I) Preface
One late morning during my yoga teacher training at Yoga Bhawna Mission I sat on a large boulder by the Ganges River. After half an hour I set aside the book I was reading and started to reflect on what was important to me; the things that have so far carried me through life; that inspire and impassion me; that I consider vital to my self-identification and to my personal sense of home. One of the deepest roots, which in my literary mind’s eye extends from my brain, down the spinal column and through my pelvic bone, all the way down to the soles of my feet, and spreads leafy branches like weeds out of my hair and ears, is my imagination.
The imagination is a process that takes places in the mind, or the “mind’s eye”. Though I usually hear the term employed to describe the process of creative endeavors, I now think that its ignition, impact and purpose are significantly more complex than that. In the past few years I have discovered through yoga how the imagination can affect and enhance the awareness and operations of your physical, mental and emotional actions. Throughout the next few pages I want to treat the imagination as one of the greatest forces and most vital talents of our mind. I believe that consciously implementing our imagination during our yoga practice can enrich and deepen the practice itself, as well as our personal and shared experiences in our daily lives.
I will begin this report by investigating the word “imagination” in Part II) Exploring the Word “Imagination”, elaborating on its broad definition and pliable usage as well as providing more detailed examples on what initiates and regurgitates it (stimuli through sensory organs and the brain), and where it can take us in time (past, present and future) and space (internal versus external). In Part III) Yoga and Imagination I will apply the principles and observation made in Part II to the process and overall self-development pursued in yoga, and provide example exercises to train our imaginative faculties. Part IV) Yoga Practice as a Metaphor will delve into how the conscious implementation of the imagination into our yoga practice can carry further weight in our daily lives – how we live that life, how we feel about ourselves and how we perceive the world around us. Finally, in Part
- Conclusion, I will close the report by reaffirming the subject’s inescapability and purpose.
II) Exploring the Word “Imagination”
Definition
Interestingly, when I did research on the words “imagination”, “to imagine” and “imaginary” in Apple’s dictionary, the results for each were somewhat dissimilar:
“Imagination”:
- The faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses
- The ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful
- The part of the mind that imagines things
Synonyms include creativity, vision, inspiration, ingenuity, passion and curiosity. In Latin, its original meaning was “picture to oneself”.
“To imagine”:
- Form a mental image or concept of something
- Believe something unreal or untrue to exist
- Suppose or assume
Synonyms include visualize, picture, conceptualize, presume and believe.
“Imaginary”:
- Existing only in the imagination
Synonyms include unreal, fictional, mythological, dreamed-up and illusive.
According to these findings, imagination is not only a process of original creativity or the contemplation of something that do not exist, but rather a more loosely definable term that requires actions such as creating, planning, recalling and observing. Accordingly, even the least creative, the least artistically, scientifically, technologically or spiritually excitable person on earth still uses their imagination every day. Pondering the question “what do I want to cook for lunch tomorrow?” requires advance planning – the ability to imagine what you might fancy in the future based on your past experiences with food and preferred eating habits. To remember where you left your car keys the other night or to reminisce about a particularly calming experience in childhood – these examples require the recollection of information (calling to mind last night’s step-by-step actions or recreating an old memory). When you feel your knees starting to buckle after a long hike or watch your friend sigh over her paperwork, you are using the power of observation to imagine the cause of that current circumstance (perhaps you have overworked your lower body and your friend wishes she were otherwise
occupied). And when you are contemplating your next efforts to write an intricate murder mystery into the page and onto other people’s bookshelves, you are not only creating a new world through your imagination but also recalling information and past experiences.
The following paragraphs propose some additional ways in which to analyze, understand and categorize the imagination.
Medium, Time and Space
The imagination can be triggered by any stimuli perceived by the sensory organs (vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell) as well as the brain (thoughts, memories or other imaginary ideas and concepts). The difference between discerning an actual, immediate stimulus and imagining a sensory or mental element is that we produce an imitation, an after-thought, a filtered version of the real thing when we use our imagination.
The medium in this respect is, therefore, the mind’s eye – or the “mind’s ear”, the “mind’s skin”, the “mind’s tongue” and the “mind’s nose”, as I have chosen to call them for the purpose of this paper. I would even include “the mind’s body”, for stimuli originating within our physical structure, and “the mind’s emotions” for the joint physical and psychological sensations that emotions produce. It is the means by which we perceive the imagined element.
For example, if I’ve never eaten a grapefruit, I can imagine what it might smell and taste like (mind’s nose and tongue) if somebody tells me it is similar to an orange but sourer and slightly less sweet. Or I can think back on the evocative memory of dancing with a partner; I could recall the partner’s face (mind’s eye), the music playing (mind’s ear), our hands placed on each other’s arms and shoulders (mind’s skin) as well as how I felt that evening (mind’s emotions). And two hours before dinnertime I might hungrily recall what if feels like to have a stomach full of spaghetti (mind’s body).
