The power of images to unlock creativity and breakthroughs
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Humans have been harnessing the power of inner images since pre-historic times, when tribes painted their visions onto cave walls. Psychologist David Premack noted, “The original and basic unit of mental activity, which remains the psyche’s preferred way of operating, is the image.”
Across centuries, imagery has sparked innovation, with countless scientific discoveries emerging from visions… in dreams or waking states.
By tapping into the profound influence of images, we can unlock new levels of creativity and insight, paving the way for breakthroughs in all areas of life. It’s time we paid closer attention to the transformative power of imagery.
“To create is always to learn, to begin over, to begin at zero.” – Matthew Fox In The Invisible Embrace of Beauty, John O’Donohue explores the profound connection between learning, creativity, and beauty. He references St. Thomas Aquinas, who believed that beauty was the perfection of a thing. Aquinas wrote: “To know a thing is…
We’re the most human when we’re being creative. Whether it’s painting a masterpiece, solving a tricky problem, or reimagining a relationship, creativity is what makes us feel alive and connected. It’s not just about art—it’s about engaging with the world in a way that allows for possibility, growth, and transformation. But here’s the thing: creativity…
Spaces instigate transformation. During the civil rights movement, black churches were instrumental in creating change because they provided “free spaces” for people to meet. Churches were the places where people could come together to inspire one another, plot strategy, and catalyze change. Without those free spaces, the civil rights movement might not have happened. I…
Images speak in a very quiet voice. For a long time, the various parts of me have felt separate. I am both an academic and a creative, deeply passionate about teaching and learning as well as creativity and the arts. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my mission is to bridge these two worlds….
Exploring the Transformative Power of the Image Carl Jung once said, “Everything of which we are conscious is an image.” This insight beautifully sets the stage for my upcoming workshop, The Transformative Power of the Image, on April 16 at Book Passage. Why Images Are Central to Creativity Images lie at the heart of the…
Imagination is inherently subversive because it operates beyond the limits of social conditioning. It doesn’t follow rules, respect boundaries, or conform to the structures of society. Instead, imagination asks, What if? It invites us to see beyond the way things are and dream of how they could be. This is why imagination has always been…