Visions For the Future

We have all heard of books like The Secret (Rhonda Byrne, 2006), and Law of Attraction. They teach us that like attracts like; if we put out the right energy and catch the attention of Universe, we will draw in all we need and desire. The concept is that if you not only surround yourself with positive energy, but post images and words that describe what you want—or who you want to be—your dreams will manifest.

So: does the theory of like attracting like, and similar techniques, really help bring desired results? Can it really be that simple? Long before books on this topic began gaining popularity, I'd do my own version, working in my journal creating collages of drawings, poems and words that helped me make mental paths to places I wanted to be and things I wanted to do. As things began to reveal themselves, it proved to me that the visions helped me focus more and work harder to get  what I wanted.

After The Secret hit book stores, I wondered how anyone knew about my secret—but was glad others shared similar beliefs and took practices like this seriously. So blending my experiences with what I learned in The Secret, I modified my journals and began incorporating a Vision Board. The foundation of The Secret explains that by "asking the Universe for what we want, believing that by thinking, acting and speaking as if we already have that which we desire, we will receive it." This is called visualization, and that alone is one powerful tool! But showing gratitude for what we already have adds incredible fuel to our desires, and that key is so often the forgotten element.

We are all so busy complaining about what we don't have, we often overlook all we do have. No matter how difficult life gets—how little we think we have—always look for a minute of happy and beauty because it is there. There is an incredible power to a Vision Board and they are so easy (and inexpensive) to create. Mine is hung on the wall in the private area where I do my meditation and spiritual work—that way, I can focus my energy on my intention. Before you begin to create yours, take a moment to offer a prayer to your Higher Power. Always work for the highest good and never interfere with anyone else's free will. Write down all you wish to achieve or attain; this will help remove ego and greed, and help you to concentrate on what is truly important.

You will need a cork board, white board, journal sketch book or even a sheet of oak tag—it's just important that you have something on which to place your images. It's a good idea to have your Vision Board reflect your personal style, so paint it, glitter it up or leave it simple... just make it yours! I attach affirmations to mine, as well. Affirmations are short, powerful statements that turn thought into reality. Often, our thoughts are less than positive, so affirmations are a good way of rerouting negative thoughts into positive. Don't forget like attracts like, so we want our thoughts always elevated. 

Next, go to your old newspapers and magazines and get ready to clip images and words that best describe what you want. Is it a new car, new home, some extra cash? Look for those images and pin or tape them to your Vision Board. Are you looking to heal discord in the family? Add an image of a happy family. All of this is sending out a vibration to Universe that helps bring it in to reality. Some people begin their Vision Boards on their birthday or New Years, and this is a nice idea. I re-do mine with each new Moon cycle, removing things that have manifested and adding new things for the coming month.

Are you thinking that this sounds too time consuming? Do you not have a few minutes to put your dreams in motion? My standard response to lack of time is: spend a few less minutes on the computer or at the mall, and you will have more than enough time. And the simple act of even brief meditation is not only good for your soul, but also good for your blood pressure. And so is being in touch with your creative self! So, as I leave you to work on your Vision Board, I will leave you with my affirmation: Remember, magic happens.