Blog post #1: What exactly is imagery?

The dictionary describes imagery as "a modality referring to the internal, mental representation of sensory information in the absence of direct, corresponding external stimuli". More simply put, it is the process of seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting or smelling using only your mind. Often associated exclusively with visual representation, mental imagery can also manifest as a multi-sensory experience. It may also be perceived through only one of the senses. Or it may simply be a feeling or a sense of something. There is no right or wrong. 

Most people can learn to perceive spontaneous images when they get quiet enough to connect with them. We can also create images that represent - and carry - our intention directly to the subconscious. People whose strongest sense is visual may perceive or create something like a detailed beach scene when they are searching for calm. Those who are more auditory may perceive the sound of gently breaking waves in their beach scene but see nothing. Others may visualize the beach as no more than a color, as just the smell or taste of salt water on the tongue, or simply as a bodily sensation like warmth or coolness...the possibilities are practically endless.

What's important is connecting with the image. It's there to show us something that can help us along in our journey. Studies suggest that mental imagery activates similar regions of the brain as the perception of external stimuli does. In other words, the mind doesn't know the difference between inner and outer reality; it responds to both in the same way.

Imagery has been shown to affect memory and perception, and to play a role in emotional regulation. Studies also indicate it promotes relaxation and reduces the perception of pain. Because we are holistic beings, one thing affects the other, and so our minds affect our bodies. It's all connected. 

Sources: • ScienceDirect.com +4 • National Institutes of Health (.gov)+4 • Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy