Visualization for the transition to the new year: explore your future self with your gong

In the ollihess newsletter, we regularly send you exclusive exercises, meditations and tips with and without gong. As some of you were particularly enthusiastic about our last exercise, we are happy to share it with you in our blog.

Visualizing your future self is a powerful way to consciously shape a new year. In our exercise, you combine your visual imagination with the sonic resonance of the gong. This allows you to align yourself with your wishes and make decisions now that are in harmony with your future self.

Step 1: Preparing the room

Before you take a seat in front of your gong, focus your attention on the room in which your instrument is located. Try to keep the space in which you are performing your sound practice tidy and clearly structured. This will not only allow the vibrations of your gong to unfold freely - it will also make it easier for you to visualize your future self. Especially before the turn of the year, it is also advisable to use incense - such as white sage or lavender - to clear the room of the 'old' and make room for the new. Don't forget to air the room well for a few minutes afterwards.

Step 2: Positioning in front of the gong

Find a comfortable, seated position in front of your gong. The center of the gong should be approximately at chest level. Place a larger mallet and a smaller mallet or reamer within easy reach.

Step 3: Earthing and stability

Take the larger mallet and start to play the gong very carefully. Tend to stay in the center of the gong and strike the gong again as soon as the vibrations subside. Try to close your eyes as you do so. The deep sounds that arise in this way will help you to ground yourself. Imagine how you release more and more weight towards the ground and connect with the earth beneath you. The image of a tree putting down strong roots deep into the earth can help with this. Stay with this image and move in a circle along the gong or alternate between two opposite sides. Consciously absorb the vibrations into your pelvis and let them flow from there towards the ground. Feel how stability and security spread through you. Keep doing this until you feel well connected and grounded.

Step 4: Sound support for the vision

As soon as you feel stable and grounded, switch to a small reamer or mallet and start playing soft, bright passages on the gong. You can move around the outer ring or the edge of the gong to make the mids and highs in particular resonate. The higher tones of the gong can support the manifestation of your vision.

Step 5: Visualization of the future self

Now start to visualize your future self next to you. Vividly imagine who you want to be in the coming year. How do you feel? What goals have you achieved? What qualities have you cultivated? What do you radiate? Where do you find yourself? Let your imagination come alive. Above all, use the bright sounds to engage with the emotions of your future self and feel them as intensely as possible in the present.

Step 6: Merging with your future self

Once you have drawn a clear picture of your future self and connected with this version of yourself through your feelings, you can take the next step: Now imagine your future self stepping behind your present self. Then switch to your large mallet and begin to produce deep tones in the center of the gong again. Carried by these intense vibrations, imagine your future self merging with your present self. The deep sounds help you to anchor your future self in the now. Take as much time as you need for this step and play the gong very carefully so that the playing itself does not distract you from the visualization.

Step 7: Integration and gratitude

Return to calm when this process feels complete for you. Take a moment to reflect on what you have experienced. Feel the connection to your future self and feel grateful for the opportunities that the coming year holds. When you are ready, open your eyes.

Repeat this visualization regularly throughout the year and use the energy of the gong to manifest your visions and move into the future with clarity.

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