Delicate Equilibrium
No matter what mental model or religion we use to help us frame and map out our lives, the ability to use the imagination is tantamount to being able to thrive during the third stage of life. Albert Einstein said “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
I’m not saying that we don’t need knowledge or facts. I’m saying that we need both. The third stage of life is challenging for everyone. Being able to draw freely upon your imagination is like a taking breath of fresh air after being cooped up all winter. It changes the way you feel in body and Soul. It gives you eyes that see and ears that hear.
So my questions to you are – do you use your imagination, or has it atrophied in favor of hard cold facts? Do you give yourself time to dream, to reinvent and rejuvenate yourself through creative activities and/or downtime? Do you know how to play or amuse yourself in ways that require little or no money? If you don’t, do you have the courage to begin to explore?
In Peace,
Nance
