The ability to fantasize permeates all human existence. It influences everything people do, create, think and dream. This, in turn, leads to the emergence of complex theories, dreams and inventions in any profession, from engineering to creative work [About my Brain, 2014].
Humanity has crossed oceans, discovered new lands, invented wonders of science, explored space and landed on the moon. But all these great things began with one small but very bright idea, which appeared thanks to the rich imagination of people.
What is fantasy?
Fantasy (imagination) is the creation of worlds, visions or ideas outside the real world. This is creativity beyond the boundaries of those structures that a person often uses in everyday life.
Imagination means the action or ability to form a mental image of something that is not perceived by the senses or has never been fully perceived in reality before.
The abstract definition, origins and nature of fantasy are widely debated, as are broad concepts such as love and creativity. According to the great philosophers Aristotle, Plato and Immanuel Kant, imagination is widely associated with creativity.
“Creativity increases when you begin to realize that many of your fantasies may relate to things that interest you,” says psychologist Jerome Singer. [Fast Company, 2014].
Imagination, according to many philosophers, is the highest freedom of all, which no one can take away from a person. The greatness of creative imagination has at all times been praised not only by romantics and artists, but also by the best scientific minds of humanity [Virgin, 2015].
Some researchers contrast fantasy with knowledge. For example, the famous scientist Albert Einstein believed that limited knowledge is due to a low level of imagination. “Imagination is more important than knowledge, since knowledge is limited, while imagination covers the whole world, stimulating progress, giving rise to evolution,” the scientist believed.
“Perception and imagination are related because the brain uses the same neural circuits for both functions,” says Gregory Burns, professor of neuroeconomics and director of the Center for Neuropolitics at Emory University. “Imagination is like the movement of perception in the opposite direction” [Fast Company, 2014].
In ancient times, people used their ability to imagine to make sense of an incomprehensible and constantly changing world. Through creative storytelling, they shared creation myths and passed on warnings to future generations through folklore.
Psychologist Joseph Cambell viewed mythology and symbolism as a means of activating fantasy and tuning into the collective imagination. He argued that stories, myths and imagination come from the collective unconscious: "Because imagination arises from one biological basis, it necessarily gives rise to certain themes."
The scientist believed that people share access to the collective imagination through theme and story. However, there is evidence that imagination may have preceded language.
The belief that imagination is somehow inferior to logical reasoning often kills and suppresses potential great ideas. This belief can not only hinder remarkable discoveries, but also indicates a lack of understanding of the important role that fantasy plays in human life.
According to cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, fantasy uses different areas of the brain depending on where a person is in the creative process. In other words, when the imagination works, neural networks actively interact with each other [Fast Company, 2014].
According to Kaufman, three large-scale brain networks can help understand the brain activity involved in creative thinking:
- The executive attention network, which is activated when a person needs to focus their attention on something (for example, a complex presentation or a problem that requires the activation of working memory).
- The default network is activated during memories, thinking about the future, and searching for alternative scenarios. Kaufman calls this network the “network of imagination.” It also works during social interactions when a person tries to imagine what the other person is thinking.
- Sales network. This network monitors both external events and the internal stream of consciousness, quickly moving between them depending on which of the two directions is most relevant at the moment. It collects all information coming from outside and sets priorities, sending signals to the brain that it should process first [Fast Company, 2014].
Researchers are paying particular attention to studying the imagination network to better understand fantasy, daydreaming, and creative thinking.
Books for developing imagination
- "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon
- "Six Thinking Hats" by Edward De Bono
- "Genius to Order" by Mark Levy
- "Rice Storm and 21 More Ways to Think Outside the Box" by Michael Micalko
- “Hacking Creativity: How to See What Others Can’t See,” Michael Mikalko
- “Learn to see. Lessons from creative upswings”, Marina Moskvina
- "The Flexible Mind" by Estanislao Bachrach
- “How people think”, Dmitry Chernyshev
- "Skits on Sundays", Christoph Niemann
- “Brain 100%. Intelligence. Memory. Creative. Intuition.”, O. Kinyakina, O. Ovchinnikova, P. Lem, T. I. Zakharova, Y. Asoskova
Why develop imagination?
Compared to the process of remembering, imagination significantly increases neural activity. When a person imagines or remembers something that they have never actually seen, it is much easier to think creatively than to try to imagine something unfamiliar. Developed fantasy requires the inclusion of new neural connections, because in this case the brain cannot rely solely on connections formed by past experience.
To be effective and successful in the professional field, yesterday's knowledge alone is not enough. Imagination is important for everyone, especially for leaders, who not only must lead people into the future, but also anticipate the yet unknown challenges awaiting their team.
In addition, by developing imagination, a person develops his speech - an important skill necessary for everyone who is in society.
The secret ingredient that almost all successful people use is the ability to use imagination to their advantage. For example, geniuses Bill Gates and Steve Jobs boldly imagined how personal computers would change the world, allowing people to work, learn and communicate more effectively without leaving home [About my Brain, 2014].
