Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life

These were my favorite passages in the book: Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life by Shakti Gawain and Marci Shimoff.

“think one reason for its popularity is that it is short, simple, practical, and has techniques that readers can begin using immediately and effectively.”

“Or you might picture yourself handling a difficult situation effortlessly, or simply see yourself as a radiant being, filled with life energy. You can work on any level, and all will have results. . .through experience you will find the particular images and techniques that work best for you.”

“If you had never seen a gorgeous flower or a spectacular sunset before, and someone described one to you, you might consider it to be a miraculous thing (which it truly is!). Once you saw a few yourself, and began to learn something about the natural laws involved, you would begin to understand how they are formed and it would seem natural to you and not particularly mysterious.”

“Things appear to be solid and separate from one another on the level at which our physical senses normally perceive them. On finer levels, however, atomic and subatomic levels, seemingly solid matter is seen as smaller and smaller particles within particles, which eventually turn out to be just pure energy.”

“Energy Is Magnetic One law of energy is this: Energy of a certain quality or vibration tends to attract energy of a similar quality and vibration. Thoughts and feelings have their own magnetic energy that attracts energy of a similar nature. We can see this principle at work, for instance, when we “accidentally” run into someone we’ve just been thinking of, or “happen” to pick up a book that contains exactly the perfect information we need at that moment.”

“Thought is a quick, light, mobile form of energy. It manifests instantaneously, unlike the denser forms such as matter. When we create something, we always create it first in thought form. A thought or idea always precedes manifestation. “I think I’ll make dinner” is the idea that precedes creation of a meal. “I want a new dress” precedes going and buying one; “I need a job” precedes finding one, and so on. An artist first has an idea or inspiration, then creates a painting. A builder first has a design, then builds a house. The idea is like a blueprint; it creates an image of the form, which then magnetizes and guides the physical energy to flow into that form, and eventually manifests it on the physical plane.”

“Here I am spending a wonderful weekend in the mountains. What a beautiful vacation. or I love the view from my spacious, new apartment. or I’m learning to love.”

“This statement leaves room for something different and even better than you had originally envisioned happening, and serves as a reminder to you that this process only functions for the mutual benefit of all.”

“Some people are more visually oriented, some are auditory, others are more kinesthetic. We all use our imaginations constantly — it’s impossible not to, so whatever process you find yourself doing when you imagine is fine.”

“There are actually two different modes involved in creative visualization. One is receptive, the other is active. In the receptive mode we simply relax and allow images or impressions to come to us without choosing the details of them; we take what comes. In the active mode we consciously choose and create what we wish to see or imagine. Both these processes are an important part of creative visualization, and both your receptive and active abilities will be strengthened through practice.

“Remember that goals often change before they are realized, which is a perfectly natural part of the human process of change and growth.”

“Affirmations are one of the most important elements of creative visualization. To affirm means “to make firm.” An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that something is already so. It is a way of “making firm” that which you are imaging.”

“So be patient. It has taken a lifetime to create your world the way it is now. It may not necessarily change instantly. With perseverance and a proper understanding of the process, you will succeed in creating what seem like many miracles in your life. Two things I have found most important in my growth process with creative visualization are: 1.    Regular reading of inspiring and supportive books that help to keep me in touch with my highest ideals and aspirations and/or that can give me encouragement through difficult times. I usually keep a book by my bed and read a page or two each day. 2.    Having a friend or (ideally) a community of friends who are also tuned into learning to live more consciously and who will support you and help you in your efforts. Attending regular or occasional consciousness classes or workshops, support groups or therapy, can be an important way of getting this type of support, and giving it to others as well.”

“We can think of life as containing three aspects, and we can call those aspects being, doing, and having. Being is the basic experience of being alive and conscious. It is the experience we have when we’re fully focused in the present moment, the experience of being totally complete and at rest within ourselves. Doing is movement and activity. It stems from the natural creative energy that flows through every living thing and is the source of our vitality. Having is the state of being in relationship with other people and things in the universe. It is the ability to allow and accept things and people into our lives; to comfortably occupy the same space with them. Being, doing, and having are like a triangle where each side supports the others. They are not in conflict with each other. They all exist simultaneously.”

“The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.”

“The purpose of creative visualization is: To connect us with our being. To help us focus and facilitate our doing. To deepen, expand, and align our having.”

“We have all had experiences of being connected with our higher selves, although we may not have conceptualized it in that way. Feeling exceptionally high, clear, strong, “on top of the world,” or “able to move mountains,” are indications of being connected with your higher self; so is the experience of “falling in love”. . .when you feel wonderful about yourself and the world because your love for another human being is causing you to connect with your highest self.”

“Visualize a light within your heart — glowing radiant and warm. Feel it spreading and growing — shining out from you farther and farther until you are like a golden sun, radiating loving energy on everything and everyone around you. Say to yourself silently and with conviction, “Divine light and divine love are flowing through me and radiating from me to everything around me.” Repeat this over and over to yourself until you have a strong sense of your own spiritual energy. If you wish, use any other affirmations of your own power, light, or creative ability, such as: God is working through me now. I am filled with creative energy. The light within me is creating miracles in my life here and now.”

