by Live your visualisation
In this exercise, we will progress in practising creative visualisation. The key difference from the previous exercise is that we need to “immerse ourselves” in the scene we are about to create. We should experience it with such intensity that we feel as if the imagined objects have real substance.
Generally, those who have difficulty with visualisation exercises may struggle due to an imbalance in the Fire Element, which governs vision. The solution lies in regaining control of the Soul’s Mirror through soul-balancing practices. That includes intensifying self-suggestion exercises and meditating on aspects of our nature influenced by the fiery principle. Additionally, one can work with the Fire Element within the astral body, as described in the chapter on mastering the Fire Element in the Third Step.
Another hindrance in the viewing experience is forcing ourselves to see something. Creative imagination, a fundamental tool in hermetic practices, cannot be mastered by merely trying to impose a rigid vision of an object or scene, as if we were sculpting a block of granite and straining our muscles and minds to shape the air around us. Instead, the practice resembles what happens when we read a novel: our mind’s eye freely creates a visual representation of the plot and settings. In this case, however, the visual component is greatly enhanced and enriched by other sensory experiences.
We can find another example in the moments that arise just after waking or just before falling asleep, especially once we’ve gained specific stability through practice. When the physical body begins to release its hold on the subtle bodies before sleep, or when the waking state has not yet fully taken hold, our creative imagination—free from the constraints of the physical body—manifests in vivid clarity. Ideally, we should learn to achieve this level of imagination in full waking consciousness. Now, let’s move on to the practice:
- Assume a relaxed posture or your favourite āsana and close your eyes. Take a few moments or minutes to put yourself in an empty state of mind, depending on your abilities.
- Begin by envisioning a scene that you know well, such as your home, a holiday destination, or places you have visited. The visualisation should be realistic and detailed, capturing precise shapes and colours, as well as all relevant details. Up to this point, this exercise is similar to previous ones; the main difference lies in your familiarity with the depicted scene. Here, we can utilise mnemonic techniques to help reconstruct the imagery.
- After observing the view for five minutes, introduce sounds to enhance realism—such as wind, traffic, or birds chirping. Immerse yourself in the scene, imagining all the details around you. If you wish, you can also engage your other senses, particularly touch. The exercise concludes once you have maintained this level of involvement for five minutes.
- In future sessions, repeat the first three steps with different scenarios.
- After you have practised, try using the same approach with your eyes open. Some people find it challenging to work with their eyes open; if that’s the case for you, start in a dimly lit room and gradually increase the amount of light. You can move on to the next exercise once you have achieved the same level of mastery with both your eyes closed and open.
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