Have you ever thought about where new ideas come from? Every idea starts in someone’s imagination. If you have ever spent time with a child, you can see their imagination at work. But does this end with childhood?
This morning I read a quote by Albert Einstein:
I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge
is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
~ Albert Einstein from ‘What Life Means to Einstein: An Interview by George Sylvester Viereck’, October 26, 1929
I guess one of the greatest examples I witnessed of the power of imagination was in my younger brother, Mike. From the time we were in grade school, he wanted to grow up to be president! He was only 8 or 9 at that time, but he made a plan to study the past presidents and go to Law School when he got older. I helped him study presidents because I loved history. Once he grew up, he attended UCLA and then Law School. He did get a job using his law degree, but alas, he died young from brain cancer when he was barely 40. So he never fulfilled his dream! But things may have been very different if he had lived longer.
I grew up in a very innovative area.
Having grown up in Santa Clara County, California (now known as Silicon Valley!), I saw many people use their imagination to build empires there. Of course, this mindset had an impact on me, even though I left the area years ago.
I have written previously on the power of affirmations and afformations. To me, this is how we channel our imagination into creative endeavors. But so often as adults, we get caught up in day-to-day living, raising kids, paying bills, that we forget about the power of our imaginations. But it is never too late!
Now, while in my 70s, I still tap into my imagination to create some good for my life and the world. Actually, since my kids are all grown and gone, I have more time to explore this part of my life. Also, it is helpful to be married to someone who calls himself a ‘serial entrepreneur’. His imagination (and affirmations and afformations) is always active.
I don’t have big long-term plans as my brother did, but I am probably more hopeful than most folks my age about accomplishing goals now. When we tap into our inner imagination, we can be unstoppable.
How about you? What do you imagine for your life? And do you support your imagination with spiritual practices?