“Going with the flow means holding onto your goals lightly (even though they may seem very important) and being willing to change them if something more appropriate and satisfying comes along. It is that balance between keeping your destination clearly in mind and yet enjoying all the beautiful scenes you encounter along the way, and even being willing to change your destination if life starts taking you in a different direction. In short, it means being firm, yet flexible.”

“This means having the understanding, or consciously taking the point of view that the universe is abundant, that life is actually trying to bring us what our hearts and souls truly desire — spiritually, mentally, emotionally, as well as physically. Almost everything you truly need or want is here for the asking; you only need to believe that it is so, truly desire it, and be willing to accept it.”

“At the present time there is a reality in this world of starvation and poverty for many people, but we do not need to keep creating and perpetuating that reality. The fact is that there is more than enough to go around for every being on earth, if we are willing to open our minds to that possibility, and change our ways of using and distributing the world’s resources. The universe is a place of great abundance and we are all meant to be naturally prosperous, both in material and spiritual wealth, in a way that is balanced and harmonious with one another and with the earth that nourishes us. In modern times, humankind has lost touch with its natural state of prosperity. Together, we are creating a world vastly out of balance, in which a relative few have far more than they need and are using up our natural resources at an alarming rate, while the majority suffer from serious lack. We are all responsible for creating this reality, and we can change it by changing both our way of thinking and our way of living. We need to reclaim our ability to appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Many of us in the industrialized world need to cultivate a simpler, more natural lifestyle.”

“Remember, however, that giving from a healthy place means being able to say “no” when giving doesn’t feel right, that you can’t continue to give unless you are equally open to receiving. . .and that “giving” also means giving to yourself. . .”

“Practice speaking more words of thanks, appreciation, and admiration to people when you feel like it. “It was kind of you to help me.” “I want you to know that I appreciate that.” “Your eyes were shining and beautiful as you said that, and it made me feel good to see you.” (It’s okay to say these things even if you feel a little embarrassed!)”

“I was brought up with a very scientific and rational background and education, and the ability to heal other people at a distance has been one of the hardest things for me to understand and accept. Yet I have seen it and experienced it too often to doubt it any longer. And there are interesting scientific studies that confirm the healing power of prayer and visualization.*”

“Now imagine that the energy of the cosmos is flowing in through the top of your head, through your body, and down through your grounding cord and your feet into the earth. Feel both these flows going in different directions, and mixing harmoniously in your body.”

“Politely thank them for their input, let them go, and ask for a loving, supportive, encouraging guide to come.”

“Your guide is there for you to call on anytime you need or want extra clarity, wisdom, knowledge, support, creative inspiration, love, or companionship. Many people who have established relationships with their guides meet them every day in their meditation.”

“The important thing to realize is that they are only beliefs; they have no objective truth. Although they may seem to be true at times when we look around us, that is only because so many human beings believe them and act accordingly. The most powerful thing you can do (and it is very powerful) to change the world is to change your own beliefs about the nature of life, people, and reality, and begin to act accordingly.”

“describing your absolute ideal situation in life, as far as you can fantasize about it.”

“Underneath that, write, “Ideal Scene,” and proceed to describe the situation exactly as you would like it to be when your goal is fully realized. Describe it in the present tense, as if it already exists, in as much detail as you wish.”

“During relaxation periods, affirm to yourself that you are daily growing faster, stronger, and in better physical shape. Picture yourself winning races, if that is one of your goals.”

“Eating is really a magic ritual, an amazing process in which various forms of energy from the universe are transformed into the energy that forms our bodies. Whatever we are thinking and feeling at the time is part of the alchemy.”

“Sit down with your food in front of you. Close your eyes for a moment, relax, and take a deep breath. Silently thank the universe for this food, and thank all the beings who helped provide it, including the plants and animals and the people who grew it and prepared it for you.”

“Before going to bed, when you arise, or sometime during the day, pour yourself a tall glass of cool water. Sit down, relax, and drink it slowly. As you drink, tell yourself that this water is the elixir of life and the fountain of youth. Imagine that it is washing away all impurities and bringing you energy, vitality, beauty, and health. Here are some good affirmations for health and beauty: Every day I am growing healthier and more attractive. Everything I do adds to my health and beauty. Everything I eat adds to my health, beauty, and attractiveness.”

“I am good to my body, and my body is good to me. I am now slender, strong, and in perfect condition no matter what I do. I am growing stronger and more powerful every day. I now desire to eat only those things that are best for me at any given time. I get hungry only for the foods my body really needs. The more I love and appreciate myself, the more beautiful I am becoming. I am now irresistibly attractive to men (or women). I love my body as it is. I am naturally attractive as I am.”

“George in a friendly way to be a better listener, but you also begin to change your image of George, as well as George’s image of himself.”

“Creative visualization is not just a technique; ultimately it is a state of consciousness. It is a consciousness in which we deeply realize that we are the continuous creators of our universe and we take responsibility for that in every moment. There is no separation between us and God; we are divine expressions of the creative principle on this level of existence. There can be no real lack or scarcity; there is nothing we have to try to achieve or attract; we contain the potential for everything within us.”

“Manifestation through creative visualization is the process of realizing and making visible on the physical plane our divine potential.”

“Last but not least, I’d like to acknowledge and thank my own inner guidance that keeps showing me the way. . .reminding me how beautiful life really is. . .and that actually is responsible for writing this book.”

 

coaching Mindfulness advice Creative Visualization life Marci Shimoff Shakti Gawain