Daydreaming isn’t just a fleeting indulgence; it’s a powerful tool for creative and productive thinking. In the second stage of awareness, as described in the Mandukya Upanishad, we enter a subtle energy state, experiencing day and night dreaming when our mind ventures beyond the body. While this may seem like a disjointed experience, it holds profound insights into the connection between mind and body.
Exploring Dream Awareness
Dreaming in both states involves a profound sensory experience without leaving any physical traces. If you’ve ever had a vivid nightmare, you’d wake up in terror, yet physically unharmed. The mind and body seem to part ways in the dream state, with the mind recording experiences while the body remains untouched.
Write Down Your Thoughts
Take a moment away from screens, grab pen and paper, and breathe deeply. Jot down your thoughts for three minutes. You’ll notice the erratic nature of your mind, jumping from past to present, connected by whimsical threads. This exercise unveils the chaotic beauty of the mind, a monkey, as Vivekananda aptly described it.
Anchoring Your Daydreams
Transform daydreaming into a potent tool through creative visualization. Envision your aspirations vividly, engaging all your senses. This not only sets the stage for future actions but also provides relief from stress. An additional technique involves anchoring positive experiences. Recall a joyous event, amplify it mentally, and anchor it by pressing your thumb and index fingers together. This can be a powerful tool for breaking free from negative sensations.
Integrating States for Coaching
States 1 and 2 offer substantial coaching potential. Tailor their combination to meet individual client needs. Coaches, initiate a foundational chemistry meeting focusing on breath and body awareness, coupled with anchored visualization. Once this groundwork is laid, coaches can seamlessly guide clients through trauma coaching without rushing the process.
Reflection: Diving Deeper Into Awareness
Journey into the Past: Recall a moment that lingers—a memory, an experience. Bring it into your consciousness, especially if it has a touch of invalidation, still echoing as a subtle trauma.
Feel the Trunk: Pay attention to the sensations in your trunk area. Dive into the details – observe the shape, color, texture, and how it moves. Whether it brings relief or discomfort, note it down.
Anchor the Memory: Now, a little technique. Bring the first two fingers of both hands together. Feel the anchored memory coming to the forefront. Experience the relief as negativity loses its grip.
Visualize Your Intentions: Lastly, let’s look forward. Utilize the power of visualization to set intentions for the future. Paint a vivid picture of your desired outcome, and watch how it transforms your journey.
Let’s keep the conversation alive! Share your thoughts about daydreaming or any unique experiences related to the mind-body connection with us on CoachNook or in the comments section below.
And here’s a gentle nudge – have you explored our courses? Your growth journey might just find a starting spot there!
(Originally published on Coaching the Spirit – a LinkedIn Newsletter by Ram S. Ramanathan: How to Profit from Daydreaming?)
