How to work with Imagination

Starting to work with imagination is simple. It takes place inside, in thoughts, memories, and feelings. You can pick any of these as they appear in your awareness. It can be done anywhere and with almost anything that holds your attention.

You might want to begin with a feeling, a situation, a memory, a thought, or a pattern you notice in yourself. The moment you choose to stay with it, an inner focus is formed. From there, images, scenes, or impressions often arise on their own.

From here, imaginative work is a form of inner interaction. Thoughts and memories carry sensations, images, and feelings. As you start communicating with them, they begin to come more alive. You may hear them respond, express needs, wishes, or emotions. They can start expressing what they think of you in certain situations or behaviors you do not like in yourself, and offer guidance on changes that may be needed. Questions can be asked. Shifts can be noticed. The process unfolds through contact rather than control.

The Inquiry – In Your Imagination

What follows offers a simplified way to understand how inner interaction generally unfolds across different imaginative approaches.

1. Somatic Localization (The Anchor)

Every inner pattern has a bodily expression. Work begins by locating where an emotion, tension, or reaction is felt in the body. This grounds the process in lived experience and creates a stable point of attention.

2. Figurative Differentiation (The Symbol/Metaphor)

When an inner state is given form—such as an image, texture, or shape—it becomes easier to relate to it with curiosity rather than being immersed in it. This step allows experience to be explored without overwhelm.