Carl Jung explored using the imagination actively. Joseph Campbell taught about the power of myth. Shamans "journey" to the spirit world and return. Quantum physicist, Fred Alan Wolf, author of Eagle's Quest, probed the physics of one consciousness. All speak of the authority and value of images, personal and collective, arising from the depths of our psyche to give us direction and help us fulfill our destiny. Native peoples have mined this language of the unconscious for centuries to understand and move through life. They knew that calling on animal spirit guides via imagery was a doorway to one's most authentic voice where the deepest healing and wisdom awaited. Likewise, Judeo-Christian tradition has a long history of inner guides appearing as angels. Jung believed the modern mind subjected to the narrow rigidity of rationalism shut our consciousness down into darkness—a mental black-out. "Rationalism does not enrich us; it removes us more and more from a life with cosmic meaning, from the mythic world in which we were once at home," said Jung. Shining light on our imagery, and actively using it, it offers us a new awakening to the fullness of being human, of taking charge of our life.

Today the ancient healing art of imagery is being rediscovered and used as a visualization process to help people achieve goals or live healthier, more satisfying lives. Athletes, cancer patients and psychotherapists alike use visualization in distinct ways. Before or after surgery using imagery results in less pain, shorter hospital stays and less anxiety. Broken bones even heal faster. Brain studies show that when senses and feelings are engaged in imaging an event thoroughly, the brain experiences it as actually happening, resulting in profound physiological and psychological effects.  Imagery can help cure physical and emotional imbalances while strengthening our faith and trust in ourselves. Listen to how one woman's imagery affected her life:

"I walked along the forest path feeling the soft earth beneath my feet, the cool shade of the trees.  Ahead was a brightly lit mountain meadow beckoning. I stepped into  the light—wild flowers gently nodding in the breeze. High above was a soaring eagle. I sighed, then my breath caught as I heard, felt, the deep thud of hooves pounding the earth. I looked across the meadow to see a big black stallion racing toward me. 'Black', I whispered. He was at a full gallop, tossing his head, yet I was unafraid of this powerful horse coming at me. He stopped right in front of me and nuzzled me with his big head. I pet his forehead then cupped my hand around his velvety soft muzzle. There was a palpable deep fondness between us. I moved along his side stroking his back, feeling the firm muscles of his haunches shiver under my hand. He turned his head I walked around him, patiently waiting as I slowly stroked his whole body, knowing I need to feel safe with him. He wanted me to get on his back, but how without a saddle or stirrups? Then it just happened, I was on his back and he started walking. Worried, I asked about reins but he said I wouldn't need them. My fears melted away, I knew without knowing how I knew, that riding him was a cinch. He had been a part of me for so long. He was now taking me on a long journey. But we first had to pick up a little girl........."    
(1st imagery journey 1988.)

As a child I hungrily read every Black Stallion book. I entered his world, identifying with Alex, riding, racing with the wind, going through every suspenseful adventure and escaping danger together. It saved my spirit during a painful childhood time. Now the big black horse was back and had entered my adult life as a symbol of personal strength and freedom. Horse lifts you up taking you beyond former limits. This reunion in imagery sessions began an extraordinary time in my outer life. For it was a reunion with my own courage to scout new trails of personal and professional territory. I was unsure where they would lead. It was a reunion with my creative spark and my instinctive sense of what's right for me. I needed to go for it unquestioningly to flee what is wrong for me without looking back (aka horse sense).

"Soon in imagery I was riding him with a saddle, venturing out of the protection of this mountain meadow, traveling far and wide. His spiritual residence was in my solar plexus. These imagery journeys foreshadowed actually leaving the confines of my pleasant suburban life to spend four years as a part-time nomad criss-crossing the country by car, going up and down the Rocky Mountain states, a mid-life woman and her dog. Being in the West gave birth to my mountain-woman spirit and eventually I fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved to Southwest Colorado. The Black is still with me—along with other marvelous animal spirits." (L.F., Colorado  2001)

This is an example of a cutting-edge imagery technique called "Deep Spontaneous Imagery" pioneered by E. Steve Gallegos, Ph.D., a psychologist from New Mexico who trains psychotherapists and healing professionals. This innovative form of imagery blends Native American, Jungian and Eastern psychology to guide, heal and empower a person in relationships, career and health issues. It is a safe therapeutic way to activate the healing wealth of the mind—a route which gently bypasses typical ego obstacles, fears and resistance to arrive quickly at the insight, growth or change needed. During imagery you are relaxed, awake, and simply learning to harness the powers of your mind in a new way.

