How are the bad images in my head helping me?

For a long time, I believed the intense, negative images that flashed through my mind were signs of madness. Picture scenes as vivid and violent as those on the beaches of Normandy in "Saving Private Ryan," or the horrifying thought of discovering my children lifeless in the bathtub. Sometimes, it felt like I was locked in mortal combat. These mental intrusions would come in flashes, leaving as soon as they appeared, but they were relentless, and no matter how hard I tried to banish them, they surged forth unbidden. 

Believing these visions marked me as disturbed, I carried a burden of shame and isolation, thinking I was alone in my experience.

Now, my perspective has shifted.

In Stoicism, there's a practice known as 'negative visualization.' It involves deliberately conjuring up the worst-case scenarios—but only for a moment. This brief immersion into what didn't happen paradoxically heightens appreciation for all that is right in our lives.

I've come to view these intense visions not as signs of a troubled mind, but as protective mechanisms. They serve as my personal Marcus Aurelius or Seneca, urging me to adopt a Stoic mindset and deepen my gratitude. These vivid images are a part of my mental processing, preparing me for life's challenges by putting everything into perspective. Each unsettling scenario that plays out in my mind strengthens my resolve, reminding me that my current situation could be far worse, and helps me cultivate a profound sense of thankfulness for the reality that these visions are just that—visions.