At the simplest level visualisation is the production of an image in the mind. In other words it is the constructive use of your imagination. This is the root of all magical operations. People learn the skill at different rates. For some it involves real visual sensation, as if using the eyes, for others it is an idea or sense. No particular expression of the skill is better. It is important to work through these exercises in the order given, if you are to effectively develop this skill.
Exercise I
Start by trying to form simple objects in your mind. When you are centred, close your eyes and try to imagine an orange. Be sure to get every detail, the orange colour, the pitted skin, and the green stalk. Then imagine sinking your nails into the skin, feel the resistance of the skin against your nails. Smell the zest of the orange. Slowly peel your imaginary orange. See the pith and the flesh beneath. Feel the juice run onto your fingers, smell it. Take a piece of your orange put it in your mouth and taste it.
You can choose any object you like for this exercise, but make sure it is a simple one. It may be helpful to spend some time looking at a physical example of the object before you do the exercise.
When you are able to do this easily move on to more complex objects, plants, trees, or animals. This takes time, as you can add sound to the experience, and motion. Be sure to build as complete an image as possible.
Then go on to places. You could start by using a photograph. Clearly form the place in your imagination. Use all of your senses. As yet you should not be trying to place yourself within the image, that comes later.
Exercise 2
Metabhavana, a Buddhist form of meditation makes a good stepping stone in developing this skill.
Centre and ground, and with your eyes closed try to imagine yourself Picture yourself as clearly as possible. Imagine yourself bathed in love. Send that love into your very being. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you a very close to, as clearly as possible. Imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you are indifferent to, as clearly as possible. Perhaps it is someone you see every day but have not really got to know, imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you dislike, an enemy, as clearly as possible. Imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture the world. Start with your immediate area, then slowly include more and more of the country, of Europe, through the other continents until you can picture the whole world. Try to imagine the life force of every living being on the planet, building it i. p slowly with each step. As you go through each step imagine everything bathed in love. Send your love out to every being in the world. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Exercise 3
You are now ready to try a few imaginary journeys. In this exercise you will be using all of the skills that you have developed so far. The easiest place to start is with a scripted journey. These can be bought pre-recorded on audiotape. However, it is not possible to try out such tapes before purchasing them. Books of scripted visualisations are available, and thanks to the use of this technique by RE teachers, more materials are becoming available. However, remember that the scripts will reflect the purpose the author had in mind, and this is not always a magical purpose.
You will need to become familiar with the scripted visualisation in order to use it without help. It is better to find someone who understands what you are doing and is willing to read it to you. Equally you could record the script onto audiotape yourself Which ever you do, make sure that the reader does not rush through it. Read slowly, but not too slowly. Allow short pauses between images. If the text calls for a pause make it a lengthy one, of several minutes. If when doing the exercise you are told to spend some time in a place or with certain characters you will need plenty of time to do this. In such a situation you should use the opportunity to explore the place, or to ask questions and listen to answers.
Here is an example of a simple journey. Try out this exercise and write a report on your experience. Try to make a realisation related to your journey.