improve their technique, learn new skills, motivate themselves toward goal achievement, work through blocks to success and increase their ability to enjoy and contribute.

Imagery skills from relaxation through goal setting, from performance enhancement to finding meaning in life can be learned at any age, either from self-care books and tapes, classes, or individual work with a trained imagery guide.

Imagination is the navigational tool of the self. By using it skillfully we can learn from our past; envision possible futures; and find ways to make the future we desire a reality.