“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”
~Dalai Lama
Sometimes we get caught up in waiting for what we want to manifest in our lives on its own. We operate by reacting to the present circumstances instead of actively working to create those opportunities for ourselves. Those suffering from depression and anxiety especially struggle to promote positive change and growth in their lives. The tools used by professional psychologists target cognitive behavioral patterns and habits of the individual to shift their disposition towards a more growth promoting perspective.
Current brain studies reveal that our thoughts are as physically significant as our actions. When we visualize something it triggers many cognitive processes in the brain: areas for motor control, attention, perception, planning, and memory. By visualizing ourselves carrying out the steps to reach our goals, our brain is training for the actual performance. Visualization is a very powerful tool that is being used in the treatment of cognitive disorders that can also aid in focus towards larger life goals.
“Visualization is not only used to cope with psychological diagnoses such as anxiety and depression, but it can be used in our everyday lives.”~ Dr. Cathryne Maciolek
A vision board is one visual tool that serves as a reminder to seek out solutions and new activities to better our lives by creating an artwork that expresses those goals. Vision boards employ the Law of Attraction, a philosophy which emphasizes the power of the mind to translate our thoughts into reality. The law of attraction is in keeping with the teachings of Buddha who said, ‘what you have become is what you have thought.’ Our thoughts shape our concept of self and affect our ability to welcome positive experiences and new opportunities.
Vision boards can be used to channel energy towards a specific goal, or as a more general expression of our hopes and interests for ourselves.
The process of choosing the images to use allows us to clarify what we want to attract into our life and what our hopes for the future are. Those who focus on taking care of others and spend little time looking inward may not be used to considering what they want. We also may have a sense that we want a better life, but not know exactly what steps would get us there. When we create a vision board we practice feeling open and deserving of attracting what we want into our lives, and we affirm what those desires are.
Vision boards by themselves aren’t the sole solution, rather they are a tool proven effective when channeled alongside proper planning and actions. It’s easy to lose focus on our personal goals amidst numerous responsibilities and distractions, the vision board helps to keep your attention on your goals as you follow your daily routine. When using a vision board to concentrate on a specific goal, it is important to also take time to plan the actions you will take in achieving that goal. The vision board serves as a daily reminder as you move towards it.
“It’s not like the vision board itself has some magical properties. But it helps to create a platform for the individual to identify and conceptualize what they most want in life, and through their actions they can then manifest it.” ~Christine Bagley Jones
If you want to make a vision board but don’t know how to get started, come to Inner Growth Therapy’s upcoming Vision Board Workshop on Thursday, January 5th from 8:30pm to 10pm at Liberate Emporium in Los Angeles! You will be provided with all the supplies you need to make your own vision board and participate in a guided meditation to clarify your goals before getting started. To join us for this opportunity call Liberate Emporium @ (323) 663-6000 or email them at: info@liberateemporium.com and reserve your space.
“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” ~Anatole France
Photo: Minds Eye
