Visualisation

If children are taught visualisation techniques they can use them when they are feeling anxious to help them to calm their minds. ‘Visualisation activates the same neural networks that actual task performance does, which can strengthen the connection between brain and body.’ (Stephen Kosslyn.Ph.D., author and neuroscientist)

The ability to pay attention, on purpose, in the present moment (practising mindfulness) we know can help to calm our emotions. Using visualisation we can reap the benefits from a place or context that we know makes us feel calm or happy, without actually needing to be there. If we think in great detail about the experience on our senses, of being in a specific place, it can help us to visualise and bring to mind the place once again, in turn, helping us to feel calm. You could help your child to imagine lying on a beach. The sky is blue, they can imagine how soft it feels to be lying on the sand, feeling the heat of the sun on their face and arms and they can hear the gentle lapping waves. You can encourage them to allow their body to relax into the soft, warm, sand. They could shut their eyes and breathe with the rhythm of the rolling waves.

I find walking on the beach in Brighton a calming experience. Using visualisation I bring to mind that same experience when I am not physically on the seafront. I need to think in great detail about what I can see, hear, feel and smell. I can see the sun illuminating the clouds and the sea stretching towards the horizon. I can hear the waves crashing onto the pebbles on the shore and cries from the seagulls. I can feel the heat of the sun and the spray from the waves on my face. I can smell the salt from the sea spray in the air. This is visualisation.