Council of Selves
The Council of Selves is a creative and introspective exercise where you imagine walking into a room and encountering different versions of yourself at various stages of life sitting around a table. Each of these versions represents a different age or point in your future.
One of these versions is glowing. This version of yourself symbolizes the wisest or most enlightened version of you. This version is often seen as having valuable insights or advice to share with your current self.
The exercise can be used for self-reflection, goal-setting, and decision-making. It allows you to explore your aspirations, fears, and potential life paths. By interacting with these different versions of yourself, you can gain insight into your hopes, dreams, and the choices you might make in the future.
To try this thought exercise:
Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax.
Imagine walking into a room. In this room, there is a table, and sitting around this table are different versions of you at various ages or stages of life. You can visualize yourself at different points, such as childhood, adolescence, middle age, and old age.
Focus on one of the images, and imagine yourself approaching that version of yourself. Feel the emotions and thoughts that arise as you encounter these different versions.
After observing some of these versions, turn your attention to the glowing version of yourself. Approach this glowing figure, and ask if they have any wisdom or advice to share with you.
Listen and pay attention to what this glowing self has to say. Their words may provide you with insights, guidance, or encouragement for your present life.
Take your time with this exercise, and feel free to interact with multiple versions and the glowing self if you wish.
When you're finished, you can open your eyes and reflect on the insights and emotions that arose during the exercise. This thought exercise can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.