| Q: | What is mental or guided imagery? |
| A: | Imagery is the mind thinking visually in pictures. There are many ways we can think. For example, we think logically with words and non–logically through image, intuition, etc. We think in images all the time, but may not be aware of it. For instance, when we choose a shirt we are already envisioning ourselves in it before we put it on. A basketball player envisions the shoot before s/he shoots the ball. In fact, images form the structure of our inner life. For example, night dreams come in the form of images. |
| Q: |
Is there a difference between "mental imagery," "guided imagery," or "visualization"? |
| A: | No, none at all. All are but different names for the same process. I prefer the name "mental imagery" to "guided imagery" because you do not need another human being to guide you through the process. Although I initially provide imagery exercises, as you become proficient in this simple and powerful technique, spontaneous imagery will arise from within you. |
| Q: |
How does imagery work in healing physical ailments? |
| A: | As noted above imagery is the mind thinking in pictures. The mind and physical body are mirror images of each other; they are two sides of the same coin. What happens in one happens in the other. If you see yourself healing in your mind’s eye, the healing takes place in your physical body as well. |
| Q: |
How can imagery bring about change in our daily lives? |
| A: | Our inner images reflect our beliefs about the world. These beliefs spark the birth of our outer reality. The images that we conceive and perceive internally manifest, or are birthed, externally in the world. As you practice imagery you can experiment and see if this is true for you. |
| Q: |
Why do I only practice it for a minute or so each day? |
| A: |
Imagery is like a firework display. You need only a single match to ignite a cascade of fireworks: So for a micro input you get a macro response. Like any medicine, you need to repeat it generally three times a day for 21 days. Twenty–one days is a natural cycle of the human body. Research has shown that it takes up to 21 days to break a habit. |
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Q: |
What is the origin of "mental imagery?" |
| A: |
The use of mental imagery goes back to our most ancient sources. Thousands of years ago we find a
clear depiction of this process in the experience of the prophet Ezekiel, who travels in an inward
imaginal journey to the throne of God. In fact, in biblical times there were schools called Sons of
the Prophets in which these imaging techniques were taught. As time went on a tradition emerged
called Chariot or Throne mysticism that became an important branch of western spiritual practice
called Kabbalah, the word itself meaning "to receive." Eventually the Catholic Church took up these
practices in the person of some well–known saints including: Hildegarde of Bingen, Ignatius of Loyola,
Teresa of Avila, as main luminaries. At the time of the Renaissance, mental imagery was the major
technique of medical practice for treating people with physical illness. The name of the technique
associates with this direction was called "complexio." In sum: mental imagery has a long, unabated, and distinguished history of which the above represents only a brief pinkie–nail sketch. In the twentieth century, mental imagery had begun to flourish more extensively in Europe and America, especially in the latter half. Such names as Robert Desoille (Directed Waking Dream), Hanscarl Leuner (Guided Affective Imagery), Carl Jung (Active Imagination), and most importantly, Mme. Colette Aboulker–Muscat (Waking Dream Therapy), stand out as seminal contributors. To this list I add my own as the American link of this great tradition. |
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Q: |
What types of situations can/should imagery be used for? |
| A: |
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