Guided Visualizations is a participatory activity in which participants collectively build a visualization through a chain narration. Each person adds a part to the visualization in a smooth sequence, following prior guidelines to ensure coherence in the experience. This activity fosters creativity, focus, and group connection, allowing for deep and intuitive exploration of a topic.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Collectively explore a theme through guided visualization.
- Encourage creativity and the group’s narrative-building capacity.
- Promote relaxation, imagination, and interpersonal connection.
- Prepare the materials:
- A comfortable, distraction-free space where participants can relax.
- Optional: soft background music, aroma diffusers, or sensory elements.
- Sheets or materials to record experiences at the end.
- Set up the space:
- Arrange participants in a circle or in comfortable positions.
- Ensure a calm atmosphere to support concentration.
Step-by-step instructions
- Introduction to the purpose
- Explain that the activity involves collectively building a guided visualization.
- Let participants know they will each take turns adding to the visual story.
- Highlight the importance of flow and coherence in the narrative.
- Start the visualization
- The facilitator begins with a brief introductory scene.
- Example: “Imagine you’re walking along a path lit by the glow of sunset…”
- Chain development
- Each participant adds a segment to the visualization in turn.
- They may include sensory details, actions, or events within the described setting.
- Example: “In the distance, you hear the sound of a stream flowing over stones…”
- Closure and reflection
- After everyone has contributed, the facilitator softly closes the visualization.
- Participants are invited to share their experience if they wish.
- Optionally, the visualization can be documented or collectively illustrated.
To run the activity virtually:
It can be conducted via audio or video conferencing platforms, where the facilitator guides the experience and participants contribute in turns. Optionally, a collaborative document or chat can be used to write parts of the visualization in real time.
Variations for the activity
- Chain visualization with short turns: Each person adds only one sentence or mental image to the story before passing the turn, creating a fast-paced and spontaneous flow.
- Guided sensory exploration: Include questions that activate the senses (What smells do you notice? What textures do you feel under your hands?).
- Emotional connection: The visualization focuses on an emotional state (calm, gratitude, courage, joy), and each participant contributes images that represent it.
- Visualization with roles: Each person takes on a character in the story and contributes from their perspective, enriching the experience.
- First-person immersion: Instead of describing an objective scene, each participant narrates from their own experience within the visualization.
- Incorporating sounds and music: Play ambient sounds or instrumental music to enhance the content of the visualization.
- Exploring imaginary spaces: Build fictional worlds, and participants describe the elements around them.
- Use of visual stimuli: Present abstract or evocative images before beginning to inspire the visualization.
- Problem-solving focus: Visualize an obstacle or challenge, and each participant proposes elements or actions to overcome it.
- Post-visualization artistic expression: After the session, participants express what they imagined through drawing, collage, or writing.
Examples of guided visualizations
- A journey through time: Participants imagine traveling to the past or future and describe what they see.
- A perfect day: Each person visualizes an ideal day from waking up to falling asleep.
- A meaningful encounter: Imagine meeting someone important (real or fictional) and describing the interaction.
- A safe space: Visualize a place where they feel calm, exploring sensory details.
- Connection with nature: Imagine walking through a forest, floating in the sea, or feeling the wind on a mountain.
- An object with meaning: Visualize a special object and explore its details and associated memories.
- Personal transformation: Imagine yourself in a future version with new skills, achievements, or experiences.
- Exploring an unfamiliar city: Mentally walk through streets, squares, and buildings you’ve never seen before.
- A fantasy setting: Imagine a world with different rules (no gravity, shifting colors, magical beings).
- Creating a collective story: Each participant adds a narrative element to build a shared story.
