Imagine that change!

PANKHI CHAUHAN describes how the power of visualization both facilitates and initiates change. Whether it is a lofty goal or a simple one, creating thoughts linked with purpose establishes the foundation of making new habits.

Imagine you have a long vacation coming up, and you are trying to decide between a tropical beach and a ski resort. How do you choose? Perhaps you imagine yourself at the beach, walking on the white sand, feeling the sea breeze in your hair, and swimming in blue waters under clear skies. Or do you imagine the rush of adrenaline as you ski down the slopes, as well as the pleasure of having a cup of hot chocolate wrapped in a warm blanket in front of a crackling fire in a log cabin? In short, you will visualize before you decide.

When it comes to making changes in your daily life, you may argue that it is not so easy. However, it is just as simple. Actions originate as thoughts. A single thought can lead to an intention, and this is then followed by implementation. The human mind is powerful in that “it is closely identical to the root-force that began the process of creation.”¹ Tapping into this power can help you transform yourself, one habit at a time.

Making changes means changing existing habits and establishing a new order. How can you do this? How can the power of the mind help?

Do you rush into bringing about change with a “to do” list?
Do you run out of motivation so that before you know it you are back to square one?
This year, why not add one more step to the process?

Imagine.
Visualize.
Dream.

A great way to start is to imagine that you are already there, just as you did when you chose your vacation. Visualize the change you wish to make and imagine your lifestyle as a changed being.

Step 1: Decide upon your aspiration

For example: you wish to make yoga a part of your life. Now, how will you visualize this?

Step 2: Visualize the end

Think of what you will be like when you have achieved your goal. Think of all the poses you will have mastered. Imagine showing them to your family and friends. Visualize the energetic and flexible new you.

Imagine in your mind, very clearly, your daily morning routine. See yourself getting up early, setting up your yoga mat in a clean, clutter-free room with open windows that let in the gentle morning sun. Imagine yourself feeling 10 years younger! Smile as you think of all the things you will be doing because you are so much fitter. If it helps, imagine all the adoration you will receive for achieving your goal.

Step 3: Keep it alive

Once the final picture is clear in your mind, keep this vision alive when you go about your daily activities. The resulting thought process will naturally and eventually point you in the direction of making it happen. When you put your mind to something, you will attract it. So if yoga is your thing, the means to achieve it will also come to you.

Step 4: Just do it

Here is where the power of the mind truly comes into being! When you have conceived of the ideal vision enough, the possibility already exists in your mind. So, can you remove some clutter and make more space for it to manifest?

Once the final picture is clear in your mind,
keep this vision alive when you go about your daily activities.
The resulting thought process will naturally and eventually
point you in the direction of making it happen.

Just one spark is enough to trigger them into action. (Remember the power of the mind? Limitless!)  All it takes is one step – just do it.

“He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realise it. […]
Your circumstances may be uncongenial, but they shall not long remain so
if you but perceive an ideal and strive to reach it.
Cherish your visions, cherish your ideals […]
if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”²

References:

¹ Ram Chandra, 2020. Efficacy of Raja Yoga in the Light of Sahaj Marg, Heartfulness Education Trust, India.

² James Allen, 2022. ‘Visions and Ideals,’ As a Man Thinketh, Heartfulness Education Trust, India.