Your imagination can transform your spiritual life.
So why, in conversations about spirituality, does imagination often get a bad rap? It tends to be framed as a kind of mental make believe or a distraction from real spiritual practice.
We need to think differently about imagination.
Rather than being an act of invention, its a channel of guidance. When framed with intention, imagination becomes a spiritual practice and a discipline. And it’s the doorway to a profound spiritual life.
In the contemplative and alchemical traditions, imagination is a sacred capacity we can refine. It’s a way we tune in to the higher frequencies of knowing.
It’s no surprise then that the mystical traditions often refer to the Spirit world as the Imaginal Realm. It’s an energetic realm of Spirit, and imagination is a primary channel through which the angels, saints, and ancestors speak to us.
Working with imagination is subtle. It requires a sensitive and playful balance of attention and surrender.
How to develop our imaginal capacity? Here’s a spiritual practice that will exercise this imagination muscle. Have a journal next to your good cup of tea or coffee so you can jot down notes, and, have fun with it!
Quiet yourself through your favorite centering or meditation process. Breath into a relaxed inner spaciousness.
Imagine your favorite angel, Saint, ancestor, or inspirational person giving you a word, an image, a favorite place, a song, a memory. Listen/feel/look for whatever drops in to your imagination and consider it a gift for you to ponder and play with.
Stay with this gift and see where it takes you. Let your mind and imagination wander. Jot down any associations that feel valuable to you.
Trust what comes forward as holding some meaning, and let go of things that come forward but don’t hold much energy.
When the process feels complete, thank your Spirit-partner for the gift, and then move into whatever is next. Stay on the lookout throughout your day for any further offerings from this imagination practice.
By strengthening our connection with the Imaginal Realm, we increasingly open ourselves to a powerful channel of guidance and Lifeforce. And, the more we are attuned with our higher guidance, the more we activate a spirituality that transform us and the world.