What is Imagery?

Photo by Liam Pozz on Unsplash

Simply put imagery is when you can see yourself doing something, without movement. An easy example to start with would be to think of something you really enjoy doing - and see yourself doing it! It can be anything from riding your bike, to crocheting, or playing with the dog. The fun part about imagery is that it's happening all at your own pace.

Imagery is a skill with many facets - all skills can be developed or built upon. If you can't do the simple example above that is completely OK. This is something that you can easily work on, at your own pace, to grow and build - just like learning to ride a bicycle, or learning a new puzzle or game.

Photo by Chris Abney on Unsplash

Before you move on I challenge you to perform the following exercise a few times:

1. Make yourself comfortable (seated, standing, laying on the ground - whatever you want)
2. Eyes can be open or closed (sometimes closed helps focus more, especially for new learners)
3. Think of an activity you enjoy doing
4. See yourself doing that activity - in your mind, see yourself moving

How was that in terms of a satisfying, complete, experience? Were you there, in that activity? Some things to think about before you move on:

1. What is your definition of imagery?
2. What is Imagery good for? In other words, what are you looking to use it for, or what can you think of using it for?
3. Where and when can you use imagery?
4. Does performing imagery in 1st person or 3rd person perspective matter? (Hint: not at all, you do you)

Imagery can certainly take time and what's interesting about it is that while you are stimulating similar cells in your brain when recalling an activity (like we did above) it's a different pathway than doing the activity. It still hits some of the same notes, in other words, but is in of itself, a separate unique activity. We will discuss later how you can use this to your advantage in a range of topics.