Wonder and imagination
“The soul of our civilization depends upon the civilization of our soul. The imagination of our culture calls for a culture of the imagination.” ― James Hillman, Re-Visioning Psychology
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ― C.G. Jung
Children possess it or are possessed by it.
Nature is replete with an abundance without appearing to try.
And all animals are sparks of fury.
Not us.
We seem to be cursed by an inability to wake up from our narcissistic torpor and wonder or imagine anything other than the same or a similar life to those we know or have known. Even if we do upend our comfort-seeking ways and go out on the existential (i.e. life-and-death) saunter, where do we look to reawaken our imagination?
Nature, the ocean, the night sky?
Possibly but too often I’ve seen these “pursuits” turned into a business opportunity – e.g. forest bathing, cold water swimming or walking!
Ye gads.
Ye gads, indeed.
I know that last bit sounds a tad harsh but, in truth, the need to wonder or imagine doesn’t come only experientially but from going below the radar of our known experience – an abstraction at best – and inviting a more beautiful question.
…It’s that simple.
Or at least I think it is.
Always the better question.
If only we could ante up on that.
And that means, as if you need reminding, paying abiding attention to the language.
As I oft say: “language is everything”.
And if you need a primer, and you can be bothered, I’ve started to write on my Tumblr page a daily question which you might want to check out. Then again, you don’t need to read my blithe exhortations if you allow your mind to open up and explore all those dark recesses of the nether world that are screaming out for attention.
Until tomorrow then.
Take care you beautiful people of the Substack universe.
Love,
Julian
Photo by Linus Belanger on Unsplash