Imagination Lost

[FatDan]

I remember when I was really young having a very vivid imagination.  As the years have progressed, my imagination has dwindled to a point now where I don't believe I have any real imagination (I'm 35).  I think school was mainly to blame for this but anyway,  I would love to rekindle my imagination but don't know if it is possible.  Once it's gone, can you ever get it back ?  I remember getting immersed in fiction and ploughing through a book a day.  Now I struggle with an article in the paper and I think this is because I can't picture what I'm reading which I suspect comes down to a lack of imagination.

I used to day dream a lot which, although not a very productive pastime, does demonstrate an active imagination.  Now all I think about is getting home from work.  When asked the old chestnut, 'What would you do with a million pounds ?'  I use to have thousands of exotic and exciting ideas.  Now I think about buying a big house and that's about it.  Perhaps a nice holiday somewhere - not sure where though !

I also think that with imagination comes passion and excitement for life.  I could do with some of this as well.

Any thoughts or suggestions on how, or even if, an imagination can be rekindled would be much appreciated.

[FP]

FatDan.  I am sure you are right.  School does an awful lot of harm to imaginative and intelligent kids (in my opinion)  Don't know the answer because I'm struggling myself!  Go to different places, talk to different people, involve yourself in something new - have a snowball fight!    Good luck and let me know when you have found the answer.

[Bangkok]

Sadly, it is reality.  Pensions, tax returns, and early nights replace monsters, make believe and eternal youth

I know of a couple of people who work for 6 months then travel until the money runs out then work again.  I couldn't do it, too scared about not affording wine when I retire.

Late youth / early middle age tends to frown on imagination - dungeons and dragons and the like have a stigma about them (not trying to offend anyone).

Try getting away from it all - do something completely different.  Take a picnic up a hill and daydream.  Sit in Starbucks and make up stories about the characters that walk past (don't get arrested).  Get nostalgic and go back to where you grew up and look for your initials in the tree under which you had your first kiss, the place you used to play tickstone (or whatever your local version was called) and so forth.

Alternatively, think why the passion is waning and try adn deal with it.  However, you are way too young to buy a big motorbike and grow a straggly pony tail

[landie]

I think that TV is also partly to blame for the lack of, or diminishing, imagination that has afflicted our generation. Even the TV repeats itself.

No wonder that the Country has gone downhill in the last 50 years.

By the way I'm probably as bad as anyone for praying to the one eyed monster.

Read more books, get out more, do your own thing. Find a hobby and explore it to the full.

[landie]

I think that TV is also partly to blame for the lack of, or diminishing, imagination that has afflicted our generation. Even the TV repeats itself.

No wonder that the Country has gone downhill in the last 50 years.

By the way I'm probably as bad as anyone for praying to the one eyed monster.

Read more books, get out more, do your own thing. Find a hobby and explore it to the full.

[FatDan]

Thanks for the replies so far.  All very intersesting and good to know I'm not alone.  I perhaps should have mentioned that having two young kids leaves little time 'doing my own thing'  but I do agree Landie's comments especially re the TV. 

As suggested, I do try reading books but struggle to finish them.  I would guess that for every book I finish, there's 5 unfinished.  This is down to waining interest rather than lack of time.

Interesting to hear of your freinds, Bangkok, who travel then work etc.  I did that as well in my late teens/early twenties and loved it.  Couldn't do it forever though (met a great woman and we both wanted kids).

Perhaps this is what is usually referred to as a mid life crisis. Who knows.

Thanks again.

[Marvin84]

Fatdan.... I soooo know what you mean, and there are some fabulous suggestions for getting out of your rut. I also have a suggestion - a time out (for you!!) one hour a day for mediation and creativity - NO TV!! Maybe take a course in painting or french polishing, whatever pushes your buttons.... it may not sound like a lot, but when you look back in a year.... you'll be surprised! BEST OF LUCK!!!! :-)

[Marvin84]

Oh - I had another idea!! - Get a Journal!!! A notebook is fine.....write for 5 mins every day (or when you feel creative in the day)... This seriously works......don't show anyone your journal and DON"T censor your thoughts, just write.... when you fill it, re-read your 'journey' from a few false starts to stories poems with characters outside of Starbucks!!! (I agree - don't get arrested!!)

Keep us posted on how you go!!

[keys]

Yeah I have that. Go out and about to places around the country and very importantly to places that you spend most of your childhood. Even write on story of something. Hopefully you will feel more refreshed and be more imaginative.

Hope this helps.

[El D]

The brain is like a muscle, the more it is used the better it will get. Just try running through some basic visualisations, or hell just imagine 'cool stuff'. I am afraid I am guilty of drifting off a lot, esp at work, its a bit of a let down coming back to reality though.

[Hamish]

Sounds like you have a bussy job. I also have a hectic work life and an 18mth old at home. I am also interested in writing (two manuscripts so far, no publishers). I find it very hard to write when I have had a bussy day or have a lot on my mind. I find I need to feel posative and relaxed, perhaps this is also your problem. Take some time out, go walking or sit in the quiet for a while. Read a book, something different to what you might normally read. I find this always helps.

[FP]

I write poetry.  It may not be very good, but it taxes my brain.  I often write poems about things I see around me during everyday life.  It makes me take notice of things.  I also draw and paint from imagination rather than copying actual things.  I'm no great artist, but again it gets the brain going.