Three keys, a quote and an invitation
One
In today’s world, imagination is highly practical. I’ve seen this in my work leading political and legal transitions in post-conflict context, implementing innovative projects, analysing future developments across sectors, driving business transitions towards sustainability and perhaps more obviously, in bringing a theatre play, a feature documentary film and a book, to fruition: Imagination is a key enabler (and first step) towards realising a vision of what could be.
What we dream about matters, it is arguably the best indicator of what we stand for and aspire to become as humans. Instead of asking people ‘what they do for a living’ or ‘where they come from’, we should think about asking them what their dreams are about the future? The answer will tell you right away if they are someone you share values with.
Two
Imagination is different from fantasy. ‘While fantasy takes us away from reality, imagination is our only chance to get into reality,‘ said Dr. Iain McGilchrist when I interviewed with him for my book InnSæi: heal, revive and reset with the Icelandic art of intuition.
And imagination can be almost as powerful as real-life experiences, when it comes to its effects on our mind, body and spirit.
Three
Imagination constructs possibilities, allowing us to mentally explore different scenarios before deciding. Intuition processes these imagined possibilities rapidly, recognizing patterns and insights without step-by-step analysis.
Imagination opens possibilities while intuition guides choices. Together they amplify human intelligence and our ability to co-create the world.
A quote
“As we navigate towards new horizons, we need our vivid imagination to set sails towards the possible. Grounded in InnSæi’s understanding of planetary and human interconnectedness, imagination can guide us towards the future we dream of. It helps us see in our minds, what we intuit to be possible.
Because if we can’t imagine better futures, how on Earth are we going to get there?”
—Ted Talk: Listen to your intuition – it can help you navigate the future – Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir.
An invitation
Wisdom is asking the right questions. Clarity comes with presence and heightened awareness about how and to what we pay attention to.
My invitation this week is for you to:
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- Take a moment to centre yourself, sit quietly or lie down, look out the window or at something that allows your mind to wander and nerves to calm down. Use mindfulness to allow mind-chatter to evade your headspace. Find that quiet space inside you that allows you to access your intuition.
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- Allow yourself to dream of a) a creative solution to something that‘s been on your mind, or b) a future you‘d absolutely love to live in.
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- Envision achieving the solution you think of, or living in the future you dream of. Smell it, feel it, observe it, walk around in it, celebrate it.
As always, I recommend you journal about what comes up for you. It‘s a proven way to align with and harness your intuition, improve happiness, strengthen intention, deepen presence and enhance creativity.
Thank you for reading, as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions. If you are enjoying reading this, are curious to find out more and think others might be, please do share!
With love & respect,
