by Memory as a support for creative imagination
Continuing the practice of visualisation, we now characterise the image of known people in the mind’s eye. This exercise aims to sharpen the creative imagination through the use of memory. Being known individuals, the level of description to be given to the appearance and physiognomy is more detailed and involving; this imposes an additional effort, mainly since one must rely on memory as well as imagination. Now let’s get on with the practice.
- With eyes closed, in our usual posture or āsana, we focus on the appearance of a parent, relative, friend, or even a deceased person. We imagine initially only the facial features, then the whole figure dressed, motionless.
- If we can hold the image for five minutes with our eyes closed, we switch to visualisation with our eyes open.
- In the next step, let’s imagine people in motion, walking or doing some activity. We maintain the same five-minute standard, eyes closed and eyes open.
- Now let’s add the sense of hearing; we listen to people speaking, trying to perceive the nuances and characteristics of the voice as we have heard them in reality. Other senses, such as smell and touch, can be associated if desired. The exercise is completed if we can hold our imagination for five minutes with our eyes closed and open.
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