Visualising
Since I’ve entered the realm of the self-employed, I recently reinvigorated my old practice of visualising my day ahead before I begin each morning.
Visualisation, also known as visual imagery (and is also a form of Journeywork), is the act of creating mental pictures in your mind of a situation or outcome that you want to become a reality. It is akin to Meditation, in that, it can help to take your mind away from current worries around situations, instead placing your mind into a calmer time and space where you’ve achieved the bliss you seek to gain. It is a tried and tested method, touted by the likes of Napoleon Hill, Lady Gaga and Michael Jordan who have all admitted to this practice helping them to achieve their personal successes.
I’m pretty big into rehearsing outcomes in my mind prior to taking on a task (Journeying). Usually, this is something I will set time aside for on a quiet weekend, when I don’t have much to do. I’ll clear a space, light some Rosemary incense, lull myself into a calm and relaxed state and simply imagine what it is I aim to invite into my life- It’s worked so far, allowing me to leave my Corporate Tech job and work full time as an Artist and Spiritual Podcaster.
Seeing how well this has served me, I set myself the challenge of making this a daily practice. I can definitely say, this simple practice has had a profound effect on my day-to-day life.
Visualising helps set my intentions for the day, as well as helping me to focus on the things that are important to me.
It also helps me to stay calm, grounded and organised throughout the day. Overall, I have found that visualising each morning has helped me to become more productive and successful in my goals. It has also helped to increase my confidence and focus, allowing me to make better decisions and achieve more of my goals.
How to Visualise
To get started on your visualisation/ journeywork, find a comfortable position in a quiet place, and set a timer for the amount of time you’d like to Visualise. If you can, use a timer that will bring you out slowly, like calm nature sounds or soft instruments. I can assure you that NOTHING is worse than the “EEER! EEER! EEER!” of a nagging alarm, and it will certainly set your day off for the worst.
Close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. As you focus on your breath, bring attention to each section of your body individually, from your scalp to your toes, imagining a wave of relaxation coming over you. As you exhale, allow the relaxing wave to dissipate any tension or stress that you may be feeling. With each breath, tell yourself you feel more relaxed and at peace: “I am calm and relaxed”. Count backwards from 10 to 1, and visualise each number as you do. I like to imagine they’re written on a wall that I’m walking alongside, or on pieces of paper I’m flicking through.
Once you have reached number 1, move your focus to a positive affirmation that you can repeat to yourself. This must be an “I am statement”. This can be anything from, “I am capable of anything I set my mind to,” to “I am grateful for all that I have.” As you repeat this affirmation, let the positive energy build and keep breathing deeply.
Now the real work starts! In your mind’s eye see the day from start to finish how you wish for it to go. View yourself completing tasks joyfully, receiving positive emails and phone calls. See yourself peacefully eating a delicious lunch and imagine it nourishing your body from head to toe. Visualise yourself ending your day on a high note, feeling accomplished, as though everything you have set out to do has been done with the utmost optimism. Remember, this is YOUR day and it can look however you wish for it to look. Nothing is off-limits.
Once your timer goes off, count yourself up from 1 to 10 and slowly open your eyes. Take a few moments to be present and appreciate the new wave of positivity that washes over you.
Here are 5 additional tips to successfully visualising your day each morning
Wake up a few minutes earlier than usual and spend some time focusing on your goals for the day. This doesn’t need to be much at all! Even 15 minutes will do. Visualise what you want to accomplish and how you want to feel.
Give yourself some time to meditate or go for a walk — this will help clear your head and allow you to focus on your day. That Vitamin D is also a brilliant, natural medicine that gets all of the hormones in your body working in your favour.
After you’ve visualised, make a list of tasks for the day, and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you to visualise the steps you need to take to reach your desired outcome.
Visualise yourself completing each task one at a time. This will help you to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
Before you go to bed, take a few minutes to reflect on the day. Visualise yourself having achieved all your goals and how it makes you feel. This will help you to stay motivated and energised for the following day.
This method has helped me to super charge my attitude- and my outcomes- for the day ahead. I’ve become significantly more productive and more imaginative, and my creative problem solving has gone through the roof! Try this for one week and let us know how it goes, we’re really keen to hear how this transforms your week!
Reach out at @theafroanimist where you can find all of our Spiritually grounding tips. Have a listen to The Afro Animist Podcast where we talk all about Journeywork and Spiritual Self-Improvement. See you there!