Active Imagination: Exercise Instructions

On the heels of a presentation to graduate students in psychology at HIS University in Corona, California, I promised to post instructions for an exercise in active imagination which we discussed as one helpful resource in working with recovery:

Spiritual Resources for Counseling Addicted Individuals in Recovery

HIS University

August 8, 2013

 

Active Imagination Exercise

1)      Images: 

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2)      Emotions:

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3)      Dialogue (yourself [lower case] +  IMAGE [upper case])

• Negative shadow: “The worst part about you is...” 

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• Positive shadow: “What is it that you want from me?” 

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4)      Images as metaphors ---

• Negative shadow: “The part of me that...” 

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• Positive shadow: “The part of me that...”

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5)      Waking context:
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6)      Integration (incorporating shift):

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Resources:

Johnson, R.A. (2009). Inner work: Using dreams and active imagination for personal growth [Kindle version]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store/dp/B002SVQCUG

Weathers, R.S. (1990).  Dream theory and research. In R. J. Hunter (Ed.), Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling.  Nashville, TN:  Abingdon Press. (copy available at Dr. Weathers’ website: http://www.drbobweathers.com [under “Books and Publications”])