The Unlimited Power of Imagination

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Behind where I am sitting now is a framed poster showing a photograph of Albert Einstein. Underneath his picture is one of my favorite quotes, which says that "Imagination is more important than knowledge." When it comes to human transformation, too much press is given to the power of the subconscious mind and totally ignores the critical role of the conscious mind, which serves as the true captain of neurophysiology. As such, the most capable tool available for guiding us in the direction of our choosing is our ability to use our imagination. Yet, as a resource it is too often subordinated and not given the credit it is due. As a valuable asset our ability to imagine is not just a baseless cliché bantered around by idealistic self-help gurus and inadequately trained practitioners. Rather it is something that has a clear scientific and physiological basis. By understanding that, we can better develop processes and procedures designed to enhance our potential to shape our future.

The existence of imagination as a mental process is a characteristic of the evolution of developed human frontal lobes, which makes possible our highly advanced conscious mind. Therefore, humans have both a capability to be self-aware and can alter at will how they interpret their perception of past, present, and future reality. Nevertheless, despite our superiority the vast majority of our consciousness remains reactive no different than that of the lower life forms and matter. When we sense cold, we shiver. When we perceive safety or danger, we react accordingly down to the sub-cellular level. On the other hand, there is a special human quality that provides us with the amazing ability to anticipate. It is that factor that is the key to our ability to understand the wonderful value of imagination.

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