Mindful Visualization

I teach clients with active imaginations how to utilize this skill in their mindfulness practice. Such activities involve using your imagination to visualize images and sensations to help improve mindful awareness of oneself and the world around us. This can aid in calming individuals when they focus on something on purpose and in the current moment. Imagination can be useful with engaging students who need more stimulation or structure to their mindfulness practice. Activities can involve guided imagery, self-awareness, body scans and the list can go on.

As with all mindfulness activities, the focus should not be to be able to always "clear the mind" or to fight back thoughts and feelings that upset and distract us. Rather I encourage my clients to be aware of such thoughts and feelings. I want them to notice what is happening as a result of these experiences within their body. I then guide them to attempt to resume the activity without judgment of themselves or the process.

Although coping strategies are intended to help with self-regulation when feeling upset, the best practice is to teach and rehearse these skills daily starting when in a calm state. Without practice, mindfulness is often frustrating as people are overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings without their body being prepared to attempt these coping strategies.

Looking for visualization coping skills exercises? Try these!

#mindfulness #imaginethepossibilities #copingskills #selfregulation

#counselingwithleighanne

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Counseling with Leigh Anne - a Teachers Pay Teacher store offering materials for mindfulness practice, expressive arts, and therapeutic approaches like ACT/CBT.