Problems with visualisation

[Elisa]

Hi all

I'm doing this series in which I should visualise my body being filled with sunlight. The guy guiding the meditation stresses on the fact that visualising can be difficult in the beginning, and that I should mainly focus on the feeling the visualisation intends to give (warmth, relaxation). Still, it's like I can't get even that right!

I do try to visualise what is being suggested but then I start to think. Can I imagine myself as an object that I - as a spectator - am looking at, like on a beach in the sun? Or should I see my body getting filled with warmth as I'm sitting with my eyes closed, not being a spectator?

The above will most probably sound very confusing but that is because I am confused too!

[Peter]

Hi Elisa,

Some people just cannot visualize at all. It's called Aphantasia. I'm not saying that you can't, but keep that in mind. Everybody is different.

In mindfulness we try to be with what is. I'd suggest you do that. Stop fighting yourself in trying to get this visualization exercise 'right'. Do some other exercise, or do this exercise, but try to notice what it does to you ('failing' at it), and make that the real exercise.

By the way, there is absolutely no need for visualization at all in mindfulness.

I hope that makes sense. Good luck.

Peter

[JonW]

Great advice from Peter, there.
JW

[Elisa]

Some people just cannot visualize at all. It's called Aphantasia. I'm not saying that you can't, but keep that in mind. Everybody is different.

Hi Peter, thanks for your reply. But I'm pretty sure that that is not the case. I know I can visualise other things.

In mindfulness we try to be with what is. I'd suggest you do that. Stop fighting yourself in trying to get this visualization exercise 'right'. Do some other exercise, or do this exercise, but try to notice what it does to you ('failing' at it), and make that the real exercise.

I found something else to visualise in the exercise, I may be trying to heard indeed.
Something I don't get: you suggest to make failing at it the real exercise? I hope I misunderstood because wouldn't that just be a waste of time when there are so many other ways?

By the way, there is absolutely no need for visualization at all in mindfulness.

I know, but there is in that meditating exercise.

Thank you Peter!

[Peter]

You're welcome Elisa,

To clarify, I didn't say, make failing at it the real exercise.

I said, try to notice what 'the failing' does to you, and make that the real exercise.

Do you understand the difference?

Also, don't get hung up on one particular meditation exercise. The exercise really isn't important at all.

Peter

[Gareth]

Why is it that you are persisting with the visualisations, which you are clearly finding difficult? There are many different ways to meditate; why don't you do some experimentation?

[JonW]

I agree with Gareth.
There is a huge range of meditations available: sitting, walking, body scans, mindful movement...and you are free to improvise your own.
If visualisations are not working for you, just let them be. They are not a hurdle to overcome. They are part of a massive menu from which you can pick and choose.
All best,
Jon

[Elisa]

Why is it that you are persisting with the visualisations, which you are clearly finding difficult? There are many different ways to meditate; why don't you do some experimentation?

Hi Gareth, thanks for replying.

It's not so much that I'm persisting really. It's more that I know that I am able to visualise but wondering why I can't now.

But: a couple of days have passed, I'm getting over it Seriously, I'm a laywoman still. Sometimes I forget all about accepting and seeing things for what they are. Like just noticing the fact that I suddenly realise I'm yawning like I lazy cat during a meditation session instead of reprimanding myself for it.

You're welcome Elisa,

To clarify, I didn't say, make failing at it the real exercise.

I said, try to notice what 'the failing' does to you, and make that the real exercise.

Do you understand the difference?

I do, thanks.

Thanks guys, nice talking to you.