The Inner Studio - Riverside Architectural Press

PART FOUR | INNER KNOW-HOW
EXERCISE 5: THE ROUND TABLE
This exercise is intended for those who have practiced active imagination
and visualization and feel comfortable working with the exercises in this
section. The premise of this exercise is to let those who have inspired you
the most over the years solve the creative problem you are facing.
Begin by making list of four people who have inspired you. In a
recent class one such list included the musician Dave Mathews, the
baroque architect Borromini, the contemporary architect Steven Holl,
and the Masai tribe. Set the list aside and begin the exercise.
Loosen any tight-fitting clothing, remove your glasses if you wish,
find a comfortable posture, and settle in there. Take a few deep breaths
and allow your mind and body to begin to relax. Use a technique such
as progressive relaxation or deep breathing and allow yourself to fall into
an easy, more serene state where you feel a sense of peacefulness.
Now imagine yourself in a beautiful place in nature, a place you have
dreamed about or a favorite place you have visited many times. Take a
few moments to experience the peacefulness and the relaxation you find
there. Remembering that anything is possible in imagination, invite an
inspiring creative advisor to join you at a round table. Allow an image to
form that represents that person... accept what comes to you... it may be
a wise old man or woman, it may be an animal or a relative or respected
teacher. Staying relaxed, ask any question you have concerning your
work.
Now listen carefully to the response. It may be a verbal response, it
may contain a contain a symbol or image, or it may be something subtle
you feel or sense in your body. Just accept what comes to you. If you
have another question or are uncertain about the response, feel free to
ask another question or invite others who have inspired you to join you
at the round table. Now listen to their responses to your question. If any
difficulties come to mind with what you are hearing ask for their advice
again...What will make things go more smoothly? When you are
ready...thank your inspirations for this meeting and ask them how you
can best meet again...and when you are ready return to this time and this
room, stretch gently, perhaps yawn if you wish, and begin to make notes
and prepare to discuss your experience.
As with other active imagination exercises, it is important to ground
your experiences by writing them out and discussing them with a trusted
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