Take Back Your Life in 5 Easy Steps!
My aim today is to spark your enthusiasm for imaginative thinking.
Without imaginative thinking, we’d still be rubbing two sticks together to make a fire.
I’m a psychologist and an artist and I’m keenly aware of easy “go to” habits like picking up your iphone, Googling something…always filling up the empty space with an activity!
Stop. Now. No joke.
Being able to imagine is a life force like breathing. It may be the most important one you have [excluding breathing!].
The tragedy is its often ignored.
Begin today with 5 ways you can ignite your imagination.
1. Goal Setting Visualizations: Imagine achieving your dreams. Take a few moments today, right now, to vividly picture yourself attaining these goals. Whether it’s picturing a successful work endeavor, a healthier lifestyle, or an artistic achievement — take a moment to see it in your mind’s eye.
2. Mindful Daydreaming: Take time in the day to just sit quietly at your desk and let your mind wander. Close your eyes and relax. Put your feet up. Let your mind wander or go blank. You’ll be surprised the ideas that may come to you later in the day!
3. Creative Problem Solving: Throughout the day we encounter stressful situations and challenges. Take a moment to think “outside the box.” Imagine whatever stressful situation you’re experiencing and transport yourself to a remote island in some far away place. See the problem you’re experiencing in this different setting. Or see yourself using different tools.
4. Artistic Expression: Whether you’re an artist or not, engage in some creative tasks and let yourself go. Let yourself express with crayons, pencils, paints or even fabric what you are feeling. Don’t aim for structure, aim for expression and freedom. Then look at it and see what it tells you. This is the beginning of painting. Painting is a dialectical process. The moment you put a mark on the canvas, the canvas speaks back at you — it responds. Be curious about what it is telling you.
5. Empathy and Perspective-Taking: This is one of my favorites. Imagining myself in someone else’s shoes. When I do this, I find a whole different story emerging. My heart softens and I gain perspective and understanding. This exercise not only enhances your emotional intelligence but enriches your relationships.
These exercises will enable you to experience a treasure inside of you. Don’t be clueless — take action!!
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