Visualize, what?
Just a minute...I need a smile here!
When we hear the word “visualize”, all sorts of things might come to mind. More often, the very definition of the word springs up first. Definition: to form a mental image or representation. Yet, the beauty of the word is what comes after that. What do you “visualize” when you read or hear this word? Maybe it’s magical sunsets, a room full of soft, cuddly puppies, or floating along through puffy white clouds(see above). The word visualize often gets mixed up with the word “dream.” Yet they are not so much alike. To dream, like in goal setting, is to think of things you “wish”, or want to happen. That’s not the same. And to be able to truly visualize takes a bit of practice.
When you do this exercise, it’s more about mentally putting yourself in a place that brings you peace, comfort, or joy. Like in the sunset I mentioned before. We all need moments where we mentally see ourselves in a different place or time. This is how we can give ourselves a small “break” from the daily stresses of life. Maybe it’s lying on the beach, enjoying the warm sun on your skin as you listen to the sound of relaxing waves lapping at the sand(while in reality it’s winter and freezing outside!). In truth, people take these mental breaks all the time and go from freezing outside temps to travel to a warmer place, like the Bahamas. Or when it’s blistering hot out, others travel far north to places like Alaska to get a break. All good!
But when you can’t physically put yourself there, and you need to, then do the next best thing by ‘visualizing’ yourself there. Think of that place in the tiniest detail, breathing slow and calm while you do. This is a great exercise to help you get to sleep (or fall back to sleep) as well!
Every time I practice the exercise of visualization, my mind always smiles for the relaxing break. Like it’s telling me thank you. Then I find the smile on my face as well. When you need a smile, or a break, visualize. Need some help to get going? There are many places you can look up online that show beautiful getaways for you to visualize. Find what brings you peace, or helps you take a relaxing breath, and picture those places. Sometimes those are featured in yearly calendars too. SAVE those pages after the months over and use those to help you have mental getaways. Everyone needs a moment or two of peaceful relaxation.
I know I do! I make sure to get my mental getaways regularly. So I can SMILE!