How to Follow Your Dreams
The Seven of Cups is one of my favorite tarot cards. It represents dreams flowing to us. Not just those we actively pursue but those set within our destiny with no effort or exertion required.
As children we follow these passionate impulses without fear or hesitation. The world, our parents and society slowly dismiss these destinies as fanciful and set us on more productive pursuits, thus squashing that which is most innate within our hearts.
To follow your dreams is not the stuff of legend but the very purpose of life. However, you can recapture that destiny which allows you to fulfill the illustrious nature of your true being.
AN INVITATION TO REMEMBER
How do we begin to find our dreams if they have slipped from us? While some blessed souls may have it charted out with great focus, others may find dreams to be a bit elusive slowly fading from our view. Rarely do we have parents actively championing our dreams, inserting instead their own morals and issues to help us avoid their missteps. Yes, this is done from love, but rarely from awareness.
The “why,” the logic, often obfuscates the seed of the dream. “How will I get there?” or “Who will be interested in hearing what I have to say?” shades the passion. Vulnerability, fear and doubt set in.
To recapture that which has always been with us may require creative exercises of daydreaming. What was it that excited you as child? What were the longings of the innocent heart before practicality was interjected? Passion and curiosity are the surest ways to find your abandoned dreams.
We are drawn to those things that match our destiny. Like some phantom limb, we can always feel them when we seek them. Find the whisperings and this is the key to find the dreams long forgotten. Regardless of the sensibility, seize the dream and breathe life into it. Even if this is not the ultimate path, these curiosities will bring you home.
GENTLER THAN YOU EXPECT
Expectations will likely pulverize the dream. Fearless pursuit and relentless determination are no way to chase your dreams. Inherent in the chase, is the disappointment or the exhilaration, both addictive. Chasing is not the way.
Dreams do not like to be quantified and work outside of the realm of logic. Treat it with curious devotion and the nature of dreams has its own magic which will find you. Your destiny is already set, my love.
Like the blueprint of the oak within the acorn, you are sure to succeed in those pursuits you most desire.
Feed your dreams through gentle nurturing and quiet attention. It is faith – not discipline – that will bring your dreams to you. Follow the dreams; don’t set course for them with careful planning and detailed attention, for then it becomes a task. It is the process of discovery that fills us with such joy we cannot bear to let it be forgotten.
ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS
Once the dream has been pinpointed, the universe quickly confirms you are on the right track by sending blessings your way. Synchronictites begin appearing that confirm your path. You find things come to you easily. It is a matter of alignment after all. When we match the frequency of our destiny and follow our dreams with loving gentleness, the world conspires to help us achieve that which has been ordained for us.
You could call this fate. But fate feels firm to me – fatal – lacking in free will and with plodded course. Destiny is the blueprint. How we arrive there is the journey of each soul and the delight of being.
The energies that find us when we follow our dreams feel good. This sense of peace, contentment and excitement are sure signs we are in alignment with our dreams. When we are in rhythm with the truth of our hearts, we cannot be but lifted by the path ahead. Even if we are unable to see the outcome, the process of creation feels too fulfilling to abandon.
Following our dreams gives us life, vitality, passion and becomes the purpose of our lives. We will feel more joyful and attract more of the same to us. Without effort, with loving attention, when we find the vibration of our destiny, and tend it well, everything unfolds just as planned. It is faith, not a detailed plan, that will feed our dreams and bring us to our destiny.
PRINCIPLE OF PRIORITY
We have many demands on us on any given day. Bills, self care, family and professional obligations at times seem to fill our to do list. If we feed these necessities only, the dreams will begin to wither. The trick is that the dream is always near, waiting patiently to be nurtured. Paying attention to that which gives us passion daily is the most certain path to following our dreams.
Like a muse, the dream is always faithful to us and expression its only purpose. To come into being is its destiny and it has chosen to become through us. Our obligation is to make it a priority. Want to write a book? Commit to writing every day even if only a sentence at a time. Want to be a great artist? Buy the canvas and have the tools at the ready when inspiration does strike.
Without our due diligence we are poor stewards for dreams. Be ready, be receptive and welcome the dream to move through you. This is the path of defiant self love which emboldens us to rise to our destiny.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM AS AN ACT OF CREATION
No great work happens overnight. The Sistine chapel did not just appear. It took devotion, love and consistent attention to complete. We are often dissuaded from our dreams because we cannot see the veracity of its final product. We look for confirmation that we are doing it “right” when the only validation is the joy it brings.
