Visualisation using the floatation tank.
Firstly, it is important to note that not everyone is dominantly visually oriented. Whilst we all use our imagination, some people will be more naturally geared to “see”, “hear”, “feel” or “think” . Everyone processes information in his or her own way – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic or auditory digital.
With this in mind, please be aware that if you don’t “see” a mental picture when you visualise, that this is ok! Allow the experience to be whatever it is for you, knowing that perhaps your way of imagining is not visual at all!
Visualisation as a tool for creativity
Visualisation is a fantastic way of stimulating right hemisphere brain activity – the creative, intuitive, symbolic and visual side of the brain. Since many people tend to work dominantly in the left hemisphere – the logical, rational, mathematical side of the brain - this part of the brain tends to be well developed. Much like we use both our left and right hands to do things, our dominant side will be stronger, so it is important to pay attention to the less dominant side in order to achieve greater balance in our mind. Creative visualisation is a technique that draws upon our imagination side to create what we want in life.
How to visualise using mental imagery
The following 3 exercises are techniques to allow you to see how your mind recalls information.
Close your eyes and relax deeply. Think of a familiar room in your home, such as your bedroom.
Notice the details – where the furniture is placed, the colour of the carpet, etc. Imagine you walking into the room and making yourself comfortable on a chair, the bed or couch. Notice how it feels to sit or lie there.
Next, recall a pleasant experience that you have had in the past week, particularly one involving positive physical sensations such as eating a delicious meal, receiving a massage, being in a spa or swimming pool, walking in the sunshine, embracing a loved one. Remember the experience as vividly as possible, enjoying the pleasurable sensations once again.
Now imagine that you are in nature, in a beautiful place. Perhaps you are lying on the grass under a huge leafy tree, or on a beach with gentle waves, walking through a tropical rainforest or being on a mountaintop overlooking a vast amount of land. This place can be somewhere you have been, or somewhere you would like to be. Imagine the details as vividly as possible, creating the experience however you would like it to be.
Whatever process, or “sense” you used to bring the above scenes and thoughts into your mind is your way of “visualising”.
With this in mind, please be aware that if you don’t “see” a mental picture when you visualise, that this is ok! Allow the experience to be whatever it is for you, knowing that perhaps your way of imagining is not visual at all!
Visualisation as a tool for creativity
Visualisation is a fantastic way of stimulating right hemisphere brain activity – the creative, intuitive, symbolic and visual side of the brain. Since many people tend to work dominantly in the left hemisphere – the logical, rational, mathematical side of the brain - this part of the brain tends to be well developed. Much like we use both our left and right hands to do things, our dominant side will be stronger, so it is important to pay attention to the less dominant side in order to achieve greater balance in our mind. Creative visualisation is a technique that draws upon our imagination side to create what we want in life.
How to visualise using mental imagery
The following 3 exercises are techniques to allow you to see how your mind recalls information.
Close your eyes and relax deeply. Think of a familiar room in your home, such as your bedroom.
Notice the details – where the furniture is placed, the colour of the carpet, etc. Imagine you walking into the room and making yourself comfortable on a chair, the bed or couch. Notice how it feels to sit or lie there.
Next, recall a pleasant experience that you have had in the past week, particularly one involving positive physical sensations such as eating a delicious meal, receiving a massage, being in a spa or swimming pool, walking in the sunshine, embracing a loved one. Remember the experience as vividly as possible, enjoying the pleasurable sensations once again.
Now imagine that you are in nature, in a beautiful place. Perhaps you are lying on the grass under a huge leafy tree, or on a beach with gentle waves, walking through a tropical rainforest or being on a mountaintop overlooking a vast amount of land. This place can be somewhere you have been, or somewhere you would like to be. Imagine the details as vividly as possible, creating the experience however you would like it to be.
Whatever process, or “sense” you used to bring the above scenes and thoughts into your mind is your way of “visualising”.
In our next blog, we will further explore the use of visualisation to enhance the floatation experience!
References: Creative Visualisation - Shakti Gawain
References: Creative Visualisation - Shakti Gawain
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