Creating a Vision Board
What the heck is a vision board?
Can you really manifest the life you want to lead with just a glue stick, old magazines, and some poster board? Not completely, but the process can certainly point you in the right direction.
Experts like Martha Beck, Ph.D, a vision board guru, tell us that these post-kindergarten collages help to bring into existence the things for which we hope and desire. Beck told Oprah in 2008, “We know now, scientifically, that consciousness brings matter into being where there was energy.”
Sounds a little woo-woo to you? I think about this this way: As a therapist and a writer, I spend so much of my time and energy in wrapped up words – my own and others’. I live for language, the subtleties of expression, and the sweet sounds of beautiful phrasing. However, my love affair with the spoken and written word utilizes only part of my brain. Visual images allow me to tap to tap into another part of who I am, a side that is at times vastly underutilized.
What do you find when you tap into the less logical and more abstract side of your brain? Perhaps a whole new world of motivations, feelings, and experiences. Art therapists know the power of the right brain well; they rely on the use of creative reflection to evoke emotion and aide in the processing of events. Similarly, creating a vision board allows you to consider your life – past, present, and future – in a new way.
Psychologists also know that visualization is a powerful tool in preparing ourselves for the future. There’s evidence that this process can improving athletic performance and improve outcomes for people with serious illnesses. Part of the reason that visualization may be so powerful is that our memory for pictures is often better than for words. If we can create images in our mind – or glue them on to our vision boards – we may be better able to utilize those as we make choices for ourselves and our futures.
How to make your own
It’s important to point out that there’s no right way to create a vision board. In fact, getting caught up in how you “should” be proceeding is very anti-vision board. But even if you do find yourself judging your vision boarding skills, try to simply notice and observe those thoughts and continue on.
To get started on your own vision board, all you need is some sturdy paper or poster board, double-sided tape or glue, scissors, and some magazines (or photographs, internet images you’ve printed, etc.).
When you gather images, look in unconventional places. Ditch US Weekly and go explore your local bookstore for magazines that catch your eye. If you stick to the magazines with conventional definitions of success and beauty, you’re going to end up with a pretty conventional – and limiting – vision board. Expand your viewpoint.
Once you’ve found interesting magazines, search for images that “speak” to you. Let yourself experience the flow. Beck suggests noticing when images evoke joy, wonder, excitement, curiosity, and happiness. Try to allow yourself open to the process and see where your mind and interest are drawn. Try not to get trapped into clichés – leave the wads of cash and big houses alone and go for the images that make your heart sing.
At this point, don’t spend too much time in your head. Avoid thinking too long or hard about the images you pull out. If it speaks to you, tear it out and add it to the pile.
Once you’ve collected a large stack of images, you might want to take a break and step away from the project. Let it simmer, if you will. Come back to it later – even much later – and go through the images again. Which ones continue to feel like you? Are you still attracted to the image of ocean waves today? Start to sift through your collection and keep the ones that continue to feel right. Then make a commitment and start gluing!
Um, you might notice that my vision board here has a lot of words on it… I told how left-brained I am, didn’t I?
Now what? Well, that’s up to you. Some suggest displaying your vision board prominently as a visual reminder of what you want for your life. Others, like Beck, suggest throwing it away with the rationale that by creating it, you’ve set the process in motion. I tend to agree that, like most things in life, it’s really the process that is healing and transformative. But that will have to be a decision you make for yourself. If you can’t bear to throw away your hard work and beautiful creation, perhaps store it somewhere out of immediate sight, where you can return to it later.
Have you ever created a vision board? Is this something you would consider doing?
Christie {Honoring Health}
471 days ago
I do have a vision board. I actually have a vision envelope because I have found that just going through the process and telling the universe what I want is enough. When I was in group therapy, we did a vision board and I put the board away, not on purpose, but it was out of sight for almost a year. When I found the board later, I realized that everything on the board had become a reality. So, that is how I go about it.
I am also doing a lot more looking into manifesting what we want by setting intentions. One of the things that has been most fascinating about it has been that often times, I don’t actually want what I thought I wanted but going through the process is what leads me to what I actually want.
Christie {Honoring Health} recently posted..The Process
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
471 days ago
Christie, I really like the idea of a vision envelope. I could see that being a more ongoing process rather than producing a finished product, and really it’s all about the process. That’s really amazing about your experience with the broad you made. And I very much agree with the idea that we often end up wanting different things than we think. I recently posted on twitter something along the lines of “Sometimes the universe’s greatest gift is not giving us what we thought we wanted.” I know this is true for me.
maria
471 days ago
I love making envelopes of memories. I collect ticket stubs, postcards, etc from trips and keep it in a standard envelope. It limits me in terms of how much “stuff” I keep, but it’s also fun to take it out and play with it sometimes. I also have envelopes of relationships, that probably sounds crazy. I know i will throw them away eventually, but for now i have an envelope for a special person with whom things didn’t work out. It’s small, organized, and reminds me that things are under control. i hope!
I’d love to do a vision envelope, it sounds like a great idea. Especially because i’d be self-conscious to leave a vision board floating around for other people to see.
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
471 days ago
Maria, some people actually destroy their vision boards after making them. I would have a hard time doing this I think (putting lots of effort into something!) but many people find that since it’s really the process that matters, they don’t need to keep them. Just a thought!
