Guided Imagery--Shifts of Vision

One thing many people have found valuable to write about is a shift in perspective, those times when suddenly we see things differently.  Vision is a word with rich associations, so perhaps I can help you to consider some of the possibilities.  People often see things one way and then come to see things differently at another point in their lives.  Listen as I talk about these possibilities, try to associate with something which you could write about.  Listen for items which remind you of things in your life, which trigger significant memories or ideas for writing.
 What are some things you have come to see differently?  [very slowly, pausing between each idea]  As a young child, did you ever realize that something was not what you thought it would be?  Was not as you had seen it before?  School, Day care, the library, a first tooth, a first romance, all look different to us after we have experienced them.  As a more grown up person, did you ever come to see a person differently over time?  This person might have been a parent or a teacher or a partner.  Have you ever had the experience of having someone do something and suddenly seeing them so differently that you will never be able to see them in the same way again.
Sometimes we are hit with new perceptions like a bolt of lightning, suddenly we see things in a new light, sometimes it is only in looking back on a situation, in re-visiting it through writing that we are able to gain perspective and see it differently.
Sometimes we grow up and change and no longer see people in the same way.  Sometimes the change is in us, and when we look back we no longer see a circumstance, a place or a person in the same way.  Can you think of a place which looks different to you now?  Can you think of a person who you no longer see in the same way?  Are there events in your life which you have come to view differently as you have grown and changed?  Are there students who revealed themselves to you in different ways over time?   Are there moments when you have been revealed to yourself in a different way?

Now put down your pencils and relax, sit back in your chair and get as comfortable as you can.  You can take one or two deep breaths… taking a moment to relax your body.  I am going to give you some suggestions to help you do some internal research, to explore your own memory.  While I talk, you may find it helpful to stare off into space or to close your eyes, so you can fully appreciate the pictures that my words call up in your mind.
 As you sit there, you can notice the pressure of your back against the chair… and your feet on the floor.. and when your eyes are closed, you can hear the sound of the air rushing through the ventilator, or the hum of the florescent lights.  Your may become aware of your own breathing … the air flowing in and out of your lungs… the feeling as you exhale… and as you become increasingly relaxed… you can be pleased to discover … that you can take yourself back in time… and, using your memories… recreate scenes from your life.

And so now I would suggest that you return to a moment and a place which was significant in terms of your shift of vision.  As you arrive there, you will notice that time is slowed down, making it easy for you to find yourself in the scene, and settle slowly into yourself.  Now you can take a good, long , slow look around.  What do you see?  Look down at yourself.  Notice how you are dressed. .. now turn and look to your right… What do you see?  … Now look to your left and notice what’s there… And you can even turn all the way around and look behind you and notice what you see there… You can notice the sounds in this place… and the feel of the air on your cheek… Is someone here with you?   Who is it?  How do you feel about this person or these people?… And what are you saying?… And what are you doing?… And what are you thinking?…. And feeling?… And now time begins to move on and you can experience your shift of vision and the events which are taking place….[long pause]
 And s you finish experiencing this event in your life, you can think about what it means to you now, and you can appreciate the insights it gives you…  And now, you can gather up the sensations, ideas, sights and sounds to bring back with you… and you can gradually return to this time and place… to this room, taking all the time you need.
 And when you are fully ready, you can open your eyes.  [Change voice tone to normal] And now you may want to pick up your pencil and make a few notes so you will remember the many things you have just observed in your experience.