According to a study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, pursuing fantasy, creativity, and favorite activities well into old age can keep you sane and prevent dementia [CNN Health, 2015].
Researchers found that people who engaged in artistic activities such as painting and sculpture in middle and old age were 73% less likely to have problems with memory, thinking, and other cognitive impairments that lead to dementia.
The study found that those involved in crafts such as sewing, woodworking and ceramics were 45% less likely to develop cognitive problems in middle and old age.
Socializing with others or attending movies, concerts, book clubs and traveling reduced participants' risk of developing brain problems by 55%, while active computer and Internet use reduced participants' risk of developing brain problems by 53%.
The Mayo Clinic National Institute on Aging conducted the study over a four-year period with 256 patients with an average age of 87 years. The majority of patients who were involved in creative or active activities did not develop cognitive problems during the study [CNN Health, 2015].
"Do something that's different from your day job," said study leader Dr. Rosebud Roberts. “We know that doing a variety of things can stimulate brain activity. It not only enriches your life, but also brings you health benefits too. Engaging your brain in these myriad ways can not only protect neurons from dying, but also stimulate the growth of new ones" [CNN Health, 2015].
Imagination ignites passion. As an adult, a person finds himself in a world of responsibility and practicality, where money, status and work determine how he lives, relaxes and perceives the world around him. The need to develop imagination may arise from a deep desire to access the inner child, for whom creativity is the absolute norm.
Fantasy and imagination create the future. Many philosophers rightly believed that “thoughts become things,” and the “muscles of imagination” are exactly what makes this possible.
When a person is constantly immersed in his current reality, he constantly faces the same challenges, problems and experiences. In such conditions it is impossible to create something new and non-standard. But as soon as he focuses his imagination on the reality that he wants to change, energy begins to move, which, in turn, activates great and important changes.
Fantasy stimulates creativity and innovation. Some of the most influential and innovative creations arose from a simple fantasy of something bigger, lighter, and more beautiful.
Scientists and creative minds have the amazing gift of thinking outside the box and letting their imaginations run free. Many of these fantasies created products that completely changed the usual way of life. Without this creative power, humanity might never have had the Internet, smartphones, airplanes and other amazing technologies without which life today is unimaginable. Simply put, fantasy is the key ingredient for expanding and developing the boundaries of the world [Stanford News, 2014].
Fantasy adds magic to ordinary life. For example, a small child, using just his imagination, turns a simple box into a powerful rocket, a laundry basket into a pirate ship, and an ordinary bathtub into a deep sea full of treasures. Looking at the world through a child's eyes is enough to bring back the joy and wonder that imagination brings. How wonderful would the world be if everyone in it experienced joy in everyday things?
Sometimes fantasy helps protect oneself from harsh reality. It's hard enough to watch the news regularly and hear about violence, crimes, diseases and disasters. To maintain optimism and faith in the good, you need to be able to abstract yourself from what is happening and see the beauty in every day. By falling into the trap of “what is” and believing that this is how the world works, a person becomes a victim and gives up his true creative power [Nielsen, 2018].
You need to use the power of fantasy to give yourself hope. Because where there is hope, there is ultimately an opportunity for transformation and change.
Features of imagination in children from 7 to 12 years old
By the age of seven, in a properly developing child, excess fantasy disappears on its own. At this age, children are more interested in exploring the world around them, and talking animals and fairies fade into the background. At the same time, a recreative imagination begins to develop: the child comes up with continuations of stories read in a book, heard from elders or seen on TV. The task of parents is to help the child develop creative imagination, which allows him to create his own stories, and not continue those he has heard.
How to develop imagination?
If you believe that the ability to fantasize, as well as creative thinking, is the lot of gifted people and it is impossible to develop them, then you are mistaken. Imagination is a skill that can and should be developed. The online program “TRIZ in Practice” will open new facets of your thinking and develop hidden creative potential in just 4 weeks. After going through it, you will understand that all boundaries are only in your head and that there are no barriers to imagination.
And in addition to the online program, we have prepared for you a list of recommendations on how to better develop and train your imagination and imagination.
Turn off the TV
Watching television programs is a form of passive participation. TV may be good for relaxing after a hard day, but not for developing the imagination. Instead of watching other people's interesting lives, find something to do that will enrich your life.
Often, in order to awaken your imagination, you need to clear your head of the information noise received throughout the day. Take at least 15 minutes a day to disconnect from external stimuli and impulses. Turn off the music and TV, put your phone aside and sit in complete silence.
Calmly observe what exactly comes to your mind. Don't try to analyze these thoughts, but simply allow them to pass through your consciousness and boldly let them go. If you find it difficult to disconnect from the flow of thoughts on your own, start practicing meditation using video lessons on the Internet.
Read creative literature and watch creative films
By reading fiction, a person develops imagination. And by reading genres that are unusual for him, he not only expands his consciousness and horizons, but also gets rid of information bubbles.