Use of Deep Spontaneous Imagery in counseling frequently begins by looking at the person's seven major energy centers, known in Eastern philosophy as chakras. Exploring the chakras through imagery gives important information about issues of survival/money, emotions, ability to act in the world/self-confidence, love/compassion, communication, intellect and personal spirituality. Each chakra has a specific location on the body (e.g., self-confidence in the solar plexus or emotions/sexuality in the belly). What a delight it is to meet the animal for each chakra, watch how they interact—a dynamic picture of our own energies—and then go about the business of healing us.

Unlike traditional "talk therapies," Deep Spontaneous Imagery is a lively visual  process and a pathway to a deeper healthier self beyond the often controlling ego that limits us. It can be  surprising at how effortlessly positive images arise just by asking. An imagery practitioner guides you in learning how  to interact or dialogue with an image, be it an an animal, a nature scene or a wise figure, as it goes through a variety of scenes. The inner-journey can be playful, uplifting, healing and always engaging. Even when dealing with painful issues, the dreamlike quality of Deep Spontaneous Imagery makes talking about it and dealing with it easier.

Underlying emotions or life stresses related to a health problem can be uncovered. Imagery may involve rehearsal of necessary lifestyle changes or a new approach to a problem. Hidden strengths or talents are discovered. Inner peace is experienced when old hurts, conflicts or fears are attended to. Thus, personal growth or healing of the body is accelerated. No matter what trauma or losses have been experienced this process reveals an alive, vibrant and healthy place within our human spirit.

Get a taste of it right now with this short exercise. First be sure you will not be interrupted for about ten minutes. A quiet place with dim light is best. Get in a relaxed position sitting in a recliner or lying on a sofa. You can read through the exercise first, but then go through it slowly and let it happen:

What situation in your life is perplexing or troubling you? Are you having difficulty making a decision? Do you have a relationship, health or job issue? What action should you take next? Or is there a personal issue like: self-esteem, stress, anxiety, divorce or loss, setting limits, healing an emotional wound?

Once a particular issue stands out, you are going to close your eyes and take four breaths giving your body and mind permission to relax completely. There's nothing your mind has to DO (that is left brain thinking) as this is a spontaneous process. The more your body and mind relax, the easier it is for the imagery to arise (right brain activity). Now begin taking four-to-five deep cleansing and releasing breaths focusing on how the air sounds going in and out, and how your rib cage and lungs expand and relax.

Continue breathing easily, naturally bringing your attention to the way your body rests on the recliner or sofa and the way it supports your whole body. Feel your body resting more deeply as you expand awareness to the support of the floor, under the sofa, and then the earth under the house. There is nothing you have to do or think about for these few moments. Just breathe and relax.

Then ask aloud or quietly in your mind, "Whatever image or animal will help me with  _______? Come forth." Breathe . . .  see what shows up in your imagination; it might take a few seconds. As soon as you get a fairly clear picture of an image or animal; whatever it is, say "Hello" to it.  See what it is doing, what kind of environment it is in. Notice the animal¹s attitude: strong, cocky, shy, injured, passive? Then be aware of your reaction: liking or not liking the animal, fearful of it, etc.? Breathe...

Then ask the image/animal "What have you come to teach me about _______?" Watch how the animal responds to your question: you will get a verbal answer that you hear in your mind, or you will get a non-verbal sense of a response. The animal might move in a way suggesting it wants you to follow. Follow it...

If you have any other questions or response, do so. Communicate with this image/animal with honesty and respect. When it feels finished, say "Thank you and Goodbye" before opening your eyes. Breathe... Make any notes about the journey and how you feel now. Remember if you receive an answer or instructions from the imagery, you must carry it out in everyday reality to gain the benefit it holds.

Humans have always used their imagination to solve life threatening, social or personal problems.  Every contemporary crisis we face now is one of relationship—with the Earth, other people of the world, between men and women and ultimately within ourselves. As we regain our ability to relate deeply and kindly to our whole self, we will have a greater sense of peace, joy and fulfillment. Deep Spontaneous Imagery is one pathway home to our heroic and truest self, in harmony with each other and the greater circle of life, and a way of aligning our personal life with the greater rhythms and abundance of the universe. 

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