For Centuries, the Imagination Has Been Belittled and Ignored. But That's All Starting to Change.
Do you remember the daydreams of childhood? Do you recall how anything seemed possible, how fantasy and reality often coexisted without the slightest difficulty? Fairies, talking animals, and imaginary friends were real, their worlds a very definite part of everyday experience.
If you're like most of us, these "flights of fancy" were rarely encouraged by parents, teachers or other adults. In fact for the most part, "daydreaming" has been discouraged in our culture, where a high value is placed on everyday reality, being practical, and "keeping your feet on the ground." As a result, many of us hid our inner life, where secret longings and creativity were forced underground. Soon these tendencies were either weakened or forgotten altogether.
Fortunately, a number of teachers and scientists are beginning to remind us that imagination plays a key role in a happy, productive and creative life. For inventors and business people, this is good news indeed.
One of the most well-known researchers on brain function and imagination is Neil Slade, whose website (www.neilslade.com) now draws more than 700,00 hits each month. Slade, who is well-versed in the basic sections of the human brain, offers exercises in imagination which stimulate the brain's amygdalae--two almond size areas that can assist you in remaining calm and focused.
The bottom line? Change your thoughts and you can change your life.
Steve Johnson, a California-based jazz musician and singer, couldn't agree more. Johnson has been using focused imagination to create a career in music and writing for more than three decades.
"I decide on a specific goal and I imagine it in the most minute detail," explains Johnson, who recently realized his goal of signing a record deal with his band (www.catzinhatz.com). "I kept that record deal in my mind until I got it. Now I imagine myself singing at Carnegie Hall and the Ed Sullivan Theater where Elvis sang. And I know I can reach these goals, too."
Research cited at Slade's website seems to support Johnson's contention. Slade cites a 30-year study conducted by T.D. Lingo, where thought modification led to increases in intelligence and access to previously untapped areas of the brain. And according to Slade, individuals working alone with such techniques have reported similar results, citing increased innovation and pleasure in life.
Johnson is definitely one of those people. "If you're thinking negatively, you produce negative results. But if you're thinking in the right way, your subconscious mind actually draws success to you, surrounding you with the things you want."
John Moreland, an inventor who started Dream Merchant Magazine back in 1990, says that positive thinking can be learned and utilized by anyone. And, says Moreland, it's especially useful for inventors.
"I learned a lot about imagination and positive thinking from Joe Cossman," Moreland says. Cossman, a former columnist for the Dream Merchant, was one of America's most successful entrepreneurs and a great believer in the power of positive thinking and focused imagination.
"He liked to keep people focused," explains Moreland. "He once told me that your mind can only hold one conscious thought at a time, so whenever a negative thought enters, you should immediately replace it with something positive--a thought or positive imagination."
According to Moreland, the process is often difficult, but the payoff is well worth it. Inventors, he says, are often prone to negative thinking, especially when they hit a snag with a new product idea.
"It's important to remember is that you're not the only one who has ever hit a snag," Moreland says. "Instead of focusing on the problem and what isn't working, you need to focus on the possible solutions. You may need more research or you may need to network with other inventors."
And that may be the greatest benefit of focused imagination--the ability to find solutions to problems, to improve life by creating solutions that make our everyday lives better.
Johnson remains convinced that imagination can do more than find short-term solutions.
"Some people say you are what you eat," he says. "But really, you are what you think, what you imagine. We can use imagination to reach our goals, but also to help others and ultimately, to create a better world. Then we can all be winners."
Mike Foley has been the Dream Merchant Editor since 1990. He is the author of more than 750 published stories and articles.
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