Imagination and wonder: Fuel for creativity, connection and curiosity

Do you ever feel stuck in stress and worry? Or maybe you find yourself so caught up in all that needs to be done (hello adulting) that it makes it hard to make space for curiosity, creativity, imagination, and wonder. 

As children, we might have been encouraged to use our imagination often (as this kept us from getting bored) and we may have wondered about everything. ‘Why’ is a beautiful and expansive question on repeat for kids: Why is the sky blue? Why do spiders have so many legs? Why do I have to go to bed now? 

At some point it feels like we lose this… we replace imagination with knowledge and wonder with reality. And why we can’t we have space with both?

This summer, I explored the benefits and barriers to imagination and wonder (read more @compassionate_counsellor) and this blog will focus on how we rediscover and use both to navigate uncomfortable feelings and embrace more joy.

What is imagination and wonder and how do they intersect?

Although there are varied definitions of imagination and wonder, I will focus my definition on the ways they overlap (as verbs): an active process where our minds open to creativity, curiosity, connection and the magic in everyday life.

Curiosity and connection

Do you struggle with uncertainty? Me too! In fact, I read the last chapter of a book, so I know where things are headed. Our imagination helps us fill that gap between what we know and what we don’t know. We can use our minds to imagine best case scenarios, worst case scenarios and most likely scenarios. If you find yourself inclined to catastrophizing or expecting the worse, this intentional practice of imagining the best, the worst and the most likely can create a bit more balance and help you evaluate how you want to cope and plan ahead. We can also use our sense of wondering to fuel compassionate curiosity about what we don’t know by: Connect with our feelings and notice our struggles and meet them with gentle questions, such as ‘what do I need more of and what do I need less of?’ This compassionate connection allows us to show up for ourselves (and the moment) rather than avoiding or numbing. When curiosity and connection are fueled by healthy imagination and wonder, they take worst case scenarios and ‘what ifs’ and expand them to consider so much more:

‘I wonder what would make me feel better?’

‘I wonder if there is someone that could help me navigate this?’

‘I imagine if I take a break (or the first step) that I’ll feel a bit better.’

‘What if it worked out, imagine how things would change!’

Creativity and Innovation

When we use our imagination, we’re intentionally stepping outside of what we know. Although this can cause discomfort (and maybe even a bit of fear), it also creates space for new ideas and creativity. When I look at a box, I think of how I can store items in it. However, kids look at it, they see a playhouse, a restaurant, a car or even an airplane. Imagine if we approached our challenges in our lives with the same innovation! Next time you find yourself thinking one way about a situation or a task, acknowledge the validity of what you know to be true (it may come from history, research, science and experience) AND consider it from different angles and perspectives. This is creative process is called ‘divergent thinking’, and it’s been found to decrease from 98% at age 5 to 2% in adulthood.[1] I find brainstorming (generating multiple ideas without judging) with another person or in my journal and concept mapping helpful in sparking creativity. In fact, the way that I came up with the name of my private practice was through the latter.

Everyday Magic and Mystery

There is so much to learn about this world, the universe and whatever exists beyond. Whether you use a scientific, spiritual or philosophical lens, we are surrounded by so much magic, mystery and things we don’t know or understand (yet). I was recently reading the book ‘Matrescence’ by Lucy Jones and learned about something new: slime molds (myxomycetes). These incredible single cell organisms have been around for millions of years, have over 720 sexes and show evidence of memory and learning.[i] (Wow, right?!) How do you find them? Go for a walk- anywhere in the world- and look for them in dark or damp spaces (e.g., in a forest, a leaf pile, rotting wood or even in the gutters of your house). I wonder if I’ve inspired you too to learn more about slime molds now! When we can get comfortable and curious about the unknown, we open ourselves up to learning, growing and expanding our connection with and understanding of all that is around us.

How to spark imagination and welcome wonder

First, I want you to meet the part of you that prefers the feelings of safety and control that can comes with focusing on what is known with compassion. It’s okay to want to feel anchored in these parts and it can feel freeing to open your mind and heart to creativity, curiosity, and the magic of the world through imagination and wonder. These simple practices below can begin unlocking these childlike parts inside of you.

1.       Watch the clouds. Notice the different shapes you see. Yesterday, I saw a dog that looked like it was shaking a paw in the clouds. And you can learn more about ‘cloud spotting’ through Gavin Pretor-Pinney’s TEDtalk “Cloudy with a chance of joy”.

2.       Doodle or finger paint and let your imagination guide. If you feel stuck in this process, try creating with both hands or the opposite of your dominant hand.

3.       Go for a wander rather than a walk or run. Wandering is slow and without purpose and creates space for wonder. When we wander, we are encouraged to ‘stop and smell the roses’.

4.       Daydream by allowing your mind to gently drift to a memory, a place or space that feels magical and wonderful. (Yes, it is okay to guide it towards that something that feels good).

5.       Write and/or read. Writing unlocks the new ideas and often unlocks clarity and wisdom- this can be done creatively with poems and stories and through journaling. Reading gives us the opportunity to learn new things (e.g., about slime molds), can offer insights to help with self-growth, foster empathy for the experiences of others, and allows us to ‘escape’ into other times, places, and even fantastical worlds.

If you struggle to connect with imagination and wonder you’re not alone! Pressures and demands, distractions (internal and external) and fear of judgment can get in the way or keep us stuck. And self-compassion may help you notice this is both hard and longed for AND help you have the courage to take the small steps to nurture this everyday and expansive magic within us and around us!

*The underlying reasons of ‘why’ we find it hard to be imaginative and wonder-filled can be complex and connected with trauma and it can be helpful to connect with a mental health professional for support. This blog was written for informational purposes only and does not represent therapeutic advice.

[1] https://www.ideatovalue.com/crea/nickskillicorn/2016/08/evidence-children-become-less-creative-time-fix/

[i] Jones, L. 2024. Matrescence: On the metamorphosis of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. Penguin Random House.