A Visualization Exercise

Lying on your bed in a darkened room, begin by breathing slowly and deeply. Keeping your eyes shut, focus mentally on each part of your body. Relax everything as you do a mental tour of your whole being. Work upwards from your toes to the top of your head, including your eyes. The exercise begins as you start counting down calmly from eight, continuing to relax, taking deep breaths and keeping your eyes closed.

Count…

Level 8 Total physical relaxation. Enjoy the moment, wait, gloat, then when this feels effortless, glide toward…

Level 7 Slow down your thought process. Enjoy, then count down to…

Level 6 Thoughts are now taken at a molto largo pulse. Linger there, then count to…

Level 5 Feel physically lighter. Lightness lifts your body gently upwards as you float beautifully and calmly. Enjoy, then reach…

Level 4 Sunshine, warmth, and inner glow fills your entire being. Deep pleasurable contentment. Take time to savor this, then go towards…

Level 3 Absolutely no thoughts other than “of the moment!” Live in the present completely. Warmth and contentment then…

Level 2 You are virtually asleep. Give in to it. Let go, then reach the magical, creative…

Level 1 Your most creative state, poised as it is on the cusp of sleep. Take a deep breath, relax, and maintain complete tranquility and calm. You can then imagine whatever positive ambition(s) you have in front of you on your big cinema screen! The possibilities should most certainly include nerve-free performance, with enjoyment of each and every piece in question,
and most certainly no end-gaining angst whatsoever. Play through the whole piece you are going to perform in concert in your head at level 1. This is your own perfect film.

After level 1’s film has run its course, slowly count back by retracing the numerical steps in reverse order from 1 up to 8. Then slowly, but with calm, confident energy, stand up. You are ready to perform to your maximum potential.

You can spend the final hour before your stage entrance practicing the visualization countdown.