Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Imagination opens the mind to becoming more playful, self-aware, mindful, and in-tune with our true north. Below are 10 unique ways to stimulate the brain to become more imaginative, creative, and observant. Pursue the ones that speak to you.
1. Daily Meditation
Being creative and imaginative takes dedication and practice. Allocate a little time every day to wild thoughts, daydreams, and meditations. Use this practice to delve into the deeper layers of yourself.
2. Make Space
Find the value in creating new space. Separate yourself from the ordinary daily rituals and start new practices and detach yourself from your job, responsibilities, and even your relationships. Even if it’s only for 5–10 minutes every day, make it a habit to stop, breathe, and make mental and emotional space. As you clear your mind visualize becoming self-aware, deeply creative, and mindfully open.
3. Make a Creative Journal
Practice the art of writing, doodling, painting, and creating in a journal or notebook. This is a special place to let the mind flow freely and the creative juices flow. You’re never too old to draw, paint, craft, create, or scribble. Awaken your inner creative spirit.
4. Play Outside
Fall in love with nature and spend more time outdoors. Remember when you were a young child and spent your days adventuring outside? Do that again! Bask in the sunshine, explore new parks, swim, take naps in the grass, stare at the clouds, go camping, and climb trees. Heck, build an epic fort! Nature will inspire you to imagine the impossible.
“I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells.” – Dr. Seuss
5. Keep a Dream Journal
Write down your dreams. The mind churns as we sleep as our dreams reflect upon our waking lives. Dreaming is the most abstract form of imagination, where anything is possible. Keep a dream log of what you remember upon waking. Read back and notice trends and reoccurring images and messages. A dream journal will help guide you onto the path of a more imaginative way of life.
6. Spend Time With Kids
Whether it’s your own kids, your friend’s children, or you choose to volunteer with children, make the time. Hanging around kids reminds us to live and think like kids again. We’re reminded of the beauty of our own curiosity, openness, wonder, and joyfulness for life. Reconnect to your inner child—be wild and free!
7. Day Dream
Reconnect with your imagination through daydreaming. Zone out. As my mother calls it, find yourself in a “blue funk.” Actively take time to daydream, it’s good for the soul. Play pretend and expand your mind. Find your wonderland.
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
8. Believe in Yourself
Believe deeply. You are powerful and capable of anything you put your mind to. Trust that your imagination will guide you. Get lost in your wonderment and wildest dreams. Believe in miracles and marvel in the unknown.
9. Reminisce
Revisit things you loved when you were a young. Read your favorite children’s books, watch Disney movies, take naps in the middle of the day, look through old photos, and meditate on old memories.
10. Create
Make art, write poetry, go to group craft nights, and start a new hobby. Buy an adult coloring book, go to a bead store and make jewelry, make a scrapbook, or construct a photo album. Create anything that makes you feel inspired and opens your mind.
Remember, all good things in life require hard work, patience, and practice. Take the necessary time you need to harness your creativity and imagination
