Imagination is the human ability to visualize something. Our thoughts create inner images that we can perceive with all our senses. These inner images determine how we experience our lives. They influence our feelings and these in turn influence our inner images. Images are equally effective whether they are images of joy or images of pain and hurt.
We all have inner images. By putting our focus on an inner image, we give it our energy. The more energy we give it, the more intense the feeling that the inner image creates. This works both ways. If we direct our attention to negative or painful inner images, a downward spiral is created – and vice versa.
Ideally, we get used to paying attention to our inner images. If they are negative, we replace them with positive ones. This also creates distance to the emotions – we feel that we are not our emotions. It improves our ability to deal with difficulties and prevents us from being overwhelmed by them.
Imagine
In the writing group I am part of I experienced the following imagination. The theme was: If I were a painting…
… I would rest calmly within myself and invite you to lose yourself in me; I would give you space to follow your dreams – there is so much to dream about.
… I would be happy if, while looking at me, you would learn more about yourself, discover something previously unknown about you and me and experience yourself anew.
… you could not stop looking at me – you would keep coming back to me, attracted by my silent beauty and the peace that you can feel through me in you.
… you could find calmness while I give you insight and inspiration, connect you to your soul, envelop you in my love.
Now I invite you to let your thoughts run free – “If I were a painting … “
“I have lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” (Attributed to Mark Twain)