Engaging in creative imagination is a practice that follows a specific process. To do it successfully, keep in mind that for centuries in ancient times, it was performed as a sacred ritual, with great reverence and according to explicit rules. Today imagination is no longer considered the gift of Muses, but seen as a mental function studied by scientific research. However different our approach to it may be, the process of tapping into our creative imagination today follows exactly the same steps as in the Greek religion almost three millennia ago. The steps described below will help you complete the exercises at the end of the chapter.
1. Define the Problem With Which You Need Help. This may be a project that is not progressing, a dilemma you have a hard time resolving, a difficulty you are facing regarding the future, etc. Be specific in naming the problem. Do not make a list of issues that bother you, but write in one sentence what seems to be the problem. This may be more difficult than you think, because you may have to examine several issues troubling you until you pinpoint the one that captures the essence of your difficulty. The exercises in the previous chapters should help you pinpoint this core issue.
2. Engage in the Realm of Imagination, Invoke the Helping Figures, and Open a Dialogue. Set a specific time aside, sit in a quiet, private space, close your eyes and stay silent for a few moments. Ask gently: “Who can help me with my problem of… ?” (Describe the problem as you have defined it in the first step.) Wait in silence for a few moments, as images will appear in your mind’s eye. Continue waiting until a figure appears who calls your attention. This can be anything: a person, an animal, an object, a natural element, a color, or even a hybrid of different people or animals. Do not try to understand the way it looks, just trust your reaction when it appears: when the right figure appears, you will feel energized. That’s your hint. Allow the figure to speak. Stay quiet and write your dialogue. Write your questions, one at a time. Wait for a few moments until an answer comes up. Continue with the next question, followed by a next answer. Do not rush it. Write your entire conversation, as it happens. Throughout the process, you are free to ask questions, seek clarifications, and express opinions. Write the dialogue as it happens within your allotted time. Do not judge its content.
Note: If you have a specific figure that you wish to use as your inner guide, (e.g.: Allan’s Humphrey Bogart, Elena’s George Clooney, etc) you may just call upon that figure.
3. Read The Dialogue and Apply Common Sense to Distill Its Value. Read the dialogue carefully and see how you feel as you assess it. When the advice you receive from your inner mentor is helpful, you will feel energized and animated. Trust the body; it never lies. Also, exercise common sense to evaluate the ethical value and applicability of the advice you received. To do this, ask the questions: “If I follow this advice, will I forward my life in the direction I desire without harming myself or others? How can I make this happen considering the limitations of reality?” Examine your answers to these questions. If your body energy and common sense indicate you should follow the advice, proceed with the next step. Otherwise, ask your inner guide for more practical advice, or invoke another figure from the endless repository of your imagination, and repeat the process.
4. Take Action and Evaluate the Outcomes. Engaging in active imagination only for the pleasure of talking to inner figures becomes equivalent to daydreaming. In order to benefit from this activity, you must complete it by taking action. Once you become clear about what you must do to improve your real situation, you must act on it. Follow the examples of the movie characters and cases studies in this chapter and proceed. Only by taking action can you change your real situation. Keep evaluating your progress. Is your life improving? Are you falling into old patterns? Are you staying focused on your goals? Are you using your own advice? Are you walking the talk?
Never abdicate your personal responsibility to the power of creative imagination in solving your problems. Always keep your feet firmly grounded in reality and always check the real data when applying advice from your imaginary guides. They may offer very wise advice, but in the end, your actions in the real domain carry your name and you are accountable for them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maria Grace, Ph.D., is an expert at teaching people how to learn lessons from popular movies to find the job, home, relationship, and healthy body and mind they want. She is a Fulbright scholar, licensed psychotherapist, sought-after public speaker and coach, and the author of “Reel Fulfillment: A 12-Step Plan for Transforming Your Life through Movies” (McGraw-Hill, 2005). “Reel Fulfillment” was praised by Publisher’s Weekly as one of the top “self help books out of the self-help box” for 2005-2006.
For more information visit http://www.mariagrace.com and http://www.reelfulfillment.com
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