“I’m not good at visualizing.” “It’s hard for me to see something that isn’t real.” “I’ve tried visualizing but I don’t get there.”
I regularly hear things like this from fellow creators who balk at alignment exercises requiring them to form images in their mind’s eye.
(I myself have said that visualizing isn’t my forte.)
For some, it’s a result of a condition called aphantasia. An “aphant” is unable to conjure images in their mind, and often don’t know they have this condition. (An online questionnaire can help you self-evaluate.)
But aphantasia is rare: experts estimate roughly 2-4% of the population experiences it.
What’s more likely affecting those who say they can’t visualize is that it requires an effort they aren’t used to making. (At least, not an effort toward their desires. They are often well practiced at imagining things to worry about or recalling past disappointments.)
Saying I can’t visualize is sort of like saying I can’t squat. Okay, maybe I can’t squat easily, or comfortably, or fully. But that’s not the same as not being able to squat. The more we practice squatting, the better we get at it.
The same is true with visualizing. At least, for 96-98% of us.
Just because it isn’t easy, or just because it requires some effort, or just because we might not do it perfectly doesn’t mean we can’t engage visualization for effective alignment.
There are ways to practice visualizing to get better at it over time, but most of us are already practicing more than we realize. Like when we …
- Recall a meetup with a love interest
- Replay or anticipate the heated exchange with a family member
- Look forward to our favorite dessert at the restaurant
- Imagine what the mechanic might say about our car
- Worry that the paycheck won’t cover the bills
- Rehearse the conversation with the boss about taking time off
- Imagine the visit to the dentist
You’ve probably got at least vague pictures in mind to go with some of those imaginary things, right?
But even if you aren’t seeing conjured images in your mind’s eye – even if it’s just made up words and sounds and feelings – however we engage a desired scenario will serve us in our manifesting.
Yes, visualizing is the most common and basic practice in conscious creation, and you’re likely already good enough at it to benefit. But even if you aren’t, visualizing isn’t required. There are other ways to line up with you want …
You can use affirmations or scripts, you can recite reasons to believe, you can make evidence lists or focus on what’s going right, you can act as if, or place symbols of success in your environment …
But what’s not cool is letting a story about how you’re not good at visualizing handicap your overall creative powers. Either do something else to align to your desire, or recognize you’re a better visualizer than you realize.
Because the majority of creators I talk to who say they can’t see their success in their mind’s eye, are actually pretty good at imagining their failures and disappointments. (Because they’ve practiced them more!)
Use your visualizing skills in a way that serves your dreams instead of sabotages them. And tell a more supportive story about how you’re good at this manifesting skill.
And, if you’re in the sliver of the population who really doesn’t see things in your mind’s eye … no sweat. Line up another way.
There is nothing keeping us from manifesting dreams come true other than our own habits and beliefs.
So if you’re a conscious creator who thinks you’re not good at visualizing, think again. Yes, aphantasia is a thing, but what’s more likely affecting your visualization skill is lack of practice. Seeing what hasn’t happened yet isn’t easy, but it’s worth practicing!