Tom's Review #12 - Visualization

I enjoyed the process of completing this 2Week, in that it made me think about some aspects of my life that I wanted to change. I originally thought that I wouldn't get as much out of the 2Week because I didn't have a specific goal in mind. Through following the steps in the article I found that I did want to change some things, particularly my health. I specifically decided to focus on rock climbing, eating better, and building exercise into my daily routines.

At first I did not like to do the progressive relaxation exercises, but the more I did, the easier they became and the more I actually felt relaxed. I was a bit skeptical my first time, noting to myself that I was already totally relaxed - how could I do so further (without falling asleep)? After doing the exercise I found that I was in fact more relaxed, and that I enjoyed the state. Doing periodic relaxation exercises, I felt more able to slip into these states, and that it was a more whole feeling.

I felt a little silly writing down elements of my goals and drawing pictures, but I think it helped me convince myself that this is truly what I want, and give me the energy to work towards it.

Overall, I strongly recommend this 2Week to anyone who is trying to accomplish something, or wants to make a change, but doesn't know what or where to start. I only got up to unit 6, but I hope to work through it, and finish the process in the future. I also feel that some of the relaxation and creative exercises were useful in and of themselves to gain some clarity in thought.

2Week or too weak?

2Week complete

Visualization extended

As the two of us are back in the States for a brief period, and with Spencer focusing on a major spiritual journey, the visualization 2Week will be extended until Sunday, June 27th.

This will give us opportunity to make it further with our visualization exercises and goals.

2Week #12: June 7th - June 20th: Visualization

After taking a quick 2Weeking break, we are back on track with a powerful tool for creativity and self-development.

This 2Week will explore the technique of visualization.

This article defines visualization as "creating a mental picture of something. Visualization is important because it makes the future become more clear. Seeing yourself already achieving your goal makes your brain believe that attaining that goal is possible."

The master text that we will be using for this 2Week is The Art of Creative Visualization: A Self-Teaching Workbook by Patricia F. Hare. M.A.T., M.A.

An online version of her book is available here for viewing. We strongly recommend you read through this text to get the most out of your visualization experience.

The 5 basic steps of visualization are:
1. Determining a goal—your vision

2. Picturing what it will look like when you get it—your happy end result

3. Focusing on it often—regular visualization exercises

4. Charging it with energy—bringing in the emotional content

5. Allowing it to happen—letting go and receiving

This book outlines a 6 week program, and after 2 weeks we should only be on Unit 5 out of 10. Because of this, we will also pair this with daily visualization exercises from this site. This way, we can begin visualizing immediately while also following a more complex guide to follow through with if we so choose.

Take the time to read through some of the posted material and for visualization. Feel free to use your own resources instead for visualization if you feel it fits you better.

Good luck!

We'll be visualizing a 2Week complete!

A 2week Week Break: June 2nd-June 6th

We're declaring a 1 week break in our 2weeking schedule and will be restarting with a new 2week (TBD) beginning on Monday, June 7th.

2Week #11: Tom's Review

Starting off on this 2week was reminiscent of our first 2week where we gave the axe to sugar. What made this one harder I feel was first - the removal of all carb foods (in a country where meals around carbs), and second - the reintroduction of carbs in the first part of the day. I found myself in the first week bingeing on carbs during breakfast and lunch in anticipation of the evening. I was more unhealthy these past 2 weeks then I normally am if i just listen to my body.

I also was much weaker this time around. I adhered to the 2week for the first week until I was faced with saying "no" to beer during a small shindig that we hosted. Being too stubborn to stick to other alcohols, I ended up taking the weekend off the 2week, restarting monday, and lasting again until maybe Thursday. This is the first time I have blatantly disregarded a 2week, even after failing. It is time to shake the apathy out of my spine and straighten up a bit!

2Week or weak end?

weak end