I recently delved into some fascinating neuroscience research about visualization and its profound impact on proactively shaping our experiences. This reminded me of a childhood habit I had—lying in bed before falling asleep, envisioning what I hoped the next day would be like. Unknowingly, I was "creating my day" through visualization even back then.
This practice has evolved into an integral part of my daily evening meditation. Each night, I close my eyes and visualize what I hope to create the next day. This isn't just a fleeting thought; it's a detailed mental journey where I walk through my upcoming tasks, rearrange priorities, and often add moments of self-care. As I watch my day 'materialize' in my mind, I start to get excited and really look forward to the day! I imagine the people I will be with, the emotions I'll experience, and even potential challenges and their solutions. I find myself smiling as I fall asleep.
The remarkable thing is that when I wake up, I feel a sense of readiness and purpose, and my day often unfolds strikingly close to my visualization! This doesn't mean my days are always easy, but having mentally 'created' them beforehand, I seem to move through them with greater ease and confidence.
The Neuroscience of Visualization
One of the most intriguing aspects of visualization is how the brain processes these mental images. Research shows that the brain doesn't distinguish much between what we visualize and what we actually experience. When we vividly imagine an event, the same neural pathways are activated as when we physically live through the event. This phenomenon, known as "neural mirroring," is what makes visualization such a powerful tool.
Dr. Stephen Kosslyn, a renowned neuroscientist, has conducted extensive research on mental imagery and the brain. His studies reveal that when we visualize something, we engage the same brain regions involved in seeing with our eyes. This means that our brains can essentially "trick" us into experiencing the emotions and sensations of our visualized scenarios, reinforcing the belief that these events are achievable.
How is this different from just creating a to-do list for the day?
When I begin to create my day, it does start as a basic to-do list. However, it quickly transforms into something more profound when I add vivid details—people, emotions, sequence of events. I start to feel the anticipation and joy of what I'm creating. This reflective process helps me prioritize what's truly important, often leading to the removal of mundane tasks and their replacement with actions that enhance my day’s joy and fulfillment. While you can "Create Your Day" either the night before or the day of, I find doing it before sleep works best for me.
What happens when I don’t create my day?
When I don't create my day before it starts, my day feels like it's just happening to me. I often feel aimless, distracted, and unfocused. While I usually still complete all the 'have to' tasks, the experiences that bring joy and connection are often missed. By the end of such a day, I feel like I’ve lost an opportunity to live fully and deliberately use my precious time.
A Morning Reflection
This morning, as I walked up to the barn to tend to the animals, the sun was rising over the mountain, a gentle breeze was blowing, and the rooster was crowing. This serene scene was something I had visualized the night before, and now, I was living it. I felt such gratitude for this joyful start to my day and the anticipation of seeing my creation unfold - a powerful reminder of the magic of visualization.
The Power of Mental Rehearsal
Athletes have long used mental rehearsal as a way to improve performance. By visualizing their routines, they prime their brains for success, creating neural patterns similar to those created by physical practice. This technique isn't limited to sports; it can be applied to any area of life. By mentally rehearsing our ideal day, we prepare our minds and bodies to move smoothly through the tasks and interactions we’ve envisioned.
Visualization is more than just a mental exercise; it’s a tool for crafting a life filled with intention, joy, and connection. By taking a few moments each night to visualize your ideal day, you can transform ordinary routines into extraordinary experiences. So, give it a try—close your eyes, dream, and create. You might be surprised at how wonderfully your days begin to unfold.
Author Karen Tibbitts, Co-Founder Transcendous
