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How-to self-help thyself

By RAJGOPAL NIDAMBOOR

We are all conscious of the power of self-help, or New Age, books. Yet, the point is books, or no books, each of us has a 'self-help' resource within us, that, when properly used, could save us a visit to the bookstore.

What is it, you may well ask. It's all a question of using your imagination for the higher purposes of your own existence. This includes academics, work, relationships, or home.

To using your imagination, you need not resort to buying expensive books, or gadgets, including self-help books. For example, whenever you are dispirited, just close your eyes and imagine you are in an isolated place in nature - in a flower-filled meadow, or a lovely sun-baked beach in the Caribbean.

Imagine it now - and, you are there. In a jiffy. In your mind. It is simple; it is also profound, in expression and spirit.

This is not rocket science, or being mindful, or one with yourself too. Just think of it - imagining yourself in a nurturing situation helps you to have the same physical and emotional effects as actually being there.

You ought to believe that all of us constantly generate a flow of mental images and emotionally-induced situations too. At any given moment, for instance, we are all formulating ideas, worrying about something, especially the future, picturing a past event, or day-dreaming about what is, or not, in store for us. When you use mindfully-uplifting images to your advantage, you not only help yourself, but also others. If this isn't your 'do-it-yourself' (DIY) 'self-help kit', what is? To pick another example. All great men and women, through the ages, have actively encouraged and nurtured their imagination.

In so doing, they have recognised, or 'captured', the imagination that provides them access to unconscious processes related to a purpose, or process, including health and spirituality.

Here's one method you'd follow - using repeated 'counter' mental images and/or creative imagery for a few moments in quietude every day. You'd be able to, through this process, draw in positive life energies.

Such energies can help you produce changes for the better.

They would, in effect, not only help you to ease stress and promote self-healing, they are also endowed with the power to help you achieve your goals, or dreams.

So, what are you waiting for? Your 'self-help book' is within your own imagination. Just use it, and enjoy the benefits.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 13, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.