“Visualization. It may be the most important part of your mental package.” — Ray Floyd
Everyone must learn how to navigate their lives, and we devise coping strategies.
When I was a teenager, I discovered that by using my mind in a certain way, I could address people or events I didn’t enjoy. I realized it wasn’t their fault when I held negative feelings. Something within me caused this aversion, yet other people thought highly of them.
Today I’d like to share one of the ways I improved my life experience: visualizing those I disliked as young children — 5–8-year-olds.
Nothing is more innocent and pure and likable than a child.
So I decided to use my visualization skills to turn those people I didn’t care for into a 5–8-year-old version of themselves. And you know what happened?
It worked!
Suddenly, instead of feeling negative, I could find common ground and move on with my day without lingering resentments.
My First Realization
As a teenager, I was in an argument with someone who had always been close to me; exchanging words made us lose the bond that once held us together. This person I esteemed and cared for no longer felt close to me in no time.
How could that be?
Then I realized I didn’t want to lose that bond and could do something about it.
I remembered how it was when we were younger, this friend of mine always made me laugh. And there it was. I remembered him when we were children. He hadn’t changed much. I could still see the same qualities in him, even though he seemed a bit different now.
Something changed in me, I didn’t feel so angry anymore, and I felt tenderness toward my friend. I saw him as a happy little 5–8-year-old again, which was enough to bring us closer together.
It worked like magic!
In this case, we had been friends since childhood, so it was easy for me to picture them. Then I wondered if it would work with someone I hadn’t grown up with — so I tried it out.
I applied the same technique to others I needed help understanding or had disagreements with, and it worked too!
My perception changed when I saw them as a child, and my anger toward them lessened or disappeared. Consequently, It was easier for me to empathize with them and find a middle ground. It certainly improved the way I viewed them or the situation.
“Look at things not as they are but as they can be. Visualization adds value to everything. A bigger thinker always visualizes what can be done in the future. He isn’t stuck with the present.” — David Schwarts
The Wonders of Visualization
This technique of visualization has worked for me time and time again.
I now understand that it is not the person who changed but my perception of them which I changed.
Visualizing people as a young child has given me a new way to look at others, understand them better, and allowing me to connect with more people in a meaningful way.
Sometimes, seeing someone else’s perspective can be challenging, so this tool is effective when finding common ground and healing relationships.
Often unaware, we allow our minds to guide how we perceive people and events. Our beliefs can veer off in unpredictable directions without a conscious thought process.
What is Visualization, and How Can it Help Improve Life?
A visualization is a powerful tool that can change our approach to interacting with others. It involves using mental imagery, such as picturing people or events differently.
For example, visualizing someone as a 5–8-year-old can make it easier to relate and empathize with them rather than become frustrated or angry. We change how we view them and their intentions, so we can make better decisions on handling the situation.
This technique has changed my life experiences and relationships for the better. It helps me stay focused on finding common ground with people I disagree with, which has opened me to different perspectives.
Try it now!
Think of someone you disagree with or dislike and visualize them as a 5–8-year-old. Imagine them playing and doing things that only a child can do.
Can you feel how the tension and anger melt away, replaced by understanding and empathy?
If not, do it again! Practice makes perfect.
Understanding the Power of Visualization
Visualization isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a way of life.
It helps us understand ourselves and the people around us in ways we never thought possible. We can look past prejudices, misunderstandings, and disagreements to find common ground with others.
I have come to appreciate the power of visualization over the years. It has given me an invaluable perspective on relationships and life experiences, allowing me to connect with those I may not have been able to before.
Through this technique, I am now more mindful of how my perception affects my interactions with others.
In this case, I’m talking about a way to use our visualization skills positively. Still, it can also be used for harmful purposes. It is important to remember that visualization should always be used cautiously as it can significantly shape our reality and relationships.
We all have this skill within us, so why not use it to improve our lives?
Visualizations come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to explore different types of visualizations to find the one that works best for you.
For example, if you are trying to improve a relationship with someone you disagree with, try a visualization, as I described above. On the other hand, if you are trying to make a difficult decision, try visualization techniques such as imagining yourself in different scenarios and seeing what outcome works best for you.
Remember to take your time and practice no matter what type of visualization you choose. Visualizations can be powerful if used correctly, but they will only do a little good if rushed or done carelessly.
Practices for Effective Visualizations
Here are some practices I’ve found when trying to improve my life experiences and relationships through visualization:
Focus on the person or event in question; try not to get distracted by other thoughts or emotions.
Take deep breaths and stay calm throughout the process.
Allow your imagination to take over and create vivid images of the situation.
Find common ground between yourself and the person or event you visualize.
See if you can find a way for both parties to enjoy the interaction. Put yourself in the picture also as a young child.
Finally, focus on how this visualization will help you make better decisions.
“Visualization is the act of willfully forming mental images. To affect material reality using visualization, form images for your subconscious mind to use as patterns to work from.” — James Gor Jr.
In conclusion, visualization has been a life-changing tool for me. It has allowed me to approach relationships and difficult decisions in new ways, giving me an invaluable perspective on the world around me. I hope it can do the same for you.
Please take a moment and give it a try! You may be surprised at how much more peaceful your relationships become.
Thank you for reading, and enjoy being in touch with everyone’s inner child!
Copyright © 2023 Alejandro Betancourt. All Rights Reserved.