In the previous segments of our Visioning Tips series, you took a look at (1) "priming the pump" with some exploratory dialogue, and (2) the importance of allowing time for reflection in order to invite your deeper insights into the process. In this next segment, we'll explore ways to activate all of your senses to lend creativity (and thus vision) to your visioning program. Need to catch up? Start from the beginning of the Ivy Sea Visioning Series.

Activating creativity through all senses

Want to know a secret? We human beings are not solely creatures of intellect, reason and daily to-do lists. I know, it's a shock, but one from which you can recover if you really try. Here's one way to do it, while creating a visual, tangible "product" that will begin to encapsulate and serve as a symbol or anchor for your ultimate vision.

What will you be doing next? A collage. (Or a shadow box, mural, mobile...you get the picture.) That's right. Set aside your doubts, judgments and "yeah, buts;" they'll only cramp your creativity and dull your vision. Then get ready to enjoy yourself and have some fun. Here's what you'll need:

• a piece of posterboard at least 24-by-18 inches or larger;
• a stack of magazines;
• a small box (the kind that envelopes or note cards might come in);
• a collection of colorful markers, pens, glitter-pens, glitter-gel (the sort you'd use to decorate a T-shirt), crayons, string and whatever else you can think to add;
• a collection of "found objects" if you want a multi-media effect (buttons, bottle caps, pipe cleaners, dice, miniature plastic animals, bits of faux fur or other cool textiles, stray pieces from that child's game collecting dust in the corner...the list of what might stir up your inspiration and strike your fancy goes on.)
• a pair of scissors;
• a glue stick and/or container of white glue or paste;
• a workspace that has a large, flat surface (like a table or floor).

For a collage: Start by combing through the magazines, cutting out whatever words or images spark your interest or ignite a connection. As you cut them out, place the images and words in the box. Once you've worked through the stack of magazines, spread out the images you've collected and look at what you've got. Now, arrange your posterboard in front of you, and begin placing the word- and image-cut-outs on the board. Rearrange as you see fit, organizing things in whatever patterns or placements appeal to you. When you're pleased with the "mock-up" of your design, begin pasting the images to the board. The result? A snapshot of key words and themes that support your ideal vision, and a perfect reminder when you need a little inspiration while bringing the vision to life.

Ready for the next tip in our series?

Visioning Tip #4 — Identify Your Key Themes

In case you've missed previous tips...

We'll have ten tips in all (and, knowing us, we'll throw in a few bonus tips to tap that extra reserve of inspiration). So mark your calendar and bookmark the Series Intro page now. Don't miss these previous installments to our Visioning Tips Series:

Visioning Series Introduction — Why bother with visioning? There are a few good reasons...

Visioning Tip #1 — Prime the Pump: Loosen up with some "get-started" dialogue

Visioning Tip #2 —The Reflection Connection: What's most important?

Check back next month for the next tips in our series. Until then, don't forget to surf our IvySea Planning Tips to complement your visioning work.

Remember, this information is food-for-thought. The most effective approach is the one that's been tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. If you have questions, connect with someone who can provide a perspective you trust and value, or e-mail us at info@ivysea.com.