"We become what we think about;” a phrase often used by Earl Nightingale, but he isn’t the first person to teach that age-old truth. We don’t have to look far to have plenty of help thinking about rage, violence and fear. I’ve heard it lamented that generations of visualizing such things has contributed to what we’re seeing in the world. We have enough of what’s happening in some places of our real world. Visualizing a better place is a powerful exercise to help relax the mind and improve physical wellbeing. Beginning the practice of visualizing safe and beautiful places, at any age, leads to seeing the world, and building the world (within our sphere of influence), in a positive way. Consider the power of visualization; the data resulting from decades of social science studies and observations overwhelmingly supports the fact that violent visual influences (television and real-life experiences), in the lives of children, affect behavior and development of values, thinking patterns and feelings. Hence, many parents try to limit or eliminate violent programs from the lives of their children. Similarly, ‘programming’ our children to be compassionate and peaceful through exposure and influence, affects behavior and development in positive ways. Imagination is a trainable human strength. It can be used to improve mental and physical power and wellness. Our ability to form a mental image of something not detectable by our physical five senses, can change the way we sense and thus experience our physical world. I encourage you look into self-guided imagery, a type of visualization exercise, using the imagination. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes. Begin by taking a few slow, deep breaths. Exhale fully after each breath. Picture a calm and peaceful setting; a beach, a mountain top, a warm meadow, or anywhere you enjoy. Imagining your place, try to add some details; a breeze, the sun or moon, sounds of nature, the appearance of the sky. Sense the feeling of it, the scent. Is there a pathway leading into and out of your perfect place? Create one. As you follow the path deeper into your place, you feel increasingly relaxed and safe. Take a few moments to breathe slowly and feel the calm. Choose a simple word or phrase you can use to help you get back to this place. When you’re ready, slowly take yourself back the way you came on the pathway you imagined. Bring yourself out of the scene and back to the present. Bring with you the relaxed, calmness you found in your happy place. Count to 3, and open your eyes. Notice how you feel right now. Hope. Visualize. Believe. Create your happier world. Be well.

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