I met Shakti Gawain in Berkeley, California, in 1974, when we were both in our twenties. Shakti had just spent two years working her way around the world, traveling overland across Europe and Asia. She had spent several months in India, and her experiences there had a deep impact on her life. We quickly discovered we had a lot in common, including a deep dedication to personal development, a fascination with integrating the spiritual and psychological wisdom of East and West, and a strong desire to make a positive difference in the world.
In 1977, we co-wrote and published a little book called Reunion: Tools for Transformation. We had no capital and very little business experience, but after each small step we took, the next step became obvious. Looking back, it feels as if we were led by spirit every step of the way.
In 1978, Shakti wrote her first book, Creative Visualization. We initially printed two thousand copies of the book. We had to borrow money to pay the printing bill. I don’t recall that we spent anything at all on promotion; I don’t think we sent out even one review copy. But the print run sold out, quickly, purely by word of mouth. Booksellers kept telling us that people would come in, buy a copy, and return a few days later and want five or ten copies to give to their friends. The book initially sold itself — I’m sure it was because of Shakti’s clear, beautiful writing as well as the solid content of the book. It was the kind of book people wanted to read and reread, the kind of book people kept in a special place and cherished for everything it had given them. It was the rare kind of book that helps people make wonderful changes in their lives.
We started to get deeply touching letters from readers very soon after publication. Each one had a story. Story after story began to pour in. One of my favorites summed up the feelings of many readers:
Other self-help books I’ve read have made me feel as if someone was pointing a finger at me and telling me, “This is how it is!” But Shakti took me by the hand, led me into a beautiful garden, and handed me a bouquet of flowers, one at a time. Quietly, gently, and with great caring. Thank you for a beautiful book.
Creative Visualization has now sold more than six million copies — more than three million in North America, and at least another three million throughout the world in thirty-five foreign editions. It has proven to be a seminal work with global influence. The book launched Shakti’s career as an internationally known and loved speaker and seminar leader, and it launched my career as a publisher as well. The book has shown us both how to visualize and create success, and I am eternally grateful that Shakti had the vision and courage to write it.
It is my hope and prayer that reading Creative Visualization will help you create exactly the kind of life you want, so that you’re truly fulfilled, prosperous, healthy, and filled with creative energy. You hold in your hands a book that has helped a great many people improve the quality of their lives.
Marc Allen
June 2002
INTRODUCTION TO THE REVISED EDITION
It’s hard for me to believe that it has been so many years since Creative Visualization was first published.
At the time I was thirty years old, and just in the process of discovering my life’s work. For a number of years I had been an active seeker, dedicating myself to exploring Eastern philosophy and Western psychology in an attempt to discover the deeper meaning and purpose of my life. Certain ideas and techniques I had learned were, in fact, having a profound effect on my awareness and my way of living.
I’m the kind of person who, once I discover something meaningful, simply can’t help telling everyone who’s willing to listen. So I found myself beginning to counsel people and lead small groups and workshops, teaching the concepts and exercises that were helping me solve my personal problems and expand my awareness.
It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to write these things down in a little book that I could make available to my students. As I was writing the book, I experienced alternating waves of creative enthusiasm and self-doubt, thinking, “Who am I to write a book telling people how to find greater happiness and fulfillment in life? I’m certainly no expert. My life isn’t perfect.”
My friend Marc Allen helped me get through the rough spots, encouraging me to stop worrying about it and just focus on my creative process. We decided to publish the book ourselves, even though we had very little knowledge of publishing and even less money. Somehow we managed to get the book out there in a few bookstores.
The rest is history. People seemed to love the book, and it sold by word of mouth. Gradually over the next few years it became a bestseller, and continues to be very popular to this day, all over the world. I think one reason for its popularity is that it is short, simple, practical, and has techniques that readers can begin using immediately and effectively.
It has been extremely satisfying to receive thousands of letters telling me how much this book has helped people with specific and sometimes serious problems. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to contribute in this way.
My work has blossomed right along with the book. For many years I have been leading workshops all over the world, and I have written and published several other books. Creative Visualization helped me find my path in life, just as it has helped others.
The time has come for a new revised edition. I have made relatively few changes, simply trying to clarify certain points, deepen certain concepts, and generally update it.
If you are already familiar with the first edition, I hope you enjoy the changes. If this is your first experience with Creative Visualization, may it help you create all that your heart and soul desire.
Shakti Gawain
May 2002
Dear Friends,
I decided to write this book because it seemed like the best way I could think of to share with others the many wonderful things I have learned that have so deepened and expanded my experience and enjoyment of life.
I do not consider myself by any means an expert on the art of creative visualization. I am a student of the subject, and the more I study and use creative visualization myself, the more I discover how vast and deep its potential is. . .truly it is as infinitely creative as your own imagination.
This book is meant as an introduction and workbook for learning and using creative visualization. Very little of the material is original to me; it is a synthesis of the most practical and useful ideas and techniques that I’ve learned in my personal study.
My sources are many. I’ve included at the end a list of recommended resources that I think you will find interesting and helpful.
This book contains many different techniques. You will probably find that it works best not to try to absorb them all at once, but more gradually. I suggest that you read the book slowly, trying some of the exercises as you go along, and giving yourself the chance to absorb them deeply.
