The Healing Power of Imagination

Have you ever imagined yourself accomplishing something remarkable only to find yourself doing it with ease later on?

Imagination has the power to move mountains. Many of the most accomplished people were viewed as “hopeless” dreamers until the makings of their imaginations were turned into a reality.  Take for example inventions such as cars, airplanes, trains, elevators, helicopters, penicillin, vaccinations, computers, Internet, blogs, and of course Twitter. Sports psychology is based on imagining the accomplishment of an athletic feat, and then going out and doing it in reality.

Aside from bringing us many innovations, conveniences, and helpful (and even lifesaving) products, on a more personal basis, imagination has the power of bringing us to healing and calming places within our own minds, hearts, and souls. Places which are free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; places of serenity and mindfulness amidst traffic jams and stressful meetings.

A number of years ago a good friend of mine was confined to bed for several months. He couldn’t leave his bed even so much as to look out of his hospital window.  The doctors told him he would never walk again.  Yet in his imagination there was no place he couldn’t travel to, and no walk he couldn’t take.  There was no sunrise or sunset he couldn’t watch.  In fact, he was even able to imagine getting well and regaining the use of his legs.  It was the power of his imagination which led to his recovery, and his regaining almost full use of his arms and legs, something which the doctors believed to be “unimaginable.”

Needless to say, we must know the difference between fact and fiction, but beyond that, our imaginations can, and will if we let them, take us to places of safety, strength, and courage within our very own minds, hearts, and soul.