Visualization is picturing something in our minds in as much detail as possible. I think this should have a place in your everyday Y2K thoughts. Sometimes it works, other times not. This post is to explore why, so that we can spend our 'picturing' time to our greatest advantage.

Did you ever anticipate meeting someone for the first time that you have spoken to on the phone, or corresponded with, yet never actually seen? You picture what they might look like, right? How often has your picture turned out to be on the money? Mine never have yet. Let's take another example. You are going to visit a place for the first time and you picture what you think it will be like in your head. Then you get there. Has your picture ever been accurate? None of mine have. Reality is always different, even when I have information ahead of time to base the visualization on. Why is this? Perhaps it is because there are too many variables, too many unknowable details, that make it impossible.

With Y2K, we also picture various things in our minds. Potential events and reactions to those events for example. The reality of what actually happens, I think, will be different than anything we visualize ahead of time, no matter how much information we have. I post this just as an observation to any who continually picture the same scene over and over, which after repetition may seem more and more "real". It isn't. Despite this, visualization has its place.

We will continue to think and question and visualize as people always have done. Visualization can be of great value. I believe that concentration on a particular outcome with visualizing in detail can sometimes help that outcome happen, where there are aspects that are within our control. An example would be to picture not having something, like electricity, and then picturing yourself without it, in as much detail as you can, to help you understand what you can do in such a situation. This works, and is helpful.

I do not feel though that the technique of visualization lends itself to practical application towards Y2K generalities. For this, let's not confuse our visualizations with future realizations. I think that Y2K in general will be different than anything we can visualize. There are so many things that are beyond our individual control, so much that is still unknown and will remain so, and Y2K uncertainty is the rule rather than the exception. This does not mean that it is without value though. It may not have practical application, but can be a great exercise for provoking thought and analysis - especially for something out of the box like Y2K.

It is natural to picture or visualize what something you anticipate will be like. The more specific you can be in picturing something in detail that you have control over, the better it works. It will probably not be of benefit to try and visualize anything other than very specific situations though, except as exercises in thought. So, in summary, I am drawing a distinction between where I think visualization can be helpful and where it may not be. I believe it can be of great help in thinking through your specific Y2K preparations.

Agree or disagree? Comments welcome.

p.s. As with all of my threads this year, this is categorized as Misc.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 17, 1999

Answers

Rob, I caught the tail end of a radio report last week that mentioned a test where group of basketball players was divided into several groups. Some practiced free throws, another group visualized practicing, and a third group did nothing.

Both the practicing group and the visualizing group improved their performance. The do nothing group did not improve.

If anyone heard more of this, I'd like the details.

-- Puddintame (achillesg@hotmail.com), May 17, 1999.

Hi Puddintame. Yes, we can apply visualization to so many things, not just Y2K, and with varying results. I had not heard of your specific example. Interesting.

This subject hasn't been given much attention on the Forum (though I may have missed it). I think it is important, since it is something that we each spend time on but may not actually think very much about. Kind of like an automatic reflex. By calling attention to it, it is my hope that people will be more consciously aware they are doing it, and then be able to recognize when it can be of benefit, and use their "visualization time" more productively. I am also hoping that the topic generates some good discussion.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 17, 1999.

Visualization to me is a kind of lower level black magic -- I'd stay away from it. It's about achieving a goal you want without knowing if that's what you actually need. Making appropriate decisions is hard for many people because they worry about the past or what they're going to say to someone in the future.

Pray. Meditate. Practice pure awareness of the present moment.

-- abc (a@b.c), May 17, 1999.

Visualize whirled peas.

-- cool (cool@visualize.lsd), May 17, 1999.

NONONONONO!!! Visualization has NOTHING to do with any kind of magic. there are enough studies out that it is considered a standard part of training in MANY sports today. It is very easy to improve performance if you do visualization correctly. Watch the start of the Indy 500 next weekend. As they pan acros the drivers, you will see some with their eyes closed but their eyes are moving, rapidly, or their eyes are open but unfocussed, and in both cases there are little muscle twitches in their arms. they are visualizing the first couple of laps, and what they are going to do. this type of preparation has been shown to help, a lot.

Chuck

Other people who use visualization:

Platform and board Divers

Swimmers

Sprint track stars

Long distance runers

Champion golfers

Pretty much anyone who is doing something that requires personal physical performance.

-- chuck, a Night Driver (rienzoo@en.com), May 17, 1999.

abc, In my concept visualization is nothing metaphysical, just a thinking process. In otherwords, I can visualize all I want, but I can't influence the stock market. I can't cause objects to levitate. I think it's basically just focusing your thoughts for better anticipation. This ain't religion.

By the way, a great bumper sticker, "Visualize Using Your Turn Signal."

-- Puddintame (achillesg@hotmail.com), May 17, 1999.

Visualization is VERY useful, particularly when used with children (who already have the imaginations required to practice same.)

When my children were young, I had them lay down, close their eyes, and visualize success at either the next day's test, the next day's violin concert...whatever. In fact, my oldest daughter once complained that her ear hurt. She couldn't sleep over this disturbance. I suggested that she place her ear on the ceiling (as she slept on the top bunk.) She "DID". She slept comfortably and when I awakened her in the morning to prepare for school she asked, "Should I bring my ear?"

It's unclear in my mind what this treatise has to do with Y2k, but it's certainly been an interesting aside.

Anita

-- Anita Spooner (spoonera@msn.com), May 17, 1999.

Rob, What about putting some feathers on this bird?

Why don't we all try living without power/phone/car/flushing loo/no food shopping/no tapwater etc for say a weekend & all compare notes.

I realise that 2 days is nothing but it might help concentrate the mind.

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), May 17, 1999.

Visualization. Yes indeed. As a matter of fact I mentioned utilizing it in an e-mail to an acquaintance last evening. That particular reference dealt with self-defense & my plans to use visualization in order to help prepare myself & my family for different scenarios come roll-over +/-.

When it comes to visualization I'm an habitual offender. :-} I apply it in my spiritual practice - expansion of consciousness & all that. I enjoy cooking. Seasoning dishes is very much a process of visualization, for I don't ever measure out quantities of herbs & spices. It's a matter of feel & I believe feel is incorporated into, or a by-product of, the process of visualization.

The first major action once I 'Y2K got it' last summer was to visualize 'what ifs'. I attempted to grasp the big picture, the potential of the domino effect to wreak havoc upon our lives. It was only after this exercise that I began creating lists, & then gathering preparations.

I can't imagine - wait a minute, isn't this the beginnings of a visualization, why yes it is - any human being who doesn't utilize this technique. I swear one of my dogs uses visualization. I can see the wheels turning in her head, "boy I'd like to chew a pig ear about now!". Up she gets. "Hey dad, the pig ears are in this closet. Over here. Open the door, reach up on the top shelf & pull me one down. Get up off your lazy butt, dad." OK, maybe this is not an example of visualization.

Could visualization also be called "directed imagination"?

Is telepathy a form of shared visualization?

Thanks Rob. You da man with the good stuff. Keep sharin' it brother.

-- Bingo1 (howe9@pop.shentel.net), May 17, 1999.

Visualization is my LIFE!!! I suppose I've always done this from the time I was a very small child. I certainly can't do anything in my work without using this skill!

But, using it to address other aspects and areas of life is extremely useful. I just wouldn't be the same person if I was unable to utilize my minds eye in this way.

Hey, Bingo, I have a cat that I know uses visualization. It's incredible to watch her actually figure which way and where she should go or jump to get to where she shouldn't be : )

But, the real emotional journey to absolute joy was watching my 3 year old son use his own ability to figure out...well...which way and where he should go or jump to get to where he shouldn't be... : )

Mike (who seems to always be on his toes these days) =============================================================

-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), May 17, 1999.

Chuck: Thanks for more examples. I believe this can go beyond just Physical application though.

Puddintame: Amen. I agree with your stock market example as something that is futile (it was a better example than any of mine and took up less space - Thanks)

Anita: It has to do with Y2K preparations. I used the electricity example but you can take your pick of any Y2K prep thing that you want. The more we take something for granted, the easier it is to forget something about preparing to do without it. Visualization can help Focus our mind to better 'see' those things. It also has to do with thinking out of the box, if that is something that interests you. Your example of how your child used it was terrific. Mine have too. Probably all children do this as part of their play. We continue to do this as adults, sometimes without even realizing we are doing it I think - which was one of the main reasons for starting this thread.

Chris: As some posters here know, I have done Y2K drills and have posted about the value of them. There is no substitute for actually going through this. Arnie Rimmer had a couple of threads (others too) about how useful Y2K practicing is. Visualization is not a substitute for this. It can however, help you think through things before and afterwards.

Bingo1: Another synchronicity with your e-mail and thanks for the kind words. I was LOL about your Dog. It is interesting that you bring up the "what if" logic. That is key to understanding this whole thing. In a way, we are directing our thoughts, which include our imaginations, to specific possibilities which then can lead us to take real and specific actions. As far as telepathy possibly being a shared visualization I will have to pass. It is an interesting concept and perhaps someone who has some understanding can post their thoughts on this.

Michael: First off, nice name :) So you have a cat that does this? Maybe you should get together with Bingo1 and the pets so everybody and everything can sort of visualize together. LOL.

Where is RC, Hardliner, Hallyx? Maybe if they see this thread they will join us for a while. There are lots of folks that are here who I know could put in a good two cents so let's keep the idea machine crnaked up.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 17, 1999.

How's that scripture go? ...without vision my people perish.

For the person who posted that visualization is "low level black magic" remember every good thing the Lord created. It's satan that comes up with imitations. So be careful not to throw out the baby with the bath water just because satan tries to pervert something of God.

Concerning visualization it's a fascinating subject in the Bible, sports, life, etc. I read that Scott Adams of Dilbert fame utilized it to help him get out of the 9-5 rut to where he is today.

Watching "Joan of Arc" last night...it was interesting that a young girl by simply painting picture of a solution (albeit with inspiration from God) and having it read to villages of totally hopeless, dejected people could raise up an army to fight against oppression.

Another example along these lines...watch "National Velvet" the old classic movie with Eliz. Taylor. Very inspiring tale of a little girl who could "see" her horse win.

Faith, inspiration, hope .... none of these things are "low level magic".

Faith, the substance of things not seen....

-- texan (bullseye@ranch.com), May 17, 1999.

"You meet your expectations." (source?)

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), May 18, 1999.