Open to the Spirit

Today’s word: Imagination

1) “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Einstein’s quote applies not just to the creative arts, but to all that is humanly conceived first as idea, then reality. Through the power of imagination we invent and implement new ways of being in the world. Whatever is not derived directly from nature — be it a fork for eating or the computer screen I use at this moment — is a product of human imagination. We live in a world we have invented. And that applies to our social context as well.

I’ve always been intrigued by the insight from Einstein, whose mind ranged the outer limits of the physical universe. With a depth of knowledge many of us can hardly imagine, grounded in a vision so profound he struggled to articulate it, he prized imagination more. It was his thought experiments that led him to discover new working theories that shape our knowledge today.

This week I’m reminded of Einstein’s other celebrated quote, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Most all the social ills that plague us result from a failure of moral imagination. Perhaps even a bankruptcy presaged by decades of neglecting the teaching of the humanities as core to human development. But that’s another bandwagon for another day.

With yet again the horrific news coming from not only Ukraine but Texas — which could be anywhere USA — we watch as the media flails about struggling to make sense out of how we got here. It’s become routine now when the “unthinkable” happens: retreat into the news mode, rehearse all known facts, distract from root causes with exhaustive details — what was the shooter wearing, how did he get the weapon, what model gun was it this time? Yet without a moral will, all we know of how these things happen from the more than 3,500 mass shootings since Sandy Hook a decade ago, has failed to stem the tide of this particular version of 21st century human sacrifice. Instead at least on a political level the will seems to learn to resign to the inevitable. Is more knowledge really what we need?

The human imagination is curious, always seeking, exploring. Who gets to decide what world we live in? What thought experiments might create the world we long for, where our children are not required to risk their lives for

3learning? What new frame of mind must emerge to transform the status quo. We need the larger hive mind for this. Where do we begin? Dare we imagine a world where this carnage is obsolete? I pray we have it in us. Be it so!

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)As faith is the conviction for the existence of things unseen, according to the author of Hebrews 11:1, so then imagination must play a large part in strengthening faith. Sometimes we equate imagination with a disconnection to reality, as in “it’s not true, you just made it up.” However that would be to disregard the role imagination plays in growing our awareness of the universe we live in and the potential we have for innovating and improving the human condition.

Without imagination we would not keep striving for a more peaceful world or an end to pollution or a more equitable sharing of the earth’s resources. We would sink into cynicism and a selfish striving for personal betterment. Indeed imagination may be our greatest link to our spiritual core. It is the tool we use to create and the sign that points to a universe that is in a continual state of recreating itself.

If you have ever been lost into a creative activity that calls on your imagination you will know the calm and peace that can descend upon you as deep as a silent meditation. It is our imagination that can bring us closest to experiencing / seeing the face of God. )In the prayers of the Jewish morning service, we say mechadesh b’chol yom tamid ma’aseh b’resheit – giving thanks to the one who “renews daily the work of creation.” While this prayer may be directed towards God, it is just as much a reminder for us. We really do need this simple intention to remember that each and every day is a new opportunity to look at what we receive and get creative. Using our imagination is a necessary part of life, but is so much more than a commandment for children or artists. It is a reminder that we should always leave space to sit, to dwell in the beautiful moments of being unsure, of questioning and of potential, where the only way to move forward is to step up and try something new. It is an opportunity, like the story of creation in Genesis, to take the potential, the “blank page” we see in front of us, and turn it into something that has never been made before. It doesn’t matter if what we create is perfect. What matters most is the process.

In some ways I like to think that by using our imagination, we become partners with God. This act can inspire us to be present in the moment, and to be willing to work with the tools we have in front of us to solve problems and answer even the most challenging questions. It can help us to follow our actions, our “brush strokes” to where they lead us. Holding on to this intention also can help us remember that all that we do in our lives is inherently connected with the lives and the work of others and also with the mysteries of life that are within and beyond us.

Using our imagination asks us to simply step up and be creative. Be ok with mistakes, hold on to the questions. Like the moment when Moses asks God about God’s name, and God replies, ehyeh asher ehyeh, “I will be what I will be.” Create, imagine, and then leave it up to the cosmos to make use of what you have brought into the world. Take a breath. It will be what it will be.

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) When I was young I had a booked filled with animal pictures from all around the world; kangaroos, lizards, giraffes, elephants, and all sorts of exotic birds. I remember thinking if God was the Creator, what an awesome imagination he must have had. This is true not only for animals, but some amazing geography; the view from the top of a mountain, the Northern lights in a dark sky, an ocean beach at sunset, a flower garden in spring. From God’s imagination, beauty appears.

Before change can take place in our world, someone has to imagine it. I recently read the story of a Canadian Grade 10 student, Sohila Sidhu, who is earning accolades for a new artificial pancreas prototype which could help people manage diabetes. She is a science superhero, but her story begins when she watched her mother struggle with gestational diabetes, and she to watch her mom inject herself with insulin, often in uncomfortable circumstances. She used her imagination, and thought of a better way to handle this dilemma. Then she studied science with passion. She joined a Science club and began experiments. She worked hard at what was she needed and, Voila, her experiment became an invention, won awards, and the world for people like her mom can be changed.

John Lennon put this idea into his song, “Imagine”. Here are some of the lyrics, “Imagine there’s no countries. It isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too, imagine all the people, living life in peace.” That became an anthem for anti war protests and peace marches. A generation of activists were imagining a better world. I think we can learn a lesson from the Canadian teenager Sohila. We begin with imagination of course, but then we add study and hard work. We can create a better world. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. Maybe some of you readers can join us, and our world can live as one.

One word, 4 voices. What does imagination mean to you ?

Rev. Mead Baldwin pastors the Waterville & North Hatley pastoral charge; Rabbi Boris Dolin leads the Dorshei-emet community in Montreal; Rev. Lee Ann Hogle ministers to the Ayer’s Cliff, Magog & Georgeville United Churches; Rev. Carole Martignacco, Unitarian Universalist is retired from ministry with Uuestrie and now resides in St. Andrews by-the-sea NB, but keeps one foot in the Townships by continuing with this column.