As many of us get older, we may have grown accustomed to constant ‘reality checks’ or reminders to mature and stop day-dreaming as we did when we were children. Oftentimes, these reminders come from a good place; it is true, after all, that remaining present in our lives (or practicing mindfulness) comes with its own benefits. That doesn’t mean, however, that we should abandon our imaginations.
Using Your Imagination
Our imaginations are powerful tools to improve the quality of our lives. Using your imagination doesn’t mean you are taking a break from reality—It means you are contemplating how you can grow into your future. Consider the following quote:
“Imagination is absolutely critical to the quality of our lives. Our imagination enables us to leave our routine everyday existence by fantasizing about travel, food, sex, falling in love, or having the last word—all the things that make life interesting. Imagination gives us the opportunity to envision new possibilities—it is an essential launchpad for making our hopes come true. It fires our creativity, relieves our boredom, alleviates our pain, enhances our pleasure, and enriches our most intimate relationships.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Spending time using your imagination doesn’t necessarily mean thinking of make-believe scenarios; instead, it can often be as simple as picturing how a conversation is going to go with a loved one, how having your dream career would feel, or how you might be able to work your way out of a challenging situation you are in. This is an important piece of life that helps create growth and meaning.
Trauma and Imagination
As is discussed in The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, trauma can often cause someone to lose touch with their imagination. This is because trauma is not the event that happened and came to an end, but rather the emotions and physical sensations that our minds and bodies hold onto. These sensations can lead someone to see the world through the lens of their trauma and struggle to find hope or meaning in other capacities.
Reclaiming Your Imagination
If you find you’re struggling to use your imagination, or to dream of different possibilities in your life, the first step to reclaiming this is often through the growth of self-understanding. Working to feel and understand the emotions and bodily sensations that are happening within you can allow you to feel more in control of your life. In counselling, our aim is to create a space where you can ground yourself in the present, creating safety to process the past and understand its impact on you today. As a result, we can work towards your capacity to dream of the future.
Don’t be afraid to spend time ‘up in the clouds’ — Your imagination is a powerful tool.