Einstein was quoted as saying “Imagination is more important than knowledge” but could it be that imagination IS knowledge? It is always the inventor, the idea person, the entrepreneur, and the artist on the edge that seems to carry us into the future. Without the imaginative spirit we cannot progress or evolve and it is quite possibly that lack of spirit that is challenging us as Americans to re-imagine ourselves. This could be one of the most exciting times for creativity because we have so much to create!
I’ve listened to the negativity predicted by the pundits and fear mongers and I say we should all start painting, singing, dancing, writing, playing and imagining a better future on this planet. Yes, I am an idealist at heart because when I see the amazing and beautiful things that people create I am encouraged to believe that we can accomplish great things together.
But these things can never happen without a healthy dose of imagination and the ability to allow ourselves to embrace our creative passions. Don’t think for a minute that your desire to take that photograph of the sunset isn’t as important as doing your job. Allowing yourself to take that photograph helps you to do your job and to contribute to your role in society with a genuine connection to your world. If we deny our need to use our imagination we deny our life. Imagination can be as simple as cooking a meal and thinking “now I wonder what that would taste like if I added….” and then having the courage to try it, even if it doesn’t work out. You never know where it might lead you. Just as it took Edison many, many tries to invent the light bulb we should never give up on our imaginative ideas. It’s not about it working the first time; it’s about it working the last time.
So allow yourself to imagine doing something creative, living the life you want, sailing on the ocean, writing a book, singing for an audience, creating a new financial plan or whatever moves you. We need to access our imaginations on a daily basis so that we can be and stay inspired to live a life that is rich with meaning.
Find ways to use your own imagination instead of the visual bombardment you receive on a daily basis from TV, YouTube, games, DVD’s, etc. Try listening to some instrumental music and visualize what’s going on, listen to a recorded story and see if you can see the surroundings or characters, walk in nature and hear the birds and invent a new world, or just sit in silence and envision your own environment. When we know we can access our imagination it gives us a sense of confidence in helping us to create our universe and add our own unique vision to our world. Find your imagination and use it every day.
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