Reclaiming the Power of Imagination: A Hermetic Reflection on Adulthood
As children, the world seems limitless—a place of infinite possibility where imagination knows no bounds. But somewhere along the way, as we grow into adulthood, we begin to think we understand how the world works. Responsibilities take root, rules are imposed, and soon we find ourselves living within invisible boundaries that shrink the landscape of what we believe is possible.
There’s a David Lynch quote that encapsulates this phenomenon, "We think we understand the rules when we become adults, but what we really experience is a narrowing of the imagination."
From a Hermetic perspective, this quote speaks to a fundamental truth about human consciousness and the nature of reality. Hermetic philosophy, rooted in ancient wisdom traditions, teaches us that our perception shapes our reality and that the creative power of the mind is limitless. Yet, as we mature, we trade wonder for certainty, curiosity for practicality, and, in the process, forget our innate ability to shape the world through imagination.
The Great Forgetting
In Hermetic teachings, one of the primary goals is to "Know Thyself." But knowing oneself is not merely about understanding the roles and responsibilities we carry as adults—it’s about reconnecting with the deeper truths of who we are: spiritual beings with limitless potential.
When Lynch talks about the "narrowing of the imagination," he is pointing to a great forgetting. As adults, we become so preoccupied with survival, social roles, and societal expectations that we forget the creative, imaginative power that is our birthright. We forget that the mind is a tool for manifestation, not merely a vessel for the mundane.
The Principle of Mentalism: Reality Begins in the Mind
The first of the seven Hermetic principles is the Principle of Mentalism, which states, "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental." This principle reminds us that the universe and everything within it is a mental creation. Our thoughts, beliefs, and, yes, our imagination are the building blocks of reality.
If our imagination narrows, so too does our experience of life. What we believe is possible becomes a reflection of those limitations. We stop dreaming big, we stop creating from a place of boundless potential, and we settle for what we believe to be the rules of life. But the Hermetic tradition teaches us that these rules are not fixed; they are mental constructs. And if they are mental, they can be changed.
Reawakening the Childlike Wonder
To reclaim our imagination is to reawaken the childlike wonder that once saw the world as full of possibility. The key to this is understanding that the constraints of adulthood—bills, work, societal roles—are external realities, but they need not define our internal landscape. The real work of Hermeticism is the mastery of the self, and this includes mastery over the mind.
How do we do this?
Cultivate Inner Silence: Meditation is an essential practice in Hermetic philosophy. Through quieting the mind, we create space for new ideas, insights, and inspiration to emerge. In this silence, we can reconnect with the vastness of our inner world, where imagination thrives.
Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Many of the "rules" we believe to be fixed are simply beliefs we've accepted without question. What if you could dream without limits? What if your current perception of reality was just one version of many possible realities? Challenge yourself to think beyond what seems possible.
Engage in Play: Hermeticists recognize the importance of play as a spiritual practice. Engage in creative activities that ignite your imagination—painting, writing, dancing, or simply daydreaming. Allow yourself to step outside the confines of "being an adult" and rediscover the joy of creating for the sake of creation.
Set Imaginative Intentions: The Hermetic principle of Correspondence tells us, "As above, so below." What you imagine and intend in the higher realms of your mind will manifest in your material reality. Set intentions that are bold, imaginative, and aligned with your highest vision for your life.
The Path Forward
Ultimately, adulthood doesn't have to mean a narrowing of possibilities—it can be a time of expansion if we choose it to be. The Hermetic path invites us to awaken from the trance of limitation and to remember that we are, at our core, creators. The world is not fixed; it is a dynamic, fluid reflection of the mind.
Imagination is not just for children—it is the seed of transformation, and in the hands of the Hermetic practitioner, it becomes the key to unlocking a life of boundless potential.
So the next time you feel weighed down by the rules of adulthood, remember this: the only rules that matter are the ones you set for yourself. Reclaim your imagination, and watch as the world expands in ways you never thought possible.
As above, so below. As within, so without. The power to reshape reality lies within you.