A new year, a new habit, a new me!
It’s January, typically a time for resolutions. But, instead of the same tired-old lose ten pounds or start exercising, what about using the “new year” to look ahead, really look ahead? What about envisioning your future?
Easier said then done, you might say. But here’s a simple and fun approach to try. It’s called a “vision board.” Creating a vision board is a process of letting your intuition guide you in selecting a variety of images that will then inspire you as you move forward in the coming year.
According to artist Martha Beck, writing on oprah.com, vision boards can have a powerful impact on our futures:
“The [vision] board itself doesn’t impact reality; what changes your life is the process of creating the images—combinations of objects and events that will stick in your subconscious mind and steer your choices toward making the vision real.”
Are you game for trying it? What have you got to lose?
First, gather the following simple supplies: A nice-sized stack of magazines, as varied as possible. (Try the thrift store or a library sale if you don’t have many yourself.)
A large sheet of paper, or a piece of poster-board
Scissors and a glue stick
Crayons, pencils, pens, markers, paints (you choose!)
Then, set aside an uninterrupted hour for yourself. Play your favorite relaxing music, and quietly sit for a minute or so before starting, just letting your mind wander.
Give yourself 20 or 30 minutes to thumb through the magazines, tearing out anything that catches your eye –
words, pictures, colors – and placing them in a pile. This is not a time for thought, or for censoring, or for looking for anything specific, just a time for reacting to what you see. And tearing it out if it feels good.
Next, go through the pile again, keeping anything that still speaks to you in some way. Trim the pieces if you’d like. Grab a scissors if you like clean lines, or not if you prefer torn edges.
Arrange the images on a large sheet of paper, or even a poster-board. You might want to add a photo of yourself in there somewhere. Don’t worry about how it all looks as long as it feels good to you.
When you like the feel
of your arrangement,
glue everything in place. You can add paint, crayon, inks, marker or pencil if you want to as well. There are no “rules.”
Finally, place your “vision board” somewhere that you will see often. Enjoy looking at what you have envisioned. Watch to see where the process leads.
Working with a coach can also help you envision and move toward a new future for yourself. If you think coaching might be in your future, contact me to set up a free initial consultation (no obligation): www.lizahmann.com Wishing you a creative and fulfilling new year!
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