Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. ~ Albert Einstein.

Einstein also said, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Where would we be without imagination? It’s play for our brain, a form of artistry and a state of putting pieces together or seeing things in new and unique ways. It’s the ability to image, picture, conceptualize, envision and dream.

The Wright Brothers followed their imagination in 1885 when against scientists’ predictions that nothing heavier than air could fly, they invented aircrafts. In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone could communicate for a distance 100 yards and now we can communicate from across the globe. Did you know that there are Crayon Holders? In 2002 at age 11, Cassidy Goldstein’s crayons were broken and the pieces were too small to hold on to. Her solution? Using a plastic tube designed to keep roses fresh during shipping she created her first prototype. This lead to a licensing deal with Rand and earning enough money to cover most of her college costs and get set up to live in New York City after she graduation.

Knowledge is the map that guides us. Imagination is the territory where we can roam freely and search for answers and opportunities. Imagination knows no restraint and is the power that puts knowledge to use. Logic and imagination don’t have to compete and each have their own purpose. Imagination is all about possibilities and opportunities, while logic is about turning possibilities into actual plans and real projects.

Tapping into imagination can’t be forced and must be invited. Relaxation is the key to opening the door. Feeling like you’ve lost your imagination, want to increase your imagination and problem solving skills and have more fun? Here’s ten ideas to get you started:

• Turn off the TV
• Turn off your cell phone
• Try to do nothing. Stare at the sky. Daydream without an end goal.
• Allow yourself to go down unexplored paths, literally on a walk outside or an imaginary walk further into an idea you have.
• Read to learn something new. Learning sparks creativity and imagination.
• Tell stories and let your imagination run wild. As you tell the story visualize it yourself, imagine and describe how each of your senses would be involved.
• Be curious. Ask questions. Build ideas on top each other.
• Try something new with the mindset of a five-year-old.
• Gather sticks, rocks, empty containers and other found objects and play with a five-year-old letting them lead.
• Learn how to relax and even meditate. A well-rested mind has higher potential for learning and imagination.

Creativity and imagination are the driving forces of humanity. Children are the pilots of the future, not simply passengers. A mind filled with knowledge and imagination is what keeps us inventing and analyzing, envisioning and dreaming, and moving forward. And the biggie, imaginative ability creates a better world as it allows us to put ourselves in the positions of people different from ourselves, whether by class or race or religion or gender.

Albert Einstein was so wise in both knowledge and imagination and said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”

May you and those you love be filled with peace, knowledge and imagination.

Kerry Lee, a 25 year Benicia resident, is a Certified Intentional Creativity® Teacher who facilitates corporate team building events, painting parties with a purpose, group workshops, and officiates unique creative celebrations and weddings. She will be co-facilitating an Intentional Creativity workshop on Imagination at UnitySF.org in San Francisco as part of the “Crafting a Year of Intention & Power: Creative Salons” on Saturday, June 24. Learn more at www.KerryLeeArt.com/Events and @TheAlchemicalArtist on Facebook & Instagram.

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