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”])

Creative Block and the Ego’s Death

Have you ever noticed that creativity may not come naturally --- or as a friend of mine says, “through the front door”?  For example, why is it when I have an open hour or two (or occasionally, longer) to compose new music (a lifelong hobby) that I oftentimes will find myself resorting to mundane or repetitive tasks instead; which cut into my available time for creative projects?  I’ve even mentioned to friends, with befuddlement: “It’s amazing how interesting vacuuming all the floors can be when faced with wide-open time for creative purposes?”

Just Say "Yes"

One rule of improvisational theater is to mentally say "Yes" to any creative impulse. This allows for stories to develop, for life to bloom. In relationships, similarly open-minded imagination allows for love to bloom. (The Center for Healthy Sex)