We are in a time where people are becoming more and more aware of the holistic approach to success by understanding the connection between mind and body. There are many people talking and teaching about the power of the mind with one main theory:
What we think about affects our results.
In other words, whatever is created in the mind, whether positive or negative, and with enough thought and energy will produce itself in reality.
While many individuals are benefiting from this information, many are not grasping it and are finding it frustrating that they cannot achieve success. It seems that knowing and understanding the concept is not enough. There is something missing in their practice that is causing them to remain stuck.
Transforming an idea in our minds to a reality in our physical world is a creative process and every step must be followed for it to work. Missing just one intricate detail can be the difference between success and failure.
The process of creating, in theory, is quite simple.
We have a purpose or idea that comes from within and it awakens a desire inside of us.
We bring up that desire or vision in our minds as an image.
We then impress that image in our subconscious minds until it becomes a belief.
Once we have the belief our body begins to perform the actions required to achieve the goal.
Looking at this process in these steps seems simple, but when you really analyze it, taking a desire and executing it physically has one important element standing in its way.
It is the imagination. We just assume that someone can imagine!
So, why is it that when we really have a desire we cannot bring up an image of that desire? It should seem that thinking about what you love should be no problem. After all, our imagination seems to run on its own without much thought or effort. It just happens. How often do we admit that our imagination is running wild? Actually, that is exactly what is happening. Our imagination will run on its own unless we learn to harness it, tame it, and work it to our advantage.
To really understand the imagination we should look back at how many of us were first were introduced to its presence. It was most likely in our playtime. As children we would spend hours pretending and dreaming.
Often, our parents supported and encouraged us to use this imaginary way of being by giving us toys and props to really live out our fantasy. They gave us compliments and credit for having an active imagination.
Then as we grew and started school, things abruptly changed. Somehow our imaginations always got in the way and kept us from paying attention in class. We were constantly told “Pay attention and stop daydreaming!”
What once was praised and acknowledged now was shunned upon and discouraged. For many children, this was a very confusing situation at best.
Taking matters in our own hands, many of us discovered that, what better way to fit in than to just keep that imagination stifled. We worked hard at learning to keep our daydreams quiet and subdued and only call upon them if and when asked.
We grew up and entered social situations and business settings and found that it was somehow unprofessional to wander off into a fantasy world. Imagining became an attribute labelled with not being able to focus.
We eventually accepted that train of thought that the imagination was somehow childish and we learned to suppress it even further. We practiced the art of turning off our imaginations and convincing ourselves that it is only for children and that daydreaming is not for adults.
There are a select few who did not accept this holding back and fought back their right to imagine, often being represented as creative or free spirits, and eventually moved into careers where they are now paid for being imaginative. They found a way to earn a living from their creativity, a wonderful concept!
But for most people, learning to turn on this part of the mind that has been idle for so long is an impossible task. They remain blocked unable to envision and dream, even of the things they truly want in life. Unless one knows the methods and understands the process of the imagination, what should be a fulfilling experience when mind and body are aligned, becomes a stressful and uncomfortable process
The crucial part of the creative process is bringing up the image in our minds. For many, the mere act of igniting their imagination to form an image of what they want is almost impossible. It’s not that people don’t know what they want, it is that they’re not able to picture it in their minds. Most people know what they want they just can’t see it.
It is this weakened ability to control the imagination that is keeping people from attaining their goals and success in their lives. They are stuck before they get started.
Your imagination is part of your creative process and was given to you to create your ideas. You have ideas and a purpose and it is your job to see it and create it. Your imagination was put there for a reason.
Reawakening the imagination can seem like a daunting task however, learning to utilize your imagination can mean the difference between creating and disintegrating. The imagination can be strengthened and when properly used can be the catalyst to great success, new ideas, and wonderful achievements.
So, learn to dream again. Practice the art of daydreaming. It may be the difference in whether or attain your dream or remain stuck.
In the words of John Lennon, “Imagine.”
