Imagination Lost

Life seems to have a way of narrowing our focus over time.  When we are young, our imaginations create worlds upon worlds, and when asked what we want to be when we grow up, our greatest dreams pour forth as though it's already a given. Then the dream thief arrives, and one-by-one, steals our hopes until we are left defending the one or two that remain...leaving us focused on a very narrow bandwidth of life.

This hollowed out trunk naturally draws our attention to the vacant tube and small patch of ground on the other end.  This is what happens in most of our lives as we grow older and are told that daydreaming and imagination are for kids, and that as adults we need to be pragmatic and realistic.  Of course, life can throw its own sucker punches along the way as relationships, sports, academic competitions, etc. don't turn out as planned and we believe it has to do with our inabilities, our faults, or our weaknesses...and so begins the stockpiling of reasons why we can’t or shouldn't.  And so, we play it safe, dream small and in line with what we're supposed to do, and be, and not color outside the lines.  We step in line and follow the arrows to "success," get the car, house, family and all other accouterments to let us know that we are living the American dream.

Then we come to the end of our lives, and while awaiting our next transition, we weep because we chose work over family, hoarding over adventure, safety over dreams, mind over heart and staying in line over integrity.  But it's too late.  And perhaps, if we are clear enough, we might be able to affect those who are just stepping onto the treadmill, those who haven't been hypnotized by the brainwashing and propaganda.  Perhaps we can help them step outside the hollow trunk to see limitless possibilities.  There are no guarantees on those paths, save a sense of adventure and following passions that may lead us to crash and burn...and then rise like the phoenix to set out on a new adventure. 

Will you jump with me?