What is your life’s true purpose? Many of us on the path to self-improvement and greater happiness have pondered this question. But have you ever sat down, in the quiet, and waited for an answer?
Visioning is a tool that may help you find that answer. “Just as the oak tree is already within the acorn, there are gifts of divinity, beauty, love and harmony that are already within you. Life visioning allows you to become available to that information,” explains Michael Bernard Beckwith, a best-selling author and the founder of Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles.
Similar to guided meditation, visioning allows you to tap into your higher intelligence, or “superconscious,” to discover those unique gifts. Visioning differs from visualization, which focuses on a particular outcome (affirmations to attract a life partner or imagine your perfect job, for example). By contrast, visioning has you ask yourself questions that open you to receiving information and insights from your higher mind.
Follow Michael’s seven steps to a passionate, purposeful life:
1. Get centered
1. Get centeredLet the worries of the day fall away. If your mind wanders to your to-do list or what you’re going to eat later, gently pull it back to the present. Call forth a feeling of unconditional love. Let it envelop your entire being.
2. Place a question before your higher self.
Ask for the vision: What is the highest purpose for my life? My project? Don’t force an answer. Allow images, thoughts and ideas to emerge. Write down everything that comes to mind.
3. What qualities must I cultivate to manifest this vision?
In his book Life Visioning: A Transformative Process for Activating Your Unique Gifts and Highest Potential, Michael writes that this step is pivotal. You may need to change in certain ways to realize your purpose and dreams. Be honest with yourself about how.
4. What qualities must I let go of?
Acknowledge the limiting beliefs that hold you back from realizing your full potential. Those beliefs served their purpose. Now it’s time to let them go.
5. What qualities do I already possess that will serve this vision?
Recognize your special talents and positive attributes.
6. Say yes to what comes through.
Be willing to receive the vision.
7. Express gratitude for the vision.
Close with a feeling of thanksgiving. Know that like the acorn and the oak tree, your inborn talents and traits make your vision for the future entirely possible.
How does that feel? Don’t expect a detailed outline for your future from one session. If you only receive a word, phrase or feeling, that’s OK. As you remain open and receptive, additional thoughts and ideas may appear as time goes on to pull you closer to your true purpose. Michael explains that even if the vision seems nebulous at first, it guides you toward the right action steps. Let it pull you toward the exciting life purpose that’s been waiting for you all along.
