Using Visualization to Decrease Loneliness at NY Chinese Yoga

You must sign-up for this at NYC Chinese Yoga ,which has the same organizer.
http://yoga.meetup.co.../

This place is quiet and is more fit for meditation and visualization. vegetarian chili. Stay for 4 hrs.

While I advocate looking for friends and lovers,many of us can be a bit too romantic and idealistic about love and friendship. We will use visualization to take the edge off the emotion of loneliness when we are not able to be with others.

1) Reality of Others- a visualization and self-talk technique to lower excessive craving for others.We romanticize and idealize relationships in a romantic fashion,although real people act differently.We will focus on the idea that loneliness is sometimes better than being with others. This is meant to make being with others less important.When watching a movie alone,the focus should be on the movie and not on the fact that you are watching it alone. We will actually do this together.THIS IS NOT TO MAKE YOU DISLIKE PEOPLE ALTOGETHER,BUT TO ALLEVIATE DESIRE FOR THEM ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT LONELINESS.

LET ME CLARIFY THAT: THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE THE INTENSITY OF FEELING LONELY. HUMANS ARE SOCIAL BEINGS AND DO NOT THRIVE WELL IN ISOLATION.

2)The Incomplete Self- this is a visualization technique based on the idea that in a lover we seek not only harmony,but attributes that are different-that we are weak in. Instead of finding these attributes in others we will use visualization to gain some of them.As examples you are lacking self-confidence and feel lost-visualize a more confident self, to introverted-become more extraverted, too stuffy becomes more carefree and child -like and vice versa. This will reduce but not eliminate the desire for needing someone to rescue you. A side benefit is to acquire those traits you desire in another and perhaps acquiring them

Visualization is a scientific method of seeing yourself differently,playing the role until you incorporate some of the qualities you desire. Think of it as hypnotizing yourself and convincing others.

3) Bring photos of things you find pleasant,or drawings you've done or experiences you have had that moved you positively.