Yoga & Meditation 101 | Let’s Talk About Visualizing

In yoga, if you can picture the pose in your mind before your body begins to find it – the pose will flow so nicely for you.

In meditation, visualization is a muscle I think we can all exercise – allowing you to tap into the creative well within you.

In my humble opinion, the imagination is a powerful & underused tool!

If you’ve ever taken a dance class, even just in gym – you’ll know they break it down into “moves” for you. Or – if you were in band, the music is broken down into notes & common rhythms. You learn bits and pieces and then you put it all together. My point here, is that it helps to have a demonstration – right? To see, or hear – how the end result should look.

As you’re learning yoga poses, demonstrations are super helpful. But let’s say, you’ve done 100 downward facing dogs and you don’t need a demo any longer. I’m offering the advice to continue to picture the next pose in your mind – as you’re in the pose before. Even if you’re just starting from standing – let the mind imagine what muscles need to be fired up for this pose. When you’re present in that pose in the next moment – you’re so much more aware of the muscles and can be that much more engaged.

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Imagination is a muscle that can be exercised.

I think boredom is required for it – or to put it more yogic-ally “stillness” is required.

In a world of constant screens, distractions at the ready, and quick videos to fill the silence that was otherwise natural to us… we rarely have those moments of quiet in this present day.

Consciously choosing stillness, even just for a few minutes a day, and simply breathing and being aware… has a huge impact on how you show up for the rest of your day.

(Give it a try, and comment below if I’m wrong 😉)

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This tool of imagination could be applied by briefly outlining how you’d like the day to unfold. (Just like we did in the Best Case Scenario meditation this week)

What if you started the day by visualizing how you want the day to go?

What if you took a breath, let the shoulders draw away from the ears, and let your imagination show you a movie reel of the day ahead. We don’t control the circumstances in the day, but our attitude and expectations are within our control.

Visualization can be carried off as a tool in your toolbox for many other situations. 🧰 In yoga, meditation and best case scenario days alike.

If you’re more of a writer than a closed eyed visualizer – my Ideal Day Worksheet is a great way to get it down on paper!

Wishing you your Ideal Day 🎉

With Love,

Esta