Vision boards are about making unconscious or vague dreams into more conscious and more specific aspirations for life. When we create a vision of more concrete dreams for the future we are usually more motivated to work towards creating the results we want to experience. It’s so much easier to work towards something specific and clear in your mind.
When we allow ourselves to dream and we begin to set clear goals we consciously and sometimes unconsciously work towards these outcomes. Goals and dreams don’t have to be about material possessions but if possessions and material things are your dreams and goals then that’s perfect for you. They can include anything you desire to experience in your life and can be portrayed any way that’s meaningful to you on a vision board.
In the past I have created vison boards that I can hang on the wall with images pasted from magazines etc. of the dreams I would like to experience. I have also created an electronic vision board to use as a desk top on my computer (and printed) which is another great way to create a vision board. If you enjoy drawing or being artistic you could use your own art form to create a unique vision board. You can format any vision board with a picture of yourself in the middle and include dreams for all areas of life in images surrounding you of things you would like to achieve: personally, family, education, work, travel, financially, spiritually and so forth.
Recently I realised I have achieved many things on my last vision board, some not quite as I had intended but achieved none the less. I’m also in a very definite writing phase and words have become very important to me in many ways. I noticed that I connect with words with strong mental images and emotions very easily, and make quite incredible mind maps instantly (incredible to me). I tried to describe the thought process to my singing teacher once and realised I could only describe in with written words in a diagram. I have also been writing a lot of poetry lately, I have favourite decorative items in my home with words, like rugs and wall plaques etc.
Noticing the importance of words, this time I decided to do something different that is meaningful to me to create a vision board. I decided not to use pictures of other people living my dreams in their way, even though that method has been powerful in creating past vision boards. As words are an important method of self-expression to me they resonate with deeply meaningful pictures in my mind. I have also realised that many of the dreams for my future are intangible and difficult to portray in an image that would evoke a heartfelt response. So this time I used the words that deeply touch my heart, provoke a joyful emotional response, and make me feel inspired, expansive, curious, creative and most of all loving.
Evoking feelings is an important part of creating living dreams, and therefore part of any goal setting method, including vison boards. Evoking strong feelings creates energy and drive towards the goal. The beauty of a vision board, or writing your dreams and goals down is that you can look at them often and reignite those feelings to help keep you working towards a future you want to create. Seeing your dreams and goals in front of you is a great way to clarify and evolve your ideas. Dreams are fluid and can change as we age, as circumstances change and as we invite new people into our world. So too do vision boards need updating.
Today when doing a tarot card reading for myself, I asked a question about my spiritual future direction. The card reading felt so inspiring, I felt that my question was answered, and the reading felt like a road map of direction including showing me obstacles along the way. I decided to add this reading as part of my vision board to remind me about my dreams and goals for my spiritual practice. Another creative way to focus on my vision for my current life and future.
I’ve shared some examples I’ve created of old and new vision boards: an electronic one that is mostly achieved, a word one that relates to all areas of life, and an examples of a relationship one. I found using words captures things important to me that images of total strangers can’t portray. When I read the words the feelings arise that I associate with the meaning. I find I’m adding words and ideas to the lasts ones: they are a work in progress.
More about vison boards and goal setting.
Vision boards are just one way to put your goals and dreams outside of your mind where you can look at your ideas and sense if they are truly what you desire. Often we can be influenced and experience a conditioned response to marketing, societal conditioning, or other external drives. We can be influenced to live someone else’s dream without even stopping to think about it. Our most powerful goals are most likely from intrinsic motivation, or “inspiration”, rather that external motivation.
External motivation is important and useful, assisting us to make responsible choices on a daily basis. However, if you want to know what makes your heart sing, what makes you want to leap enthusiastically out of bed every day, then look within to see those goals and dreams for a purposeful, meaningful, sustainable life. There will certainly be cross references to externally motivated goals. Creating a vision board and looking at it often helps us remember what and why we were doing something. So remember it makes sense to put it somewhere you will see it easily.
Most of all, have fun creating your own version of looking at your goals and dreams for your life, and remember to look at them often.
A further note about content of your vision board
Including references on your vision board to what you already love and appreciate in your life is a powerful affirmation that you want the people, things, and experiences you love to continue as part of your world. If you are already in your forever home then add a photo of it, or if using words perhaps you could write your address and a statement like “my dream home”. Add photos or references to your children. Perhaps include references to family members or friends you cherish. This way the vision board also becomes a gratitude practice that recognises the presence of abundance in the form you currently have in any area of your life.
Remember it’s your dream for sculpting your future your way. What ever method of envisioning your dreams and setting goals works for you is perfect. It just needs to be meaningful to you. Vision boards, in anyway you can positively relate to them, are one way you can clarify your dreams for your life.
If you would like more information about vision boards or other life coaching strategies then contact Jen here to make an appointment.