Another component through which to examine what and why we imagine things is time. I can imagine things from the past, within the present and in anticipation of the future.
When we look back on moments occurring before the present one, it is usually for one of the following reasons: to retrieve information; to reminisce about past experiences; to dig up traumatic or shameful experiences (perhaps for the purpose of therapy); to imagine a historical past of which we ourselves have no experience; or to create an imagined past (maybe to feel better about our own past, or simply to use our creative imagination). Examples include trying to visually and aurally recall a particular biology class after randomly being asked what a zygote is (for information), or conjuring up the image of an up-and-running amphitheatre while reading about the Roman Empire (to imagine a historical item).
The present can be imagined, rather than just purely observed, because we often need to interpret what is happening around us and in ourselves. We simply can’t get through our daily lives without having to deduce, decode or theorize about the meaning in the things we observe. Therefore, we can imagine or assume something (about the outside world or ourselves) in order to glean some information or read between the lines. If our body is crouched over the cookie jar while mother wags her finger at us and frowns, we imagine by indication of her tone of voice, her posture and her words that she is not happy about our mid-day snack. I can also visualize something real but beyond my field of perception, or something completely fabricated, for the satisfaction of using my creative faculties. For example, I sometimes like to imagine what is happening in other part of the world at this very moment in order to bring awareness to life beyond my personal bubble and to connect to it at least on a visual level – somewhere a black bear is going through the trash in someone’s backyard; a highly pregnant woman is stuck in traffic; a rose is swinging on its branch on account of the first autumn breeze; a clown fish is scrambling to escape its predator.
We usually imagine the future in order to predict or envision likely, unlikely or desired events and outcomes, or again simply to imagine possible or fantastical future events. I can hope for tomorrow to be sunny, imagine how World War III will come about, and dream of a future where people can grow wings and fly.
Finally, the concept of space can allow us to look internally into our own minds and bodies, and externally into the minds and bodies of people past, present and in the future, animals, objects and the natural phenomena around us.
Here is a personal example of when I used my imagination to look into my own, internal state: I was walking along a grassy path in the dead of night, in the dead of winter, with a friend of mine. I had not dressed adequately enough for the icy wind that blew through my coat’s sleeves and collar. My friend recommended a warming technique, one which has worked for me to this day: imagine a ball of fire igniting and growing larger in your belly; watch that fire as it slowly, steadily, inches its was through all your chilled body parts; up into your chest, your arms and hands, you neck and face, down into your lower abdomen, your legs and feet. This technique requires both your mind’s eye to envision the fire, and your mind’s body to recall what bodily heat feels like.
Examples of focusing your imagination on an external object include pondering where you had best go to buy a new lamp; imagining that your age-old nemesis would disappear into a ball of smoke; and watching a star constellation transform into a scorpion, courtesy of the creative powers of your own brain.
III) Yoga and Imagination
How and why do imaginative thoughts manifest during our yoga practice? In what ways do they affect us? And how can we extend these thoughts to broaden our awareness of every element we pass through during our sessions?
Medium
The two elements of modern yoga practices that most require an element of imagination are certain forms of meditation and the asanas (or postures), though opportunities for using our perceptive and creative abilities can manifest in other ways as well.
Chakra1 meditation and mantra2 meditation are both good examples of how the act of imagining can directly impact our physical, mental and emotional states. In my personal experience, when meditating on or contemplating a certain chakra, I utilize my mind’s eye to envision that chakra’s approximate location and color; my mind’s body is trying to fathom what a colorful ball of energy might feel like; my mind’s ear is recalling different keywords pertaining to different chakras; and my mind’s emotions are conjuring up emotional impressions that correlate with that chakra’s specific qualities (for example, when focusing on the Nabhi, or navel chakra, which represents the self, individuality, strength and determination, I can recall the sensation of feeling strong, determined and comfortable with who I am). And for those who chant Saguna mantras3, it is helpful to envision an image or an impression of the deity or personage being summoned in order to perceive the full emotional impact of their personality and or powers.
When we move through the asanas under the guidance of a teacher, we will sometimes hear phrases like “feel strong in this posture” or “straighten yourself up as if there’s a thread attached to the top of your head that’s pulling you gently towards the ceiling”. In the first instance, I am primarily using my mind’s body to call to mind what physical strength feels like, and my mind’s emotions to dig up sensations of emotional strength. In the second example, I am using my mind’s eye to indeed picture the thread pulling my head and neck upward.
Dabbling in the utilization of these seemingly simple and formulaic suggestions is actually an essential tool, as it stretches our awareness and perception of what is possible and directly impacts our experience. For example, my chakra meditation practice might not only attempt to emulate certain feelings, but also actually experience them in the moment, just as the vision of someone’s favorite deity might move them to tears. And the imagery of a pulling thread can immediately encourage one’s physique to lengthen and improve posture.
1Chakras are energy centers located in the human body.
