Receptive Visualization

Receptive visualization is a technique where an individual creates a mental image or scene and focuses on it with an open, receptive mindset, allowing any thoughts or images to come into their awareness without judgment. This technique can be used to reduce anxiety, increase creativity, and improve overall well-being.

Research has shown that receptive visualization can have a positive impact on mental health. A study conducted on university students found that those who engaged in receptive visualization reported a significant decrease in anxiety compared to those who did not participate in the technique (Leigh, et al., 2018). Another study found that receptive visualization was effective in reducing negative emotions and increasing overall well-being in cancer patients (Pallavi & Mohan, 2019).

Receptive visualization can also be used to improve creativity and problem-solving skills. A study conducted on graphic design students found that those who engaged in receptive visualization demonstrated greater creativity in their designs (Moghadam & Karimi, 2015).

According to Dr. Joanne D. Moore, a licensed psychologist and author of “Receptive Visualization: Guided Imagery to Enhance Mood, Self-Esteem, and Creativity,” receptive visualization can “open up the mind to new possibilities and help people to get in touch with their intuition, feelings, and inner wisdom”.

Why having a materialistic purpose makes us self centered?

Having a materialistic purpose can often lead to a self-centered mindset because the focus is on achieving personal gain and success, often at the expense of others. When we become fixated on material possessions or external validation, we may lose sight of the needs and feelings of those around us.

In a materialistic mindset, our sense of self-worth may become tied to our possessions or achievements, rather than our inherent value as human beings. This can create a cycle of constantly striving for more, which can lead to feelings of discontent and a lack of fulfillment.

Additionally, materialism can lead to a narrow view of the world, where success is measured solely in terms of wealth, status, or power. This can result in a lack of empathy and understanding for those who do not fit within that narrow definition of success, and can lead to a self-centered worldview.

There have been several research studies conducted on the relationship between materialism and self-centeredness.

One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that materialistic values were associated with a greater emphasis on self-promotion, which in turn led to lower levels of empathy and prosocial behavior towards others.

Another study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that materialism was negatively associated with happiness and well-being, and that this relationship was partially mediated by a greater focus on self-interest and lower levels of interpersonal relationships and social support.

Furthermore, research has shown that the pursuit of materialistic goals, such as wealth and status, can lead to a range of negative outcomes including increased anxiety, depression, and stress.

Overall, while materialistic goals may provide some short-term benefits, such as financial security or social status, the pursuit of these goals can ultimately lead to a more self-centered and unsatisfying life.

Rushing and slowing down

Rushing and slowing down can have significant effects on our bodies and overall wellbeing. Scientists have conducted research on the physiological and psychological effects of both rushing and slowing down.

According to Dr. Alan Watkins, a neuroscientist and leadership coach, rushing can cause stress and anxiety, leading to a release of cortisol and adrenaline in our bodies. This can result in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and shallow breathing, which can all contribute to a negative impact on our health.

On the other hand, slowing down can have positive effects on our body. Dr. Michael Mosley, a British television presenter and medical journalist, conducted an experiment where he monitored his heart rate variability while practicing slow breathing and found that it helped to reduce his stress levels. Additionally, slowing down can allow us to be more present in the moment and increase our overall sense of wellbeing.

‘Interests’ don’t land on your lap.

To effectively discover and pursue new hobbies, waiting for interests to “land on your lap” is not a reliable strategy. Instead, there are several proactive steps that individuals can take to identify and explore new hobbies.

One approach is to actively seek out new experiences and opportunities, such as attending community events, joining clubs or groups related to a potential interest, or trying out new classes or workshops. By exposing oneself to a variety of activities, individuals can discover new passions and hobbies that they may not have considered otherwise.

Another approach is to reflect on personal values and interests, and consider how those can be translated into potential hobbies or activities. For example, someone who values environmentalism and sustainability may be interested in gardening or composting.

Additionally, it can be helpful to seek out information and resources related to a potential hobby, such as books, online communities, or instructional videos. This can provide individuals with a deeper understanding of the hobby and help them determine if it is something they want to pursue further.

Research has shown that actively seeking out new experiences and opportunities can have positive effects on well-being and personal growth (Diener et al., 2010; Kashdan et al., 2011). Additionally, pursuing hobbies has been linked to increased feelings of happiness and life satisfaction (Hektner et al., 2007).

Curiosity and self-inquiry

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Curiosity and self-inquiry are important because they are fundamental aspects of human growth and development. When we are curious, we are motivated to seek out new experiences, learn new information, and explore the world around us. This can lead to personal growth, increased knowledge, and a more meaningful life.

Self-inquiry, on the other hand, involves examining our own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs in order to better understand ourselves and our place in the world. This process can help us identify our values, strengths, and weaknesses, and can lead to greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

Both curiosity and self-inquiry are also linked to well-being, as they can help us build resilience, cope with stress, and develop a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, curiosity has been linked to improved cognitive function and creativity, while self-inquiry has been linked to improved mental health and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Difference between happiness, well being and pleasure

Photo by whoiswasiq on Pexels.com

Happiness, well-being, and pleasure are three distinct concepts that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings.

Happiness refers to a positive emotional state that results from the experience of contentment, joy, or fulfillment. It is an overall sense of satisfaction with one’s life and reflects a sense of purpose, meaning, and engagement.

Well-being, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive concept that refers to a state of physical, emotional, and social health. It is a holistic sense of wellness and encompasses factors such as physical health, mental health, social connections, financial stability, and a sense of purpose in life.

Pleasure, on the other hand, refers to the immediate gratification or enjoyment that one experiences from a particular activity, such as eating a delicious meal, listening to music, or having sex.

While pleasure and happiness can contribute to well-being, they are not the same as well-being. A person can experience pleasure without experiencing well-being, and a person can experience well-being without experiencing pleasure. For example, a person who is struggling with depression may not experience pleasure from activities they once enjoyed, but they may still experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their life that contributes to their overall well-being.

Happy for no reason

Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

There’s a difference between the kind of happiness that depends on what happens to us in a day and a sense of well-being that comes from within. The first can easily take a dive whenever there’s adversity – and in this time of lockdown and recession, bad things happen.  The second offers a sort of inoculation against these ups and downs. It is “happy for no reason.”

According to Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist at the Univesity of Wisconsin, well-being can be cultivated, with four pillars:

• Awareness, knowing what’s happening in your own mind, or “meta-awareness”. Research at Harvard found that people’s minds are wandering almost 50% of the time. Meta-awareness lets us notice when our mind is wandering and bring it back to what’s important right now.
• Connection, having nourishing relationships. Our own kindness and empathy help build relationships that nourish us.
• Insight, or knowing the stories about ourselves in the voice in our heads – that stream of thought that’s going on from the moment we wake up to the minute we fall asleep.
• Purpose, being motivated by a sense of meaning that’s larger than mere self-interest.

The good news: all of these qualities can be boosted.