Today’s activity is a short mental imagery to help us orient and find our way in times of uncertainty or obscurity. I was given this exercise many years ago by one of my teachers, and later learned that it originates in the work of the renowned healer and pioneer of guided imagery Colette Aboulker–Muscat. This style of imagery is purposely brief and meant to be practised daily for a given period of time. My recommendation is that you do the Lighthouse daily for one week, in the morning before you begin your day or in the evening when you have wound down, or both. You might then decide if you would like to continue for another week or two. You may listen to the guided audio each time you do this visualization, or you may find that after a few repetitions, you can move through it on your own. You will not need to think too much or to try very hard, simply allow the images to come in their own way.
The imagery starts at the 1:25 mark of the audio.
Once you have done the audio a few times, you will be able to do the Lighthouse on your own in about 30 seconds. Here are written instructions for the mental imagery:
Sit upright with your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arms either on your chair’s armrests or on top of your thighs. The palms may face up or down, as you prefer.
Close your eyes and state mentally: “The intention is discernment.”
Let the breath settle. Allow the exhale to become longer than the inhale.
In your mind’s eye, notice the darkness all around you.
Breathe out three times, counting back from 3…2…1.
See the lighthouse.
See your way.
Breathe out one last time, and open your eyes.