Creation is a tricky process. Sometimes it is pulsating with life ready to burst forth from us. Other times a quiet murmur that awaits breath to come back.
SET AN ALTAR FOR YOUR DREAMS
A vision board may be one expression but I like a bit more deep ritual. In my home, I have an altar to my business and my book. Both receive attention and are tended. I thank them when the muse is loud and honor them when the dream feels far off.
Faith fills me knowing the fulfillment of my dreams is coming even when I cannot possibly see how it comes into reality. Following the dream brings such delight I have no desire to stop even if I cannot grasp how the final product will reach the world.
ALL IS ATTRACTED TO YOU
When I began this path as shaman, I could not imagine where it would lead. I only knew it was the only pursuit that brought me joy. As a child, I would become excited talking about ghosts and aliens. With each step I’ve taken to honor this dream, more reveals itself. The destiny is set and my only job is to follow the clues and remain devoted. I could not have hoped to sit here now writing about such esoteric matters, moreover, that you would even read them. And yet with each unfolding, I find there is little for me to question. It seems the only “logical” next step. Follow the dreams, breathe life into the passion and all will come to you.
The converse of this is also true. In following your dreams, the fears, doubts and challenges will arise. With courage, we face these with the same gentle loving presence and the illusions which seem to block us begin to dissolve.
Rather than feeling discouraged, see the obstacles as exactly the trigger than will help us heal and overcome the doubts deep within. When these “icky” energies arise, it is only asking to be loved, acknowledged and brought back into the fold of your total whole self.
YOUR DREAMS ARE SACRED
When you treat your dreams as a holy quest, a path of sacred devotion, interesting things begin to occur. As if by magic, everything appears for you. Destiny unfolds before you requiring no stress, no effort. This is the way and is ready to remind you of your brilliance.
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About the Author
Visualizing: How To Use Imagination To Manifest
Visualization is a wonderful tool for manifesting your desires and reaching your goals. Through vivid and detailed mental images, you can align your thoughts and emotions with what you want to attract. In this article, we explore how to effectively apply this technique to transform your life.
Table of Contents
- What Is Visualization And What Is It For?
- Difference Between Visualizing And Imagining
- How Visualization Works In The Law Of Attraction
- How To Do A Visualization To Manifest: Step By Step
- Practical Examples Of Creative Visualization
- Overcoming Obstacles In The Practice Of Visualization
- Combining Visualization With Other Manifestation Techniques
What Is Visualization And What Is It For?
Visualization is the process of creating vivid and detailed mental images of what you want to achieve in life. Unlike letting the mind wander, visualization involves an intentional and conscious focus on the specific goals you want to manifest. This practice is used in various disciplines, from sports to psychology, to improve performance and achieve goals.
Visualization serves to align your mind and emotions with your aspirations, helping you maintain a vibrational frequency that attracts your desires. When you visualize effectively, your brain doesn’t distinguish between what you imagine and reality, allowing you to experience positive and motivating emotions associated with achieving your goals. This process not only reinforces your determination but also prepares you to recognize and take advantage of opportunities that bring you closer to your goals.
Practicing visualization regularly fosters a positive mindset, helping you overcome obstacles and stay focused on your long-term goals. It’s a technique that, when integrated into your daily routine, has the potential to significantly transform the path of your life.
Difference Between Visualizing And Imagining
Visualizing and imagining may seem similar, but they have important differences. Imagining is a more casual process and often involves random thoughts or fantasies without a specific goal. Visualizing, on the other hand, is an intentional and focused act where you create detailed mental images with the purpose of manifesting a particular desire or goal. Visualization requires clarity, concentration, and a deep emotional connection to the desired outcome.
Although both imagination and visualization involve the use of mental images, their purpose and focus differ notably. Visualization is aimed at creating a desired reality through a structured and conscious process, while imagination arises spontaneously and without a clear objective. Visualizing requires a defined intention and a deep emotional connection to the result you want to manifest. This constant practice strengthens your determination and aligns your mind with your goals, increasing the likelihood of achieving them.
How Visualization Works In The Law Of Attraction
Visualization is a central tool in the Law of Attraction because it allows you to align your thoughts and emotions with your desires. When you visualize, you create detailed mental images of your goals, activating your mind and emotions in a way that these vibrations are projected into the universe. This practice reinforces your intentions and helps you maintain a clear and constant focus on what you want to attract.
