Creative Visualization Techniques… some novel approaches.

As I was working on formulating my roadmap of goals for my music projects for the upcoming months (and beyond), I was finding myself stuck on narrowing my focus and identifying which to tackle first. This becomes even more of a challenge when I factor in the interesting new direction I am taking in my tech career (starting Monday) that will kick my butt for a while, but ultimately be more in line with what I am pursuing musically, artistically and creatively.

(To give you a “scratch the surface” description:

UX Designer exploring the emerging Web 2.0, social networking and UI design technologies toward revamping the UI design of a software suite to incorporate how people are interacting with software and the web today.

Phew! That was a mouthful *lol*)

Once again, the universe, in its usual mysterious and infinite wisdom, just “threw me a bone” *lol*

I just received this email from Paul Scheele of Learning Strategies as part of his Genius Sparks series. If you, like me, sometimes have trouble wading through the many varied thoughts and images your mind is bombarded with to get to the juicy creative tidbits that are there for each of us, you may find these techniques useful.

If you try them out, let me know what you think… I’ll do the same :)

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Welcome to Genius Sparks by Paul R. Scheele
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Visualization is a powerful tool for self-improvement.
Sharp visualization abilities can greatly improve the results you get from many of our programs including PhotoReading, Spring Forest Qigong, Abundance for Life,and Effortless Success.

For years it was cited as a scientific fact that one American in three was unable to visualize. Even Genius Code author Win Wenger was one of those who absolutely could not until he used the following methods to get pictures in his mind for himself. Since then, out of thousands he has taught, every person has succeeded and thus enjoyed the benefits of visualthinking or visualization.

Try the following exercises. If you do not have a partner to be the listener, use a recording device.

1. Afterimage Technique

“Afterimages” are leftover prints of light on the retina at the back of the eye. For 30 seconds, stare at a light, window, or part of the room that has a strong contrast. Do not use the sun or anything else very bright-20 to 40 watts of light is more than bright enough. When you look away from the light or close your eyes, you will see momentary afterimages. You may see a floating blob of light or color or perhaps a line. Describe what you see in detail and continue describing as it changes color and shape.

Unreinforced afterimages last only a few seconds. Reinforced by attention and description, your afterimage can last minutes. If yours fades after a few moments, recharge on the light and resume describing.

At some point while examining and describing your afterimages, you may notice other kinds of images, such as trace impressions or a momentary eye, face, landscape, vase, etc. Notice when you get one and switch to describing it. Describe in the present tense, as if you still see it, even if you caught only a momentary glimpse. With your attentive detailed sustained flow of description, more images will come.

If 10 to 20 minutes sustained effort with afterimages does not lead you to more interesting perceptions, smile, breath, and try this next technique.

2. Phosphenes

“Phosphenes” are luminous impressions that result from changing pressure on the retina. Gently rub your own closed eyes like a sleepy child and describe the light and color variations you see. Continue describing what develops.

3. Music

Close your eyes and listen to richly textured music, preferably classical, French impressionist, or progressive jazz. Choose complex music that attracts and involves your more sensitive faculties. When the music inspires an image or sensation, delve deep into description. If you have seen Walt Disney’s film Fantasia, you may remember the intense connection between the classical music score and the animated action and dance that sprang from it.

4. Home Blindfolded

Make your way around your apartment or house blindfolded, feeling various objects and describing them at length. For an alternative experience, have your partner create a grab bag of many highly diverse objects for you to feel. Regardless of whether you successfully identify the item, describe it fully.

This exercise is also a creative problem-solving technique. If you have been working to solve a problem and have not yet gotten you’re a-ha!, you can turn to perception by asking yourself, “How would I experience this if I could not see? How would I “see” it differently from how I am seeing it now?” Or if I could not hear? Or if I were very short or very tall? Do anything to change the way you are approaching the problem to shift you from your stuck “knowledge”.

5. Eat Blindfolded

Describe in detail what you are eating. Include taste, smell, sound, texture, and appearance.

6. Afterimage Room

Stand in a dark room looking toward where the light will be, turn on the lights, and immediately close your eyes. You should find elaborate afterimages or even an entire scene. Vary the exercise by quickly flicking the lights on and off several times with eyes open and leaving them on or off after you close your eyes. Compare afterimages with lights left on or off. Describe everything in your awareness.

These techniques and more can be found in the Genius Code course.
http://www.LearningStrategies.com/Genius/Home.asp