VISUALIZATION
Visualization is the art and skill of creating a mental
model of an event or situation. It is controlled, directed,
and purposeful. Peak performers visualize more and better
than do others. They may have learned spontaneously to
visualize events in vivid detail.
HOW VISUALIZATION WORKS
The body cannot distinguish between an event
which is experienced and one which is vividly imagined.
We cannot think or imagine without some level of physical
response occurring. In visualization, thoughts and images
lead to neurological patterns, which in turn, lead to
muscular responses.With the repetition of a sequence of
thoughts and images, in other words a visualization, the
associated pattern in the nervous system is strengthened
and the responses that are imagined have a higher probability
of occurring in the actual situation.
VISUALIZATION AFFECTS THE BODY
Vivid and detailed visualization can create a powerful
effect on the body. Vividness and precision in visualizations
create a physical sensation in the body. This kinesthetic
or "feeling" component of the visualization
is of vital importance. Feeling and sensing the experience
as it is being pictured signify that the muscles and nervous
system are being strongly imprinted by the visualization.
VISUALIZATION MEANS SKILLFUL USE OF IMAGES
Visualization is different from internal narration
or dialogue. Although words and thoughts can help to focus
images, visualization involves primarily the use of mental
images, not thoughts. Images or pictures are the primary
content of visualizations because words cannot be generated
at a fast enough rate to describe events as they occur.
VISUALIZATION: THE LANGUAGE THAT BUILDS SUCCESS
Imagery is the most effective language in which
an athlete can communicate with himself. Visualization
allows for a vast amount of information to be conveyed.
Visualization engages a different part of mind than strictly
rational, linear thinking. The mental processes with visualization
assists the athlete in staying in a free flowing state
which is associated with peak performance.
VISUALIZATION IS FOCUSED MENTAL WORK
The development of skill in visualization involves imagery
control: being able to control the series of images, the
rate or tempo, enhance the vividness and precision, and
translating intent or desire into pictures, and create
images that produce a kinesthetic effect on the body.
There is a vast difference between visualization and daydreaming.
Visualization is focused mental work that sharpens the
real skills being viewed. By developing visualization
skill, athletes can learn to construct visualizations
that are powerful mental tools. For more information on
visualization, look at:
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