Written by: Dean Nelson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight thin their area of expertise.
"Imagination rules the world” is a powerful ontological proclamation credited to whom?
A. Albert Einstein B. Theodore Roosevelt
C. Napoleon Bonaparte D. George S Patton
Did you guess Albert Einstein? Einstein famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” However, Napoleon Bonaparte is recognized for articulating the other famous quote, "Imagination rules the world.” What exactly did he mean? Does your imagination govern your world?
Both of these quotes are profoundly intriguing. Imagination is generated from within the mind and represents the unlimited potential of human beings. It is paramount to knowledge in that imaginative impulses accelerate our knowledge potential. Prior experiences, memories, personalities, and feelings may unconsciously influence our imagination. All of the man-made things in our world today were once imagined. Art, science, technology, engineering, communication, transportation, music, medicine, and most foods were all imagined at some point. Without imagination, we could not feast upon a multi-topping pizza, a hamburger adorned with various relishes and condiments, seafood Paella, or Quiche Lorraine. What would our world be like without any of these things?
Imagination constantly re-creates our planet's visual landscape and reshapes our daily experiences. It has journeyed astronauts to the moon and delivered rovers to Mars. Inspired imagination has entertained and mesmerized audiences around the globe with movies that are fantastically written, acted, and directed and contain astonishingly realistic CGI (computer-generated imagery).
If you do not think your imagination is powerful, then do not think of a pink elephant or the S on Superman’s costume. Do not visualize a small blue fish in your cupped hands or a red basketball on top of your head. Perhaps you did not see any of these things in your mind, but I am guessing most people did.
How can you use imagination to improve your life?
To maximize the influence of your imagination, the ideal would be to quiet your mind somewhat. If your mental movies and internal conversations interfere with your task, repeatedly bring your focus back to your present moment intentions. As the poet Rumi said, “Come, even if you have broken your vow one thousand times, come, yet again, come, come.” So, if you become continually distracted, return to the present again and yet again.
Imagination is active in dreams within the subconscious mind while you are sleeping. It is active in your conscious mind during daydreams. Most importantly, imagination can be deliberately activated and engaged in almost any waking moment with content specific to our intentions. Go deeper here.
Suppose you wish to create a food dish containing the ingredients you have on hand, such as fresh basil, chicken, Basmati rice, pearl onions, tomatoes, zucchini, and red peppers. In that case, you will either engage your imagination for a suitable preparation method or search the web for a recipe with all your ingredients. You could get an idea from a recipe and reimagine it into something entirely your own. Aspire to be creative in some or all areas of your life.
What if your advertising department needs help with ideas for an upcoming ad campaign for a client, and you are asked for advice? You will undoubtedly rely on your imagination to provide the best ideas possible. You will repeatedly engage your imagination on deeper and deeper levels to develop the ideal marketing concept. Remember to engage your imagination appropriately in the workplace to benefit yourself and your company.
Imagination is a goal-setting wonder. We use our imaginations to decide what we want and how to get it. Once we imagine our desired result, we imagine how we will ultimately achieve it. We will utilize the power of imagination to scale the process and bring the goal to fruition. Use your imagination to preview your future.
Imagination fuels much-needed empathy. We imagine what another person feels as they go through challenging times. We relate to and empathize with their experiences while opening our hearts to them and wishing them well. It helps us understand the behaviors of others and provides an opportunity to connect with and assist them.
Whenever you feel down, discouraged, or in a negative state of mind, immediately use your imagination to visualize a time when you felt happy or proud. Imagine within your mind a past positive event such as the birth of your child, your wedding, a job promotion, when you won an award or a race, attended a concert, got a new pet, gave someone a gift, or hugged someone you love. Use your skills to experience it fully and vividly, with all the sights, sounds, scents, and sensations. It can provide an instant shift in your mind and place you in a state of happiness. More on that here.
It may be difficult for some people to make desired changes in life at times, but a consistent re-imagining of circumstances can be a powerful tool to effect positive results. Use your imagination to inspire worthwhile change, achieve goals, create art, launch a business, improve a relationship, or spawn any meaningful projects you desire.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. It rules the world!
Dean Nelson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dean Nelson is the best-selling author of three self-help, inspirational, and motivational books with another in the works. For nearly 30 years, he spent countless hours attending seminars, researching, studying, and seeking out ways to awaken his potential. His sincerest passion and mission in life is to provide simple shortcuts to living a more fulfilled and inspired experience. For those who are struggling and ready for change, Nelson shares his enlightening psychology for those seeking an immediate positive transformation.
