Visioning: Ten Steps to Designing the Life of Your Dreams

This how-to manual for ""manifesting your heart's desire"" will no doubt prompt memories of kindergarten collage-making for many readers. Based on her observations of engineers, architects and designers (including toy and theme park creators), Capacchione offers a framework for shepherding an idea into reality, whether the goal is to create a company mission statement, improve one's health or build a dream home. An art therapist, corporate consultant and the author of 10 books (The Creative Journal, etc.), she instructs readers on choosing a theme, gathering images and words that ""grab"" one's attention, finding order in the chaos, committing one's vision to paper and glue, getting feedback from others, dwelling on one's vision, getting help to implement the plan and celebrating the final result. With a tone that's both playful and serious, Capacchione provides detailed instructions and numerous exercises for working through this process. She also encourages journal writing (using both hands to engage both sides of the brain) and addresses common internal and external obstacles. Even if some of the numerous samples and stories culled from her workshops come across as a bit schematic and glib, Capacchione provides a fun and empowering approach to creativity for those willing to roll up their sleeves and play in the rich field of their desires. (Jan.)