Over the last three weeks together, we reflected on who we are and the stories that we share with ourselves and others. We took the time to listen to our hearts. We felt the stories that are held in our bellies and our bones. Maybe we were able to begin to understand the stories that were passed down to us through our blood by our family and began to gain a deeper understanding of our family dynamics and where we live within them. As we grow and develop, we tell ourselves stories that are built upon other stories that we were told. That changes us. It creates an amalgamation of who we are with what others believe us to be. With this series, it was my intention to start a conversation with ourselves so we can begin to look at who we are on a personal level and who we are when we are with others. Are the stories we tell ourselves true? Are they helpful or harmful? When we begin to untangle ourselves from what is true and what isn’t, we open a path for deep self-discovery. That can be exciting and scary at the same time. It isn’t always easy to move forward in a new place of being, especially as we are working to create new healthy patterns. If we are stuck or confused, what do we do then? What can we do to give ourselves the creative power of our voice?
One of our most magickal tools is the power of imagination. Our imagination gives us the fuel so we can to dare to dream. When was the last time you gave yourself permission to daydream? When was the last time you sat somewhere by yourself, softened your gaze, relaxed your mind, and drifted away with a slow and steady breath? While you were there, were you able to conjure a scene in your mind to work out a solution to a problem in your life? What? That is child’s play? Of course, I remember being told that dreamers won’t go far in life by nuns and family members alike. However, I disagree in a way. By letting go of rigid expectations and allowing ourselves the endless possibilities of a dream, we can find a solution to a problem, work out what we want to say to someone, or we can just let our minds wander enough to let us see that we can have the power to change our lives. Of course, we won’t go far if we live in that dream state. This work must be followed up with real, physical action in the waking world. The point is that we still have the power of imagination. It was not severed from us when we moved out of childhood. We may need to brush the dust off this tool, but it is still there. Dreams are meant for us all. They are not just for children. It is our imagination that lets us dream new ways into being. It is how we can build bridges and bigger tables for everyone to sit at. It is a way to connect with our own voice to communicate more effectively as we build the life we dream of. It gives us the creative power to break free from what held us back while we embrace our full potential. And yes, it can even encourage us to work to achieve our hopes and dreams.
What is your relationship with your imagination? Explore it. Remember what it felt like to be carefree. Remember what it was like to try new things. As we learn who we are, we strengthen our voice and shape our story. It is important to also remember that we are not erasing our past through these exercises, but we are choosing how we want to hold ourselves as we move forward. This is where we take the lessons we have learned and put them to use. We have our own thoughts and desires and this life is too short to live under someone else’s label or our own harmful self-image that has been placed upon our spirit. These changes take time. They also require a delicate touch by creating healthy boundaries and choosing what we want to have in our lives.
Take some time for yourself. Make some tea or get some water to soothe you as you prepare to use the power of your imagination to write your story. Where is your favorite place that make you feel comfortable and safe? Go there physically or in your mind’s eye. Allow yourself the space to dream. Whatever you are feeling, take some deeps breaths and use it as fuel to create your dream, even if you are nervous. Especially if you are nervous. Those feelings are valid because you are taking the steps to write your own story, maybe for the very first time. What is your goal? What does it look like? What does it feel like? How do you see yourself in the near future? How about a year from now? What emotions are you experiencing as you achieve this goal? Explore them. Take what feels good and correct and run with it. It can always be worked on or changed again when the time comes. Our lives are always changing and evolving. Nothing lasts forever. So, how will you write your next chapter?
Be well today and take care of yourself.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 