The Link Between Reading and Imagination: Defending Against Imagination Diminishment
As a writer, I often find myself being asked how someone can cultivate their writing skills. My first and most essential piece of advice is invariably:
READ!
If you wish to become a writer, reading is essential. It equips you with the knowledge and techniques of how to write effectively. If you're concerned about crafting stories in the first-person perspective, read plenty of such stories. The same goes for third-person, second-person, and so on. Reading diversifies your understanding of storytelling and enhances your own imaginative abilities.
Reading Expands Imagination
Every time I pour through a book, my mind ignites with a myriad of ideas. Reading new stories exercises my imagination, allowing me to delve into the worlds I'm reading about. This exercise inspires me to explore things from fresh angles, to question the status quo, and to imagine beyond the confines of my own experiences.
For instance, an author might have approached a concept in a particular way. I wonder: how would I tackle the same idea differently? How could I improve on their narrative technique? Reflecting on such questions not only deepens my understanding but also fuels my imagination. Moreover, the many stories inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet demonstrate the boundless potential of human creativity.
Imagination Diminishing: Myths and Realities
It's not uncommon for aspiring writers to feel that prolonged reading diminishes their imagination. However, this premise is largely a misconception. The statement in question goes so far as to suggest that the inability to imagine written in first person could be symptomatic of some physical or psychological issue.
But let's pause and reflect on this. Writing and reading, especially in the first-person perspective, are sophisticated and multifaceted mental exercises. They engage the brain in complex ways, including narrative construction, character development, and emotional resonance. If anything, consistent engagement with diverse forms of written narratives should enhance, rather than diminish, one's creativity.
The assertion that your ability to imagine diminishes with prolonged reading might be the result of what some might call a "tinfoil hat" mindset—a tendency to jump to negative conclusions or theories without substantial evidence. In reality, the more you read, the richer your imaginative reservoir becomes.
Infinite Imagination Within the Fundamental Self
My conviction is that infinite imagination is an inherent aspect of what philosopher Ken Wilber refers to as the infinite Consciousness/Awareness/Spirit. This is your fundamental self, the same self shared by all conscious beings. The "you" you see in the mirror and the "me" responding to you represent just manifestations of your fundamental self. This fundamental self, by nature, cannot diminish, nor does it have anything to fear. It is a state of infinite potential.
Reading should be understood as one of the countless manifestations of your infinite imaginative ability. Reading, as a form of mental exercise, can be neutral; it takes on a meaning shaped by your perspective, your purpose, and the way you interact with the text. When in a state of attunement with this unified state of awareness, you naturally recognize that your basic self has an infinite capacity for imagination.
My understanding of this concept was born from my interactions with a wise and loving figure, my mother. She helped me realize that our inherent connection to this infinite imagination is a natural and eternal truth. So, embrace reading and writing as they are tools for expanding your imagination, not diminishing it.
Final Thoughts: Embrace reading as a gift to your imagination. Widen your horizons, engage with diverse narratives, and let the power of storytelling inspire you. Your imagination is boundless, and with each page turned, you discover new frontiers of thought and creativity.