The same principle lies in any form of art. Try to discover new musical styles, master unfamiliar types of creativity, watch unusual film genres.
Reading any literature in itself develops imagination. However, you can strengthen and consolidate this skill by changing literary styles. If you usually read detective thrillers, read a fantasy novel or romance novel. Look for experimental or independent films that challenge cinematic standards. Try to expand not only the content you interact with, but also the way you present it.
Instill in yourself a taste for novelty. Explore works of art, read books that develop imagination, study the results of other people's imaginations, find out how other people realized their ideas.
Listen to music without words
Scientists have proven that listening to music increases productivity while working. However, listening to texts forces a person, at least subconsciously, to focus on their meaning.
Play classical music or nature sounds and let them spark your creativity. Complete the images that come to your mind in your imagination. You can also combine listening to music with art therapy.
Keep a diary
In addition to the therapeutic benefits, journaling allows you to develop your imagination. If you have a hard time writing about something that doesn't exist, start simply writing about your day. Gradually add as much detail and nuance to your descriptions as possible.
Later, having gotten used to this practice, begin to fantasize and imagine how your day would go if, for example, you went for a walk instead of work. Think about who you would meet there, how you would feel, what you would do.
Do not limit yourself to the limits and boundaries of what is reasonable. For example, write a story in which you find yourself in another world or go on a space journey. You can also describe habitual actions using poetry. Write in any form—poems don't have to rhyme or have meter.
Keep an “idea notebook.” Write down any thought that seems interesting to you. Don't try to explain it in terms of logic and rational thinking. Who knows, maybe among them there will be something truly brilliant? Many great discoveries have been made with one seemingly crazy idea.
This could be a short note, a product idea, a story, or any random thoughts you want to express. This will make you more open to generating ideas frequently.
Play
Fantasizing is a natural state for children, who spend up to two-thirds of their time in imaginative play. A child doesn't need any realistic props to pretend he's a doctor or a rescue worker. He can easily use a banana instead of a telephone, and a box of household appliances as a car.
Try to plunge into childhood and throw away all the conventions imposed by adulthood. Invite your friends, family and children to join you. Imagine yourself as a pirate, astronaut or treasure hunter. To play a game that develops imagination, it is absolutely not necessary to create special conditions. To do this, all you need is your desire and ability to free yourself from frameworks and conventions.
If it is difficult for you to completely immerse yourself in a fantasy world, go to a theatrical quest. Realistic props and costumed performances will allow you to immerse yourself in the chosen story, forgetting about the real world for a while.
Look for new experiences
Searching for new experiences is a great exercise for the brain and imagination. According to many researchers, the most reliable way to develop fantasy is to find an environment in which you have no experience.
Once you repeat an action several times, your brain becomes more adept at processing the information it receives. As connections between neurons become more efficient, it stops working as hard. “At its core, the brain is a lazy piece of meat,” Burns writes. “He doesn’t want to waste energy” [Fast Company, 2014].
Gaining new experiences and knowledge contributes to the formation of new neural connections. And this opens up new perspectives and creates flexible soil for ideas and creativity.
Don't be afraid to go beyond the norm. Plan a trip to an unfamiliar city or even country. Walk around your city without using maps and explore new areas and places. Take painting, sculpting, or playing a musical instrument lessons, take a foreign language course, or try a new recipe.
Meet interesting people from different fields. This way you will not only broaden your horizons, but also possibly make new friends.
Challenge your perception
Imagination and creativity are often associated with exploration of sensory experience: a person can gain new ideas by exploring their non-dominant senses. What happens when he questions his dominant feeling? Other channels of perception begin to activate, which undoubtedly has a positive effect on the imagination.
Try to “turn on” other organs of perception. For example, spend the whole day in silence or go to a restaurant where the service is carried out in complete darkness. Learn to feel your body through dance and awaken your sense of smell through aromatherapy. All these practices activate your senses, and with them your imagination.
Change your way of thinking
Changing thought patterns is one of the most difficult skills a person can master. The desire to follow the beaten path often holds him back from opening new horizons.
Start allowing thoughts beyond just your beliefs and opinions. A good imagination means the ability to look at a situation from a different angle and through someone else's eyes. To do this, you need to discard your intellectual baggage of prejudices, prejudices and opinions.
Of course, it is not possible to change mental strategies immediately. This requires patience, motivation and knowledge of what traps our brain builds to keep us within our usual boundaries. The Cognitive Science online program incorporates the best techniques that will help you learn to reason logically and consistently, quickly make effective decisions, and find innovative approaches to difficult problems.
Change your way of thinking. If you set yourself the task of developing imagination, then you will have to work a lot. The more effort you make to see new ways of looking at things, the faster those efforts will turn into habits and the easier it will be for you to do so in the future.
A vivid imagination is about much more than making up stories about dinosaurs and pirates. It is the source of creativity and innovation, expressed in everything from technology and science to art and literature. Working on your imagination will help you think outside the box, which is a useful skill in both work and personal life [WikiHow, 2020].
