Seeing Your Future Self: A Powerful Shift Through Mindful Photography

What if you could see yourself stepping into your future, right now?

We often visualize our dreams, set goals, and journal about the future we want to create. But what if we could literally see the transition between where we are now and where we want to be? The SelfMe Mirror & Vision method offers a powerful way to bridge that gap through photography and mindfulness, making the journey from present to future feel more attainable.

Before starting this practice, take a brief moment to pause. Close your eyes and take three deep, mindful breaths. Then, think of one thing you are grateful for. Finally, send love and compassion to one person in your life. This simple practice takes only a minute or so but helps center your mind and heart, creating the mind-body connection for the SelfMe Mirror & Vision process.

There was a time when I felt stuck between who I was and who I wanted to become. I had the vision, the goals, and the determination, yet something felt out of reach, like I was standing on one side of a bridge with no way to cross.

One day, I decided to turn this feeling into something visible. I selected a photo card from the metaFox ‘Design Your Life’ tool: that represented my current emotions, an image of a wall with random letters and numbers attached to it, unsure which of my creative projects and ideas to pursue and feeling stuck. Then, I took a “before” SelfMe, an intentional, mindful mobile photo that captured my inner being: tapping on the camera app on my mobile, aiming at myself as if taking a selfie, covering the screen with one hand so that I couldn’t see myself, and with my other hand tapping on the capture button, once and only once as perfection is not the focus here but rather authenticity. Afterwards, I immediately locked my phone to refrain from previewing my SelfMe, delaying instant gratification.

To deepen my experience, I grabbed a pair of headphones and opened a 15-minute breathwork YouTube video (my favorite channel at the moment is @BreatheWithSandy ). After my mindfulness activity concluded I returned to my SelfMe and observed the surroundings of my environment, the clock on the wall representing shackled to time, and the plant over the middle of my head, inviting the peace and tranquility to both hemispheres of my brain. Then I looked at myself from a third-person perspective with compassion, kindness, and empathy. I noticed how my face featured a surrendering and tired expression, surrendering to life and the universe.

I then transitioned to the metaFox ‘Design Your Life’ tool again and chose another that symbolized my future, a view of a tree from a down-below perspective with the sun beaming through the branches and leaves, my happy place.

I reflected on this card for a moment and then took an “after” SelfMe with the same technique as when I captured my “before” with the exception of locking my mobile to delay instant gratification. Instead, I compared my two SelfMe’s and in my “after” I noticed the clock was not in sight anymore giving me a sense of being timeless, the plant over my head was more on my left side bringing peace and tranquility into the critical left part of my brain, and a slight smile and glimmer of hope in my eyes. 

1. Preparation

   • Gather a diverse set of photo cards that represent various emotions and future aspirations. Ensure the cards reflect a range of feelings and concepts, such as hope, success, change, or adventure.

   • Prepare an open area for participants to comfortably engage in movement and discussion, allowing for a relaxed and reflective environment.

   • Optionally, provide notebooks for participants to jot down reflections during the activity.

2. Introduction

   • Welcome participants and explain that this activity is about visualizing change from the present to the future through the use of the photo cards and the SelfMe practice. Emphasize that the goal is to foster emotional awareness and personal growth by connecting with their current state and aspirations.

3. Defining the Prompt

   • Guide participants with two specific prompts:

     • "Choose one card to represent your current emotional state and a second card to symbolize your vision for the future."

   • Encourage them to consider how each card resonates with their feelings and aspirations.

4. Initial Card Selection

   • Allow participants time to reflect on their current emotional state and future vision. Each participant selects two cards: one that represents their present feelings and one that symbolizes their future aspirations.

   • Encourage participants to think about the contrast between the two cards, prompting them to explore the emotional journey from their current state to their envisioned future.

5. SelfMe

   • Participants take a SelfMe representing their current self and another reflecting their future aspirations or goals. Encourage them to focus on emotional transformation during this process, capturing the essence of their present and future selves.

6. Mindfulness Activity

   • Lead participants in a 45-minute mindfulness activity designed to ground them in the present. This could include somatic movement, breathwork, or meditation. Explain the importance of being present in order to align with their future vision, emphasizing how this grounding can support emotional shifts.

7. Sharing & Integration

   • Facilitate a discussion where participants share their reflections on both their present and future card choices. Encourage them to articulate how their current self aligns or contrasts with their envisioned future.

   • After reviewing their SelfMe, invite participants to discuss any insights or emotional shifts they experienced during the mindfulness activity and how it may have influenced their perceptions.

8. Reflection & Integration

   • Prompt participants to reflect on the two images they captured. Ask them to note any emotional or mental changes that occurred during the process and how these shifts impact their understanding of themselves.

9. Closing

   • Summarize the key takeaways related to transformation and future alignment, highlighting the importance of visualizing change and embracing personal growth.

   • Thank participants for their openness and insights, encouraging them to continue exploring the connection between their present and future selves

As coaches, facilitators, and therapists, we know the power of visualization and embodiment. This method takes it a step further, turning vision into something you can see and feel. It helps participants:

• Recognize their current emotional state with honesty and self-compassion

• Connect deeply with their future self, making aspirations feel real and within reach

• Use mindfulness to embody that transformation in the present moment

This method is a simple yet powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Whether you're guiding a client through it or trying it yourself, it offers a unique way to visualize progress. If you’d like to explore this approach in more depth, you can download the free metaFox eBook here:

Learn more about Joey and his SelfMe Method: https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Create a moment. Capture your transition. Connect with your future self.