Focused Visualization or Self Programming

The capability of humans to program themselves through mental pictures or visualizations was first discovered by Pavlov. He called it Higher Order Conditioning. The SPC Program is based along similar lines.

The Self-programming Procedure is quite simple. You mentally picture a typical situation where you are reaching for or beginning to engage in your old behavior. Now you see yourself going through your new replacement behavior. In this way all the cues associated with the old behavior become connected to the new one and act to automatically trigger the new behavior. In a way, all these old cues now act as "little bells" going off in your head reminding you to engage in your new behavior.

Self-programming should be done on a regular daily basis, at least once a day. Decide now what time is the best for you. It needn’t take more than 10-15 minutes each time.

Step 1 Make a list of typical situations that are stressful to you or situations involving a behavior you wish to change.

Step 2 Place yourself into a focused state of mind - a higher state of belief - by going through the SPC techniques ("arms, "fingers" or "pendulum" discussed above in Part I.

Step 3 Next, place yourself into a deep state of relaxation using the breathing relaxation technique discussed above in Part II until the SPC Biofeedback Card turns a deep blue.

Step 4 Now, mentally visualize yourself in one of the typical situations responding in the new positive way. The more vivid and detailed the visualization the better.

Reinfrocement Throughout the Day

It is recommended that you reinforce your self-programming several times during the day by using the SPC Biofeedback Card to relax, and by repeating the typical situation visualization. The more often you self-program the better.