The power of mental imagery: Unlocking creativity through images and metaphor

DALL·E 2024 12 01 08.26.55 A serene and inspiring image of a person sitting at a desk with their eyes closed, surrounded by faint, dreamlike images of abstract shapes, metaphors

We are at our most creative when we actively engage with images.

Creative individuals naturally play with mental images—shaping, shifting, and exploring them—no matter their field of work. But research reveals that mental imagery isn’t exclusive to artists or inventors; it’s something all of us use, consciously or unconsciously. Our cognitive systems are deeply rooted in metaphor, and mental imagery forms the foundation of how we think, learn, and create.

Even those who consider themselves “less creative” experience their most creative moments when they actively engage with images. By exploring and interacting with the images that arise in our minds, we unlock new pathways for insight, problem-solving, and innovation.

The world of imagery isn’t just for the creatively inclined—it’s for everyone. And when we embrace this powerful tool, we connect with our innate ability to imagine, dream, and create.

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