Have you ever made a Vision Board? A Vision Board is a series of images, (usually collaged), either specific to your desires, or evoking the qualities you want to create in your life. I’ve done them a number of times. Not uncommonly, I’ll stash it away, and come across it at a later date. I’m always amazed to find that so much of what I had imaged has since come to pass! It’s a really effective tool, and just plain fun.
That’s what we did at the first “Create Your Life Playshop” this past Sunday. We were gathered in a room full of light – the sun graced us with its presence in the late afternoon – being low at this time of year, it poured into the spacious studio. We sat around a table with a stack of magazines, cutting images and/or words out, then spreading them on our boards, to rubber cement or glue-stick in place. Tag board is commonly used as the backing, but be creative. We used manila folders. They fold up conveniently for portability, and stand elegantly on your desk, dresser, or bedside table.
Arranging the images pleases me. Finding the way they belong together best brings a sense of “rightness.” Call it aesthetic taste, but the ultimate effect for me is one of inner peace. It’s like a perfectly tuned chord, ringing overtones. There’s a physical resonance to the harmony. I also enjoy it being a creative outlet free from performance anxiety. The process of scanning for colors, shapes, images, and cutting out whatever grabs you, takes you on a ride. Your choices can surprise, and reveal an aspect that may not yet be fully expressed. Recognizing those things gives you a chance to take action; to own the missing pieces.
The best part of the afternoon was the feeling of easy intimacy. We chattered away, enjoying the time to share about things important or trivial. An atmosphere of trust, and a novel experience to share, is the perfect combination for delight. The location completely supported the feeling of graced time and space. The Cutting Gardens is situated with a knock-out view of the Olympic Mountains as well as rural fields. So even if the mountains are weather-hidden, the view is expansive and calming. Honestly, it was as good as chocolate!
My conclusion from my own Vision Board? Something that I have been growing into made itself very clear: Beauty is not an extravagance in my life, it’s a necessity. I believe this is true for all of us. If you have Venus Stars in your hands, even more so. Are you skimping on beauty in your life? It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, but it does have to be there. It makes me relax, breather easier, and smile.
Coach’s Challenge: If you’ve never made a Vision Board, go for it! It works as well as writing down your goals –perhaps better, because it works on both sides of your brain. Envision life at its best, and live your way into it!
