I can't think of too many people who have had any good news to share this past year. Of my own family and friends, there were at least ten passings of dear ones, beginning in February, then War, SARS, Southern California fires and mudslides, just to name a few reasons that have made life difficult. We end the year with a new strain of flu, terrorist attack paranoia, and cash flow problems. To make matters worse, there seems to be no end to our travails in sight.
For the first time in my life I absolutely could not get into the spirit of the holidays, and went so far as to tell everyone I had temporarily become a Jehovah's Witness, no disrespect intended. All I wanted was to go into solitude, indulge in total silence, minimize any social contact as much as possible, and definitely forego the usual holiday observances.
I stopped reading the newspapers, can't sit still for television, and in general have found little comfort in any diversions. Finally, at the last minute, I couldn't take the guilt of not buying any gifts for my nieces and nephews, especially for the three who lost their father, my estranged brother-in-law, to suicide only this past October.
I was racking my brain to give them something that would have meaning and possibly help them to feel some sense of control in their young lives. It was then that I discovered a "Creative Visualization" kit, by Shakti Gawain. She also has some audiotapes that help to guide one through some meditation exercises. My nieces and nephews range in age from 12 to 21, three in their teens. I decided to take a chance, knowing that none of them have been exposed to any kind of meditation of any kind for any purpose.
I'm assuming that most adults are somewhat familiar with creative visualization, since several public figures have spoken of it, such as Jim Carrey or Oprah Winfrey, who has stated that "I do believe, and I have seen in my own life, that creative visualization works."
Basically, "Creative Visualization is the art of using mental imagery and affirmation to produce positive change. It is being successfully used in the fields of health, education, business, athletics, and the creative arts. With over two million copies sold in the U.S., this pioneering bestseller and perennial favorite helped launch a new movement in the personal growth field when it was first published nearly two decades ago."
