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ST KILDA KINESIOLOGY

Pathways to Better Health

The science of mind body health and the wisdom of ancient healing

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ABOUT VISUALISATION

Before you try visualisation, be sure that you are using the correct Breathing techniques.  This will ensure that you get the most out of your visualisation.

Visualization is the process of creating a mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel.  It can be used for:

-  Relaxation 
-  Enhancing sporting performance 
-  Enhancing work performance
-  Goal achievement
-  Improving relationships
-  Improving self-confidence

In fact it can be used for anything at all - the only limit is your imagination.

Many sportsmen routinely use visualization techniques as part of training and competition to create renewed mental awareness, a heightened sense of well-being and confidence and get that competitive edge.

Research is finding that both physical and psychological reactions in certain situations can be improved with visualization. Such repeated visualisation can build both experience and confidence in your ability to perform certain skills under pressure, or in a variety of possible situations. The most effective visualization techniques result in a very vivid sport experience in which the athlete has complete control over a successful performance and a belief in this new 'self.'

You can use visualisation techniques to imagine the outcome of a meeting or event, or to simply rest in a relaxed feeling of calm and well-being.

Using Visualisation for a desired outcome 

By imagining a scenario (using memories of a previous desired performance, feeling or outcome) you are able to 'be' in that place.  While imagining these scenarios, you also imagine the detail using all of your senses.  Imagine what you can see, what you can hear, what you can smell, the taste in your mouth, be aware of what your  body is touching and most importantly, how it feels. Reconnect with the FEELING of how it feels to perform in the desired way and achieve your goals.

Your mind does not know the different between whether you have actually achieved your goals, or are just imagining it.  What will happen is that your subconscious mind and body will begin to act accordingly - to fall into step with the way it thinks things are now.   You can call up these images over and over, enhancing the skill through repetition or rehearsal, similar to physical practice.

Using Visualisation to relax 

You may have grown to accept a certain high level of stress and anxiety as ``normal.'' You may be unfamiliar with what it feels like to be relaxed, calm, and unstressed. By learning to relax you not only improve your physical well being by reducing hypertension, headaches, and other physical complaints, but you improve your mental state by reducing stress, anxiety, irritability, and depression.

Visualisation helps you to relax by focusing your mind so that it is in the present moment, not worrying about something in the past, or a future event.  The easiest way to do this is by focusing on your breathing.  You can then incorporate a restful image to further coax your mind and body to a place of peace.  This can be done by imagining colours, being in a safe and relaxing place, or a scenario where you are eliminating any sources of stress.

How to use Visualisation

The first time you try visualisation it's helpful to have a skilled facilitator or practitioner walk you through the process. This is referred to as guided visualisation. You can also use CDs or tapes, or record your own script to use as your guide. After you are comfortable with the technique, it's easy to practice these techniques on your own. 

Before you try visualisation, be sure that you are using the correct Breathing techniques.  This will ensure that you get the most out of your visualisation. 

Click here for Visualisation Exercises

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