Have you ever imagined something and then watched it take shape in your life? Perhaps it was a career you wanted to pursue, a place you wanted to live, or an activity that’s important to you. When your imagination comes to life, it isn’t a mere coincidence.
There’s a saying in Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong: Qi flows, the mind goes. In other words, when you focus your attention on something, your energy naturally falls into alignment to manifest your vision. This process happens naturally, but specific Qi Gong meditation practices can help you harness your imagination’s power even more.
In this blog, we discuss the energetic qualities of imagination and creativity. We also share a five-minute guided meditation to help you unlock your imaginative potential.
In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, your imagination and creativity are connected to the Wood Element and the season of spring. During springtime, the natural world is rich with creative and imaginative potential. All you have to do is step outside to see nature flourishing all around you.
Flowers and trees express their imaginative energy with colorful flower petals and leaves. Baby animals taking their first steps is another manifestation of creative and imaginative potential. There are countless ways this energy is expressed, and all living beings have their own unique form.
For humans, this energy manifests in the form of ideas, visual imagery, musical and artistic inspiration, or visions about the future. In fact, any conceivable creation or potential reality that enters your consciousness is a reflection of your imaginative power. Just as rain nourishes a small seed so it can grow into a beautiful flower, you too can strengthen your imagination’s power by working with your attention in a skillful way.
The guided meditation below is a wonderful way to cultivate your imagination and harness its incredible power. We suggest reading through the instructions before you begin.
Start by sitting comfortably in a chair with your feet planted on the floor. As an alternative position, you can also lie down if you feel you won’t get too sleepy. It’s best for your mind to be alert and focused during this meditation.
Take some slow, deep breaths and relax your mind and body. Try to clear any thoughts or tension you may be feeling.
After a few moments, direct your mind to what you’d like to cultivate in your life or bring into the world. It could be an experience, art, music, a relationship, or anything that feels important to you. If you feel any limitations pop up, just acknowledge them and try to let them go. Remember, your imagination is limitless, so allow yourself to freely imagine whatever you want.
Once you’ve picked something you want to cultivate, try to hold it in your mind. Imagine what it looks like, feels like, sounds like, or even how it smells. Make your imagination as vivid as possible.
In addition to using your sensory imagination, try to also imagine how you feel. If you imagine traveling somewhere you’ve dreamed of visiting, think about the feelings and emotions that accompany the experience. Do you feel joyful or excited?
You can also choose to visualize more internal experiences. For example, if you want to cultivate greater self-confidence, imagine yourself as a more confident person who has strong self-esteem. It’s still you, just a more confident and self-assured version.
After a few minutes of focusing on whatever you want to create, imagine that vision concentrated into a small seed or diamond. Then, plant that seed or diamond into the energy of the universe that constantly surrounds you. Then see it being received by the cosmos.
Take a few deep breaths as you direct your attention toward your seed with appreciation and kindness. Imagine your attention giving nourishment to your seed, just as the rain provides nourishment to the seeds of flowers and trees. With each breath, your seed grows stronger and stronger. When you’re ready, open your eyes, and feel the seed of your intentions continue to flourish.
If you enjoyed this meditation, be sure to check out our on-demand Qi Gong for Spring Workshop.
In our on-demand Qi Gong for Spring Workshop, Lee teaches a variety of wonderful practices designed to cultivate your creative and imaginative potential. These include a blend of flowing movements, meditation, and Swimming Dragon Qi Gong exercises.
Click on the banner below to learn more about how Qi Gong can help you unlock the power of your imagination today.