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self
471 days ago
This is not something I have done, but I really want to! I’ve been resistant to it in the past for exactly the reason you mentioned: I get caught up in how it “should” look, or the simple fact that I’m not naturally “artistic.” What you said about simply noticing those judgmental thoughts – simply being mindful of them – is great advice.
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self recently posted..Perfectionism and Binge Eating- Three Connections
Gail
471 days ago
This is a great post, Ashley.
I created a vision board (more of a soul collage) about a year ago. Some suggestions:
Our local library has stacks of donated magazines (including some very unusual ones) that I used for my vision board. Magazines can be very expensive—find some good sources for donated or recycled material. I have also used bumper stickers, catalogs, postcards, brochures. Look around and you’ll find what you need.
I also collect beautiful paper and sometimes create smaller “layouts” (focused on a specific emotion or “vision”). This keeps the project from becoming overwhelming and allows me to work on chunks of it at a time. It also looks amazing when you are finished, creating space and allowing you to really see the words and images you’ve chosen rather than just piling them up on each other.
I have included several women I admire (including a few celebrities) on my board. They are a source of inspiration to me. In the end you need to really sit with yourself and look at the emotions that come up….what does this woman stand for? Why do I admire her? Don’t let any image make its way to your board unless it brings you joy and reflects your best self.
Take your time, take your time, take your time. I gathered images from many sources for several months, and sifted through them every few weeks. On the day I was ready to assemble everything and I spent about five hours putting the board together. Sadly, it was a full year before I felt brave enough to display it in my home office (where only my family would see it). One day, I took a deep breath and put it up. I continue to pull material and add to it. One of the phrases on my board was “Never Hide.”
Now, I don’t.
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
471 days ago
Gail, thanks so much for your input. You shared some really great tips for developing one’s own vision board. I love that you point out the importance of considering the emotions that come up and of taking one’s time. As someone who is tends to be very driven, I know that I can feel pressure at times to do these things quickly and not give them the proper time and space for reflection.
Gail
471 days ago
Thanks, Ashley. One more practical suggestion: I used one of those tri-fold cardboard displays that kids often use for school projects; they are sturdy, come in different colors, and can be (gently) folded up if necessary.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
471 days ago
I’ve never made a vision board but would really like to. We don’t have any magazines or stuff to cut out of though…and I don’t know where I would hang it. So I just have vivid mental images of hopes, dreams, goals, etc. :D
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Dorry
471 days ago
I have a vision board – I made it at the beginning of August when I was trying to find some direction and make some decisions about the future. I LOVE IT. I suggest everyone take the time to make one because I surprised myself with some of the things I chose to put on mine. And it was just a fun thing to do. (Reminded me of the days I taught Kindergarten.) :)
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Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
471 days ago
It is fun! It really gets you in touch with a more playful creative side.
Margarita @ Weightless
471 days ago
Awesome post, Ashley! I love your suggestions, especially the one about choosing images that make our hearts sing – not traditional ideas of success, if they’re not for us.
I’ve never created a vision board, and I’d like to. Part of me is sort of apprehensive about it because if I look back at it a year later and I haven’t accomplished those goals, then it’s like I failed. I know this isn’t true but it’s my limiting beliefs talking. :)
But overall I do think it’s a fantastic idea – and a fun activity! I also work with words, which I loovvveee, but I miss being creative in other ways. :)
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Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
471 days ago
I can understand feeling apprehensive about looking back on it, but I think what you find is that you don’t make it necessarily about “goals” or things to accomplish – more about things you want for your life. In making mine, I tried to focus less on tangible things and more things like “a sense of purpose or calm.” It helped me!
Therese
471 days ago
I made one back in September: http://thereseandross.blogspot.com/2010/09/inspiration-board.html
I love it! I did have to try really hard to put some pictures on it and not just words :o)
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Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
471 days ago
I really loved your inspiration board. Thanks for sharing it!
Rosie
471 days ago
I’ve done this sort of thing in the past, and having read this post, I really want to do it again! I’m a completely different person now than I was the last time I did this. Last time we called it a collage, but I prefer the term vision board. It sounds so much more epic.
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Steve_The_vision_Board_guy
451 days ago
Hello.
I came across your blog in the course of my surfing the net for vision boards. I have to say that yours is entirely unique and very informative. It is one of the best vision boards I came across. One of the things I like with your vision board is that it is very vocal on what your goals are. Your captions are direct to the point and leaves a person with no doubt as to what you want in your life.
Keep up the good job and would love to see more from you and your readers.
Steve_The_vision_Board_guy recently posted..Using the Law of Attraction to get Healthy and stay Healthy
Kat
365 days ago
I just stumbled upon this entry… I find it strangely cathartic in a way… When I was heavily into pro-ana one of the things a few of the moderators would encourage members to do (I wasn’t actually a part of the group that encouraged, but did participate) was making vision boards… but obviously portraying emaciated women… and the words all involved weight loss.
I say I find this cathartic as it’s almost like taking back pro-ana… taking it back and turning it around (for me).
I had such a board in college… and even whilst I was in the military (when in basic training I had one in my security drawer in my wall locker – albeit tiny). When I got to tech school I made a large one. One that I brought with me to the next two places I lived…
I am tempted to make one, a positive one like yours… to truly take it back.
Kat recently posted..Self-Loathing Self-Loving
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul
364 days ago
What a fantastic idea! I’m glad to have been able to give you a positive version of a vision board. I think your experience shows the power of visual imagery. Now it’s a matter of making it recovery-focused.
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