2Mantras are chants consisting of sounds or Sanskrit phrases.
3Saguna mantras are dedicated to specific deities or sages. 8
These and any other questions you can come up with will aid in the discovery of new perspectives on individual components of your practice, which will in turn provide you with ideas on how to deepen and improve your experience thereof.
Time
Everything we are, we are because of our extensive past and our concept of the future. Our heritage, upbringing, limitations, experiences, choices, habits, and recent activities, are all there for the taking, as are our dreams, goals, fears and apprehension of the future. Every moment of our lives, including this one on the mat, we are a very particular person, experiencing specific things under specific conditions for specific reasons.
One way to treat one’s yoga practice is to leave all that behind. We can come to our mats to meditate, do pranayama (a technique to control the breath), asanas or yoga flow, in order to focus on the present moment: on our breath, on an object of devotion, on our movements, our bodies or our minds. We can simply “be” in the present, without pressure from the outside world or expectations from within.
Alternatively, we can choose to acknowledge and address where we come from and where we’re going during our practice, or focus on certain aspects thereof.
Reflecting on these things, pondering, observing, and questioning will help us to more fully understand and experience our practice sessions as being part of a greater whole, as well as to make a conscious connection between all points and aspect of our daily lives, the things that influence us and those that we ourselves influence.
Space
During our yoga practice we look into the body to discern certain sensations, to beware of ailments, and to detect feelings of strength or weakness; we look into our minds to notice or override sluggishness and lack of confidence, or to foster a sense of calm, contentment or determination. Externally, we are aware of the space we are in and whether there are other people near or around us. We are conscious of the sounds (for example if music is playing), and perhaps the smells and movement of the air on our skin if we are practicing outside.
So what is there more to discover and experience?
During practice we may be limiting our motions to the four corners of our mat, but our imagination can take us far and wide, upward and inward. It can bring awareness to how we relate to our internal and external environment, how we experience the exchange between different bodies and concepts, and how we feel about those connections.
IV) Yoga Practice as a Metaphor
Sometimes the big things can be learned by understanding the small ones. I think this is so with yoga and real life as well – yoga can be an analogy, a metaphor, a “preparatory pose” for our lives. What we gain on twelve square feet of plastic or carpet we can recognize and implement in other areas of our existence.
Just like everyone experiences yoga in their own way and in their own time, so every individual experiences the world differently; and in the same way as every practitioner has a distinct path they need or want to pursue during their practice, so nobody can tell you exactly what to do in life or how to do it.
Through an imaginative yoga practice we can deduce that there is never only one side to the story, but many and (often) initially invisible sides. There are countless ways of perceiving ourselves and our environment, many of which we have never considered and may never even get around to discovering.
We can mindfully carry our personal understanding of how the past connects to the present moment, which in turn connects to the future. We are here now, at this very point in time, because of the perpetual nature of cause and effect – the cause and effect of our past and the past of the ones who came before us. We are a drop in the wave of thoughts, decision and actions. With the knowledge that our life is a step-by-step process we can hopefully find meaning in the present moment and channel our intentions for the future.
Without imagination there would be no introspection – no way of deciphering our own thoughts, actions, behavior and emotional state. There would also be no empathy, for how else to truly understand someone than by walking ten miles in their shoes?
Because we can never know everything, we are always able to challenge and expand our limited perception of the world. That is where the true power of the imagination lies.
V) Conclusion
The Sanskrit word for illusion is “Maya”, the state we are all considered to be in and cannot escape save for the attainment of “Samadhi” – liberation from illusion. Imagination is certainly one of the biggest contributors to maya, but I would argue that it is also one of its most beautiful and human virtues.
I hope to have conveyed to the reader my admiration for this virtue, and to have provided an impetus to dig deeper, move further, explore every nook and cranny of our personal reservoirs as we go through any of the many yogic activity. The recommended exercises in awareness included in Part IV are based on my own understanding of the topic, and therefore are only a shadow of what could be even more, and very different realizations and experiences for the reader.
There will always be more to discover. Our imagination is a bottomless pit and our constant companion. It is our personal, intimate, secret storage room and playground for experimenting, developing, learning, discovering, expanding and reaching. It affects how we connect to others and to ourselves. It can help us to understand the life of another. Our imagination allows us to retreat into a safe haven – into the warmest, deepest or most exciting places in our mind and heart where we are happiest. Our imagination also allows us to fathom a world where we can challenges ourselves, stretch the boundaries of our comfort zone a bit further, trust ourselves to be able. We create and reinforce with our imagination – dreams, fantasies, ideas, plans, art, emotion and connection. Without it, a tree is a tree is a tree. But with it, a tree can transform into a beautiful force of nature; a complex combination of protons, electrons and neutrons, invisible to the human eye; a nuisance to be cut down; a home and shelter for insects, squirrels and birds; a source of firewood; a symbol of life; it becomes your “picture to yourself”.
What world do you imagine?
Thank you, and Namaste