The purpose ofa vision board is to be a visual representation of what you are creating in your life. Research has shown that if you can see an outcome clearly, you are much more likely to achieve it. In addition, many spiritual practices believe that if you look at your vision and bring up the emotions and feelings associated with having already achieved it, especially gratitude, then you activate the universal Law of Attraction and can essentially call that vision into your life.
Personally, I have found vision boards to be very powerful. They have worked 100% of the time in my life – I used vision boards (in combination with intention and prayer) to manifest my dream home, my perfect soul mate, an amazing experience of giving birth to my daughter, and the successful launch of Soul School. I tend to save them for “big” things but I have many friends who use them for everything and are regularly working on their boards.
One of my favorite authors, Sue Monk Kidd, even used one when writing my favorite novel of all time, The Secret Life of Bees. In her subsequent book, Traveling with Pomegranates, she details her journey of writing the novel and explained how she used her vision board to guide the story.
Instructions
Step 1: Choose the focus of your vision board.
It is best to dedicate an entire board to one area of your life – if you need ideas, look at the Wheel of Wellbeing as all of its spokes are an important part of your holistic life. It is fine to have more than one board – don’t worry about creating too many visions as the universe is an abundant place.
Possibilities to consider:
- your physical and emotional health
- your career and calling
- your family relationships
- your romantic relationships
- the physical and emotional health of your community
- your creativity
- your spiritual journey
- the environment
This process if about you and for you so have fun with it and truly make it yours. You don’t ever have to show your board to anyone and it will be most powerful if you do not edit it for the sake of others.
Step 2. Gather your supplies.
You will need something physical to make the board out of – most people use poster board that you can pick up at any craft store but anything will work including wood, plastic, or even a shoebox. You can make the board any physical size or shape you want.
You will also need scissors, tape and glue and I recommend having a trash bag near you so you can easily collect all the clippings. And if you are digitally gifted, you can do this all on a computer using a photo or drawing software package.
Step 3: Journal your desires.
Next, spend a few moments journaling about related concepts that need to be addressed in your vision. For example, if you are working on romantic relationships, you might consider the qualities of the person, activities you would do together, how you would treat each other, how this relationship would make you feel, etcetera.
For a career, you might consider the daily duties you’d like to do, the kind of work environment (classroom, courtroom, nature, etc.), type of compensation (pay, satisfaction, etc.) you want to experience, and how you would like to feel at your job each day.
It is important to focus on the feelings you will have when you achieve your vision. The more detail and richness you can bring to the feelings, the more you will activate the Law of Attraction.
Step 4: Find the images and words.
Next, you need to find images and words to put on the board to exemplify your vision and feelings. You can use magazines, photos, and even your computer to create a collection of compelling images and words. These should really move you or speak to you in some way. You can either paste them on your board as you find them, or collect several first and then paste. Just have fun with it!
Some people like to flip through magazines and tear out anything that really appeals to them. They trust that they will know what to put on the board, eventually so “let go” and let and open up to whatever images come to them. Others have specific details in their minds so look for particular images and words that will bring that idea into visual form.
Sue Monk Kidd did the former method when she started to write her novel. She had cut out images that really moved her, like a pink house, and a Black Madonna, but she didn’t know why. As the novel unfolded, the images on her board started to find themselves into the narrative without her even being conscious about it. And sometimes, when she was stuck, to would deliberately spend time looking at the board to see if it held some clue. It always did.
I tend to use the latter method. I usually have a clear sense of what I want to manifest so I am deliberately hunting for specific images and words. I even have printed out logos and made up my own news headlines to put on the board. I do allow myself to be inspired, though, and every board ends up with some pictures that just spoke to me as I was flipping through magazines.
Step 5: Put it together.
Whether you pasted along the way, or waited until you had everything and put it together, you should end up with a board that makes you happy! It is very satisfying to see our dreams so clearly so allow yourself the opportunity to really take in what you want to achieve. See yourself accomplishing it and feel the rush of feelings that achievement will bring.
When you are done, put your name on it and date it. Then hang it where you will see it every day. If you want to keep it private, put it on the inside of your closet door or some other place that is easy for you to access. You can even take a picture of it and keep it on your phone. Make sure you spend time looking at it regularly and this keeps the energy of the vision fresh and strengthens the Law of Attraction. You can add to it or update it at any time.
Over time, you will discover that you are achieving your dreams. There is nothing more satisfying than when you realize that you have achieved your vision!
Group Vision Board
In addition to your personal vision boards, consider bringing together a group of friends to create a group vision board. Our collective energy put toward a single vision is exponentially more powerful at activating the Law of Attraction. For example, if you have a friend who has cancer, a group vision board for her or his health would be extremely powerful. Consider doing a vision board for your community, or state, or country. What about a vision board that shows children healthy and happy? Or an environment that is stable and abundant? The possibilities are endless. Group vision boards create a sense of community and shared purpose that can be quite a positive experience for everyone involved. Once it is complete, take a picture so that everyone can look at their own copy and continue to put their attention on the vision on a daily basis.
Recommendations
Books
- The Vision Board by Joyce Schwarz
- Vision Board Success by Leila Broughton
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
Movies
Websites
- Segment on Oprah: Go Beyond The Secret
- Segment on Oprah: How to Make a Vision Board