When visualizing, it’s important to incorporate all your senses to make the experience as real as possible. Imagine not only how your goal looks, but also how it feels, smells, sounds, and tastes. This deep sensory immersion makes your mind accept the visualization as a possible reality, raising your vibration and facilitating the attraction of your desires.
How To Do A Visualization To Manifest: Step By Step
To perform an effective visualization, it’s important to follow a structured process that allows you to deeply connect with your desires and goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create powerful and detailed mental images, aligning your thoughts and emotions with what you want to manifest.
- Define a clear goal: The first step is to identify precisely what you want to manifest. The more specific and concrete your goal is, the easier it will be to visualize. Write your goal down on paper and make sure it is clear and detailed.
- Create images of the life you want to live: Once you have your goal clear, start creating mental images of what your life would look like once you’ve achieved that goal. Visualize everyday scenes that reflect your new reality. Imagine every aspect of your life with that goal accomplished.
- Refine and specify the images: Detail the images you have created, adding all possible elements. Include colors, shapes, places, and specific situations. The more detailed your visualizations are, the more real they will feel and the more effective your practice will be.
- Connect the images with the five senses: To make your visualization more vivid, incorporate all your senses. Imagine how it looks, smells, sounds, tastes, and feels to live your achieved goal. This level of detail helps your mind accept the visualization as a possible reality.
- Include secondary characters in your visualization: Imagine the people who will be with you in this new reality. Visualize how they interact with you and how they contribute to your experience. Including secondary characters adds realism and depth to your visualization, strengthening its impact.
Practical Examples Of Creative Visualization
To inspire you to create your own visualization, here are two examples: creating the movie of your life and designing an ideal day in your perfect life. These techniques will show you how you can customize visualization according to your own aspirations and goals.
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Creating The Movie Of Your Life
Creating the movie of your life involves imagining a series of events in which you have achieved your most important goals. Visualize each scene as if you were watching a movie, with you as the main character. Imagine the details of each event, including who is with you, where you are, and what you are doing. This practice helps you establish a deep emotional connection with your goals, making them seem more achievable and real.
When practicing this technique, it’s crucial to include all the emotions and sensations you would experience while living those moments. Feel the joy, satisfaction, and pride of having achieved your dreams. The more realistic and detailed your mental movie is, the more effective it will be in aligning your vibration with the reality you want to manifest.
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Designing An Ideal Day In Your Perfect Life
Another effective method of creative visualization is to design an ideal day in your perfect life. Imagine a typical day in which all your desires have come true. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, visualize every detail of what this day would look like. Include activities, interactions, and specific accomplishments that reflect your desired life.
During this exercise, pay attention to how you feel throughout the day. Imagine the peace, joy, and satisfaction that accompany each moment. By repeating this exercise regularly, you train your mind to accept this ideal version of your life as a real possibility, strengthening your ability to attract these experiences into your daily reality.
Overcoming Obstacles In The Practice Of Visualization
Practicing visualization can present challenges, such as maintaining focus or dealing with negative thoughts. One of the most common obstacles is a lack of focus, which can be overcome by creating a quiet, distraction-free environment for your visualization sessions. Using deep breathing techniques before starting can help center your mind and set the stage for effective visualization.
Another challenge is facing doubts and limiting beliefs that may arise during visualization. To overcome this, it’s crucial to identify these negative thoughts and replace them with positive and empowering affirmations. Additionally, maintaining a regular practice and being patient with yourself makes it easier to strengthen your ability to visualize clearly and effectively. Over time, these obstacles will diminish, and your ability to manifest your desires will increase significantly.
Combining Visualization With Other Manifestation Techniques
To enhance the effects of visualization, it’s helpful to combine this practice with other manifestation techniques such as meditation, affirmations, and journaling. These complementary tools can help you deepen your visualization practice and strengthen your ability to manifest your desires more effectively.
- Meditation: Calming the mind through meditation makes it easier to focus on mental images during visualization. Meditation helps create a receptive and calm mental state, which is essential for effective visualization. Practicing meditation regularly also raises your vibrational frequency, better aligning you with your goals.
- Affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into your routine reinforces the beliefs and emotions that support your visualized goals. By repeating affirmations with conviction and emotion, you maintain a high, positive vibration that resonates with your desires. Affirmations act as constant reminders of your intentions, strengthening your focus and determination.
- Journaling: Keeping a journal allows you to solidify your intentions and clarify your vision by writing about your goals and visualized experiences. Journaling helps you reflect on your progress, identify any blocks, and adjust your practices as needed. This tool also provides a space to express gratitude and document the positive changes in your life.
