Creative visualization (sports visualization) refers to the practice of seeking to affect the outer world via changing one's thoughts.[1] Creative Visualization is the basic technique underlying positive thinking [2] and is frequently used by athletes to enhance their performance.[3][4] The concept originally arose in the US with the nineteenth century New Thought movement. One of the first Americans to practice the technique of creative visualization was Wallace Wattles (1860–1911), who wrote The Science of Getting Rich [5]. In this book, Wattles advocates creative visualization as the main technique for realizing one's goals; a practice that stems from the Hindu Monistic theory of the Universe that is subscribed to by the book.[6]
Creative visualization is the technique of using one's imagination to visualize specific behaviors or events occurring in one's life.[7] Advocates suggest creating a detailed schema of what one desires and then visualizing it over and over again with all of the senses (i.e., what do you see? what do you feel? what do you hear? what does it smell like?).[8][9] For example, in sports a golfer may visualize the "perfect" stroke over and over again to mentally train muscle memory.[10]
This is dangerous and we Christians are called to be alert to this is ‘New Age’ Techniques. The above is evil and one of the major deceptions of the “end times”. Isa: 5:20-22; Tells us woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, and those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
We are called to live by the Spirit and put off the acts of the former sinful nature and seek the fruit of the Spirit; Gal: 5:19-26. Bible says in the last days even the elect will be deceived. Let us not be content to be an immature Christian, as was the case with many Hebrew believers! Heb: 5:11- 6:4. Abundant life is with God the Father, through Lord Jesus Christ because He is the way the truth and the life. And only His Spirit will be able to guide and lead us in this path of truth.
Websites and References:
1. S Noah . “Application of Information Visualization Techniques” Web: April 30, 2010.
www.springerlink.com/index/y132752w10n4501l.pdf
2. Schmitt, Suzan “Money Visualization Techniques” Web Mar 12, 2010 and 28 Feb 2010, accessed April 30th 2010
www.articlesbase.com/.../money-visualization-techniques-3-powerful-ways-to-attract-massive-wealth-and-happiness-1920245.html - United States
3. http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Creative_ visualization#cite_note-o# web: April 30th 2010.
4. Jay E.Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, ‘The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p.92-97)
5. John G. Kruis, ‘Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling; (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Third edition, p.23-24)
6. David G. Benner & Peter C. Hill, ‘Baker Encyclopaedia of Psychology & Counseling’ Second Edition, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1985, 1999, p.621-625)
