Visioning

“All illumination, inspiration, and realization must come through the self-knowing mind in order to manifest in man. Vision, intuition and revelation proclaim themselves through man’s self-knowing mind.”
-Ernest Holmes

To wrap up this week’s offering of spiritual practices to carry with you I am choosing to end with the practice of visioning. Visioning is a process whereby we purposefully and actively seek to tap in and make ourselves aware of the unlimited flow of the Infinite Mind. It is a practice of allowing, creating a space of receptivity within ourselves. Visioning is a tool we can turn to to find direction in our lives.

Have you ever created a vision board? You know, you find pictures and printed words or phrases which you then paste on poster board? What is the purpose of that practice? Is it intended as a guideline for what you desire in your life, or is it meant to invoke something deeper within you? I believe, and it has been my practice, that the vision board is about that something deeper. That is what visioning is all about. It is moving beyond visualization, or imagination. It is tapping into intuition and that deeper sense of possibility beyond our perceived limitations. In visioning we are making ourselves available to that something greater which is the core essence of each and every one of us.

In visioning we are actively involved in embracing the Divine idea for the highest good of whatever question we bring to the process.

I also saved the practice of visioning until today because it utilizes spiritual practices I’ve already explained.

While visioning is often done in a group, you can vision on your own.

Here is the process…

First make sure you’ve carved out a time and a place where there will be little distraction. This is a time you have decided to be fully present to the Divine without interruption, honor that decision. Sit comfortably and begin the process of centering. Remember that centering is actively focusing our attention on what we perceive as our inner self. As you become more focused and attentive begin the first two steps of spiritual mind treatment. First recognize that God is all there is, and that you are the individualization of infinity (those are the recognition and unification steps — if you missed yesterday’s blog and podcast, go back and check it out). Settling deeply into the loving space you’ve created ask the questions and allow the answers. Here are some questions that you can use (although you can create your own questions):

• What is the highest vision or perfect idea for (whatever it is to which you’re seeking answers)?

• What must I become in order to empower this vision?

• What must be released?

• What must be embraced?

• Is there any other information required in this moment?

As you move through each question, truly allow time to consider the question. During this time, let whatever comes come through. It may be in the form of words, it may not. It could be a feeling, or an image in the mind’s eye, or a color, or sound. Just let whatever presents itself to be present without judgment.

It is helpful if you write down, as best you can, what comes through. I live by an axiom in my life… paper never forgets. So let the vision through and record it as it is happening so you don’t have to struggle to remember later what happened.

Also, don’t step into interpretation. There is no need at this time to interpret what is coming up for you. Just let it present itself freely and openly.

When you’ve moved through your series of questions (whether they are those above, the questions you’ve developed for yourself, or a combination of both) complete the steps of treatment with gratitude and release.

That’s the process. Once complete the question becomes… what came through? Review your written notes. Are there any themes? Did something come through so strongly that the vision can’t be denied? Essentially, what has been revealed through the process? You may need to give time and consideration to what has revealed itself. Don’t be afraid to do that. There is infinity infused in the answers that have presented themselves. The deeper meaning and sense of them may not be immediately apparent. It’s also okay if you don’t feel you received anything. You can recenter yourself and listen and receive. It’s up to you.

The great thing about visioning is that you get to decide how to move forward with the vision. It is not a dictate from some father figure — it is just a reflection of the current conscious potential at this point in time.

How will you proceed now that you know what you know? That is the work that follows visioning.

Relish in the process. It is there for you and you are a visionary!