Using Visualization to Heal


by Ralph Ferraro

Visualization is creating pictures in the mind. It is the conscious production of mental imagery. Psychology and religion have long recognized this process as an effective means for shaping skills and talents, alleviating pain and illness, and activating one's spirituality.

Images - the building blocks of visualization - spring from deep within us. Possessing a dynamic drive with an enormous emotional power, they impact our bodies and minds in a positive or negative matter, depending on their vividness, repetition, and reception by the subconscious, whose task it is to externalize those images which impress it. Since mental imagery triggers much of human behavior, it is advantageous to make every effort to influence the deeper levels of our minds with those constructive images we wish the subconscious to actualize.

Visualization is most effective when practiced in a relaxed state of mind called passive concentration. Effort inhibits success, often resulting in anxiety and stress. This undesirable response is called "the principle of paradoxical intentions." We can avoid this unproductive situation by relaxing our bodies and refraining from strenuous effort whenever we practice visualization.

Dr. Carl Happich, a former Darmstadt internist, developed a unique visualization technique based on Eastern literature and meditation which activates "symbolic consciousness," a state of mind existing between the conscious and subconscious, a stimulation offering much benefit to the individual.

Happich's program begins by first relaxing the body and mind through breathing exercises. With this accomplished, various scenes are created, beginning with the meadow meditation. In this exercise, we visualize a tall meadow, noting the particular surroundings - the grass, the flowers, the trees. Following this scene, we picture ourselves climbing a mountain, passing through a forest, and eventually reaching a scenic spot from which we view a valley and a stretch of countryside. The third visualization is called the chapel meditation. In this scene, we pass through a grove and note the small, picturesque chapel. We enter the silent chapel to pray or simply to reflect. After leaving the chapel, we sit alone on a nearby wooden bench and listen to the soothing rippling sound of running water in an old fountain.

Happich's visualization exercises activate the deep levels of the mind through the evocation of "archetypal" images. For instance, climbing the mountain symbolizes our striving to develop our human potential, the forest signifies the dark and fearful aspects of our nature, and the chapel represents the innermost self where we confront the spiritual issues of our lives.

Using visualization helps to prevent oppressing images from inhibiting the free expression of God's power. These exercises allow us to deal with those images associated with feelings, attitudes, and experiences which not only hamper our ability to do good but also result in unhappiness for ourselves and others. Positive change results from practicing these exercises, enabling God's healing power to rise within us like a phoenix from the ashes of our darker selves.

Ralph Ferraro is the founder and director of The Italian American Press, a website promoting a wide selection of books, including those dealing with religion/spirituality. The above is an excerpt from his book The Quest: Maximizing Health and Wellness through Spiritual Healing. A primer for those interested in healing, The Quest examines the research and findings relevant to spiritual healing, and advocates an agenda of prayer, visualization, and meditation for those wishing to experience health and wellness. Visit www.italianamericanpress.com to download a free copy or to purchase this informative text.




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