Image streaming

Image streaming is a mental exercise intended to stimulate visualization and to access subconscious solutions to problems.
History
Image streaming was developed by Win Wenger, with the original intention to create a method to improve a person's ability to visualise. Proponents of image streaming claim it results in an increase in creativity and intelligence. Non peer-reviewed research supports this claim, suggesting that image streaming results in an average gain of 0.44 IQ points per hour of practice.
In image streaming the subject describes out loud, to another person or a tape recorder, their visual imagery. The subject will also ask questions of the images.
Wenger describes the process as a combination of Albert Einstein's method of day dreaming and the Socratic method of repeated questioning. He believes that it causes the subject to become more aware of his mental imagery and creates links between visual and verbal thinking.
Theory
Wenger argues that the subconscious mind's endless stream of visual images contain important issues and insights. He cites significant discoveries that are reputed to have come through day dreaming, most notably Einstein's discovery of the theory of relativity.
Describing the images aloud brings them to conscious attention and, according to Wenger, leads to more abundant and clearer imagery. Wenger describes this as a feedback mechanism where the act of observing causes more imagery to be produced.
He also speculates that image streaming links visual and verbal modes of thinking—a process termed "pole bridging"—in especial relation to lateralization of brain function which in turn causes intelligence to increase. A similar system believed to increase intelligence via visualisation is Silvia Hartmann's Project Sanctuary.
The long term aims and alleged results of image streaming include:
*Obtaining answers
*Increasing awareness
*Raising IQ
Procedure
1. The question. Asking oneself a question.
2. The image stream. This involves speaking to a live listener or tape recorder, relaxed with eyes closed, and describing aloud any unbidden mental images. This is done in a rapid flow, with attention to sensory detail.
3. Feature-questioning. A feature is picked out, such as a wall, a tree or any other unremarkable object available. Further questions are used to trigger further images.
4. Inductive inference. Once a set of images from this purportedly constant flow have run dry, the image streaming faculties are "thanked" by the image streamer for showing them an answer. The facilities are then asked for help in understanding the messages of the images as they are often symbolic.
5. Examining connections. When there are similarities in any stream of images, these symbols in common will form the core of the answer or “message” from the subconscious.
6. Relate. The original forgotten question is revisited and the core elements are interpreted to fit the answer.
7. Debrief. The whole image streaming experience is reported to another individual (directly or by telephone) or to notebook or computer. The feedback should add further to an understanding of what has just occurred.

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