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From Chaos to Clarity: A Simple, Reflective Practice Using Imagination and Emotion

  • Writer: Renate Stoiber
    Renate Stoiber
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read




In Monday’s blog post, I shared some of my Q1 reflections — the emotional ups and downs of stepping fully into my coaching business after 4.5 months of travel and decades in corporate life.

It was a quarter of change, with plenty of moments where I needed to pause and ask myself:

  • Am I still on the right path?

  • Am I heading in the right direction?

  • Am I enjoying the journey?


That regular self check-in has become essential for me.

Tap into your inner life with guided prompts & your imagination
Tap into your inner life with guided prompts & your imagination

There have been times when I was grumbling — or worse, just trodding down that path too long without stopping to ask myself these questions.


Now, when I can’t seem to find that inner peace, I return to them. Sometimes daily.


In our fast-paced, always-on world, that kind of self-reflection doesn’t come naturally for most of us.


So I started wondering how I could make it easier for others to begin.

Having played around with various AI tools to see what might support visualization and introspection, it dawned on me:


Why not use AI-inspired prompts to help create a mental image you can then explore?



Why Checking In Matters





In step with our world, our minds are often loud, fast, and relentless. In the noise, we can lose sight of what we want, how we feel, and whether we’re living in alignment.

Whether you're facing a career shift, a life transition, or just a hectic week — clarity often begins by pausing to reflect.

And the good news? You don’t need hours. Just a few intentional moments can create space to breathe, reset, and course correct.


AI meets Mind: A Guided Imagination Check-In


This is a creative experiment I’m currently trying — one that taps into visualization and emotional awareness.

It’s inspired by the work of Lyssa deHart and her book "Light Up: The Science of Coaching with Metaphors," along with the imaginative potential of AI-generated prompts.


And while AI has come a long way, let’s be honest — it still can’t compete with the estimated 100 trillion synapses of your beautiful brain.


Are you ready to give it a try?

Remember: this isn’t about “doing it right.” Just stay curious.



🔀 Step 1: Take a few deep breaths


Ground yourself in the present moment. Let your shoulders drop. Breathe in… and out.






Set your scene.
Set your scene.

🌅 Step 2: Visualize your life as a scene


Imagine you're in a place that represents your life right now. Let it take shape in your mind.

Here are some prompts to help you build the scene:

  • Where are you? What emotions does this place bring up?

  • What colors dominate the space? How do they affect your mood?

  • Who’s with you? How do you feel in their presence?

  • What does it smell like? What memories does this bring up?

  • What do you hear? How do the sounds make you feel?



Explore your scene
Explore your scene



👣 Step 3: Explore your scene




Look around.
Touch the textures.
Walk around.


What sensations or emotions emerge?

💡 Step 4: Reflect on what you feel


Do you feel content? Joyful? Overwhelmed? Disconnected?

There’s no right answer — just notice.



What to Do With What You Find


Feeling Joy, Peace, ..., Good
Feeling Joy, Peace, ..., Good



If your mental scene feels

joyful, peaceful, grounded, ..., good —

celebrate it.

Maybe jot down a few things you're grateful for.


And don’t forget to check in again soon.

Feeling Stuck, Discontent,..., Not Good
Feeling Stuck, Discontent,..., Not Good



If the scene feels off,

chaotic, stuck, discontent, ..., not good —

that’s useful to realize.

It’s not failure. It’s information.

Ask yourself:

  • What would a joyful version of this scene look like?

  • What’s one small step I could take to move towards that feeling?



And remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out to your support system, a loved one, a trusted friend, a coach, a therapist... .


Don't do it alone. Get Support.
Don't do it alone. Get Support.


Want More Tools Like This?


This is just one of many tools that can help you navigate uncertainty with more clarity and confidence. If you’re looking for support in this season, I’d love to help.


Check out my website for the services I offer and more blog posts on navigating change in the Resources and Stories section of my website: https://www.moveforwardwith.coach



🎯 For professionals impacted by layoffs:


🌟 70% off 60-minute coaching sessions through April→ Just reach out: renate@moveforwardwith.coach or DM me on LinkedIn


🤝 New Group Session: Navigating Layoffs Together→ Starts May 22 — just $30 for the full 6-week series




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