Dreams and visions help people to see what they are working towards, and whether they are going in the right direction.

 

A vision is the scene on the distance horizon, the end of that thousands miles journey which we always start with a single step. The travelers can navigate by vision and measure progress by them. The destination can be compared with those of other travelers and if they are similar, the travelers can move on together and help each other.

 

One requirement for traveling is to be both long-sighted and shortsighted. People who are only long-sighted will not be able to see the ground in front of their feet and will trip up; those who are only too short sighted will be unable to see the distant horizon and will get lost en route.

 

Vision exercises are aimed at developing the long-sight- the ability to see where we are going and to share the vision with other people in our lives.

 

It can be used in many ways - to help us remember how to dream, how to share our dreams, and how to make our dreams part of reality.

 

It is easy to find fault with our lives. It is not so easy to think of a better alternative.

 

To do so require that we think positively about what is good and what could be better, it requires that we have an imagination and the ability to stand back for a while from everyday pressure and constrains of reality and think clearly.

 

Very broadly a strategy is a plan to change something. It is concerned with dynamic process whose goal is to create or improve something or resist an unwanted change.

 

  

We begin with analysis:

• What is the problem?
• What is it that has to change?

Use your brain! Really think about what's going on, what the issues are. Be tough, be logical, be precise, and be specific. Think about cause and effect. Name and describe things clearly.

 

Then put your brain back in its box and take out your imagination:

• What are the structures, attitudes, activities you are trying to build?

Don't be too practical or narrowly realistic. Be imaginative, sparkling, and free.

This is the time for dream.

 

Then move from either end- either from what is now, or what could be- to build a strategy.

 

 

That is why it is important to take analysis and visions seriously, rather than just responding to immediate pressure or interests. And please do not assume that having done it once, you have done it for all time. Your analysis of what is wrong, your visions and goals will need to change and be refined as you work through the stages as events unfold around you.

 

Go back to this analysis/vision/strategy exercise again in six months, and six months after that. You will be amazed at what has changed, and how you have achieved without being aware of it!

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(c) 2003 Saida Nusseibeh: saida7@cyberia.jo