Embrace the power of visualisation

THIS 'NEUROLOGICAL TRAINING TECHNIQUE' IS SAID TO HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS. SARA KEENAN FINDS OUT MORE

- SARA KEENAN

VISUALISATION is a tool that has been used for many years to help with public speaking, sports and overcoming fears.

With many variations, misconceptions and ideas about what visualisation actually is, and how to use it practically, we spoke with coach, author, and expert in mental fitness and visualisation, Maya Raichoora.

The 27-year-old says she is on a mission to make mental fitness and visualisation just as common as physical fitness, after going through a personal experience of chronic illness at the age of 17.

"Visualisation is something that really helped me not only have hope and strengthen my mind, but it also helped me with pain during my illness," Maya says.

"It pushed me to learn more about the brain and why it can work to our advantage, rather than what most of us do - which is just leaving it to chance."

What is visualisation?

Maya, who recently spoke at AllBright's Live Well Festival, explains that visualisation has been around for decades, and is the "intentional creation of images, environments and feelings in your head before they happen".

"Some people confuse this with manifestation, but it's different," she explains.

"Through my work I show that there are actually five techniques to learn and use - outcome, process, creative, negative and exploration - and I really urge people to consider it as a neurological training technique that is used by elite athletes and senior executives.

"It is not just a 'woo woo' concept of thinking of something and it happens.

"This is us rewiring our brain every day to build our character, confidence and achieve our goals."

What does each type of visualisation mean?