What is Imagery? (Is
It All in My Head, Doc?)
Imagery is a window on your inner world, for it affects the way
your mind codes, stores and expresses information. Imagery is an inner
representation of your real life experiences and also your deepest
desires. It's the currency of dreams, memories, hopes, plans and
possibilities. But it's more than a mere window - it's a remarkable
tool for making changes in your life. Imagery is the predominant
language of the unconscious, and mastering the lingo grants you entry
to a powerful, mysterious state --even more awesome than Alaska. With
imagery, you can avoid the usual limitations of logical, sequential
thinking (an effective approach to many situations, I agree). You are
free to think outside the box, to hone in on what's really important.
Oh, and by the way, you get to control a host of physiological
responses from pulse rate to immune system function. We all know there
are no quick fixes. However, some tools are just more effective, more
suited to mastering the job.
Altered States
The altered state is the power cell of guided imagery. It's
important to know that we all naturally wander in and out of altered
states several times a day, including dreaming, being engrossed in a
book and listening to beautiful music. We find ourselves in a state of
relaxed focus with our attention heightened and concentrated down to a
narrow band of stimuli.
Visualization, Imagery, Hypnosis -- What's the Difference?
Although some people use the terms visualization, guided imagery
and hypnosis interchangeably, there are crucial differences.
Visualization is a form of imagery that employs scripted
images to achieve a particular outcome, from releasing anxiety and
healing illness to sharpening athletic performance.
Hypnosis requires the person to enter a trance-like state
that allows suggestions to enter the unconscious mind. There is often
the expectation on the part of the hypnotist and the client that the
hypnotist will provide a solution.
Guided Imagery is a means of accessing the images of the
unconscious mind to help resolve problems, aid relaxation or promote
insight. The guide usually follows an imagery script to help the
client achieve the desired outcome.
Interactive Guided Imagery includes features of guided
imagery and adds a large dose of interactivity to the mix. The guide
works directly with images that arise from an individual's
imagination. The process works by supporting and exploring the
person's own images. The guide facilitates interaction between the
client and their images, helping the client to turn those insights
into meaningful action.
How Can It Work For Me?
The foundation to all types of visualization and imagery is the
relaxed state. You can achieve this in many different ways: focused
breathing, tensing and then relaxing various muscle groups, or simply
imagining tensions flowing down and out of your body. There are many
excellent relaxation tapes available to guide you through the process.
Here are a few tips to help you gain more from your imagery
sessions:
