Imagery is a multidisciplinary prevention healthcare and healing method with roots originating from ancient times. This is evidenced in ancient scripts of different cultures that describe spectacular therapies brought about with Imagery. According to the Apollonean Gateway of Imagery, these references are now confirmed by a large set of clinical and empirical studies that have recorded the effectiveness of Imagery in the treatment of a wide range of health conditions such as obesity (1), insomnia (2), phobias and anxiety (3), depression (4), cardiovascular diseases (5) eating disorders (6), cancer (7), asthma (8) and many more.

Do we already apply Imagery?

Imagery is the process in which the mind communicates in the form of images through the senses and in absence of external stimuli. This communication, however, is not limited to images.  “We tend to think about images as being visual, but images can also be auditory. They can be tactile. They can be olfactory. In fact, images can take shape in any sensory modality that operates in an individual”. (Esiner, 2011, pp. 30–31).

It is said that we already apply  imagery unknowingly as we constantly imaginally create our beliefs and expectations, as well as the experiences we have. For example, in view of something we are awaiting to happen, we tend to imagine its positive or negative outcome depending on how we perceive, feel, see and experience ourselves in the present moment. The images we choose to keep in our psychosynthesis, be it voluntarily or not, affect our psychophysiology. Surveys with brain scans have shown that, the same regions of the brain that are activated by what is considered to be our “normal” perception, are also activated with Imagery (Miyashita, 1995). For example, imagining a phone activates the same areas of the brain that are activated when we see a phone in front of us. (Posner, 1993).

The Apollo Gateway of Imagery supports that, just as logic is a mental process applied in modern science, which breaks, analyzes and restructures a phenomenon, imagery is the intuitive and visionary mental process which brings us in contact with our inner reality and our higher wisdom. Without the intuitive mental process, we would not be inspired with new ideas and solutions. It is the creative way of thinking by which we overcome the limitations of logic; we are free to leave our comfort zone and allow ourselves the receive the revelation of new possibilities.

How can Imagery help us?

The conscious application of Imagery is consistent with the science of Phenomenology: awareness of the experience in the moment without interpretations and analysis. By being aware of how we imagine ourselves and the situations we experience, we not only become aware of our limitations which govern how we think, feel and act, but also of the solutions and possibilities that are readily available to us.

In other words, the conscious and deliberate application of our innate ability to imagine provides us with a revelatory and transformative experience that enables us to find new ways of approaching the challenges that life presents to us. For example, to have beautiful and healthy relationships or to restore them if they are problematic, to get rid of habits that are no longer beneficial, but also develop that inner power that leads us to personal success and spiritual development.

It is true that several studies have been conducted on imagery and its healing properties and, so far, the results are quite promising. Imagine what will happen when we really define our psychological and physical health, success, life and relationships, by seeing, feeling, and understanding how we imagine ourselves and our lives.

Taking into account the importance that scientists have given to the development of our imagination during our pre-school age and the role that psychology plays in the shaping of our physical health, then all that remains is to experience the application of imagery in the 2-day workshop that will take place on March 2-3 with Demetra Monocrusso.

First published in Greek by Enallaktiki Drasi in February 2019.

Sources:

1. Bornstein & Sipprelle, 1983
2. Sheikh, 1976
3. Habeck & Sheikh, 1984, Meichnbaum, 1977, Singer 1974
4. Bornstein & Sipprelle, 1983
5. Schultz, 1984
6. Arabian, 1982, Bell & Schwartz, 1975, Furedy & Klajner, 1978
7. Hall, 1984
8. Epstein et al, 2004

Demetra Monocrusso

Professional Coach and Mental Imagery Clinician

Disclaimer

Demetra is not a medical professional and none of her advice should ever be taken in the place of medical advice. The information provided is purely for educational purposes. Individuals must use their own discretion, judgment and commonsense at all times and should not break any local, national or international laws. Under no circumstances will Demetra be held liable or responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special or consequential damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use, the information he shares. If you have a medical condition or health concern, always consult your doctor.