So what really is ‘imagination’?
One stellar example of putting the imagination to good use is Albert Einstein who once said:
So What does that mean to us?
Maybe sometimes, we are too busy waiting around for inspiration to knock on our door.
Sometimes inspiration and imagination come when we least expect it. But most of the time, our imagination is released when we just show up and start creating. And we are never disappointed.
But first, we need to ‘fill our well’.
We need to indulge our senses with information so that we can then transform them into what is called “imagination”.
So how do we do that?
By going out there and spending some time in the places we love best. The woods or the seaside, the mountains or a city park, even travelling and seeing new places, experiencing new sensations.
Sometimes even just a walking in your back yard can open your senses. The important thing is to soak it all in, so that later when you come to your canvas you will have all those feelings, sights, sounds, and sensations to express in your own unique way.
So let’s try a little homework shall we?
Before we start on this next painting I would like you to take a walk.
It’s important you aren’t in a hurry to get anywhere, you need to be able to walk slowly, spend some time in the spot you choose, and just observe and indulge your senses.
Watch how the sunlight falls on the trees, and creates that beautiful glow. Listen to the birds or the buzz of a busy bee as he moves from flower to flower. Notice how the wind whistles through the leaves, or how the tall grass sways and bends. Soak it all in and try to imagine what you would like to see there with your mind’s eye.
Nature has a way of reaching into your soul and opening it. Remember to relax and just “be”. Simply unwind.
Be aware of your bodily sensations and note your emotions. If the fair folk are here what would they look like?
Whatever pops into your mind is likely to be your intuition. Fairies may show themselves through the breathless stillness in the air, the whispers in the leaves, movement from the corner of your eye, a ripple in the water, or even just feeling a little excited and uplifted.
Maybe you imagine some of them splashing in the stream, their giggles drifting on the breeze.
Or a beautiful unicorn, his silvery mane glowing in the sun’s rays.
Maybe you can imagine a whole elf city hidden up in the trees, or a dryad dancing in the wind.
Just sit for a while in this place and sketch down the ideas that come to mind. They don’t have to be masterpieces. They just need to capture the idea so that you can reinterpret them at a later time. The important thing is to feel, listen and most of all, relax.
Here is an example of an inspiring artist Amanda Clarke, who put her amazing imagination into practice:
Nature spirits will be drawn to you if you care for the nature or spend some time there. Tending to a neglected garden or bringing more flowers and green into your home, caring for animals or gathering up litter and respecting the nature. These are just some ways to let them know you respect them and invite them into your home and your life. Creativity in itself is like a magnet for fairies.
So why invite fairies into your life and home? Fairies are our connection with nature. Just see how they make your flowers and gardens flourish!
They can bring many other gifts too, such as help enhance our imagination and creativity. They help you relax, laugh, and live life with a lightness we sometimes desperately need. They can nudge you in the right direction and brighten your life with their magic.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s get out into the nature and get close to the fairies!
Fun right? Now let’s see what you can bring or already have in your home to inspire nature and their spirits! Maybe they are just waiting for you to open up and accept their presence!
(Don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the facebook group!)