Imagination is a mental and psychological process that involves the creation of new representations or ideas based on previous perceptual and cognitive experience.
It is the individual's ability to engage in this creative activity.
Despite not always being recognised as such, Imagination is a discrete process of processing and applying information. On the one hand, it continues from representation, relying directly on memory, on the other hand, it diverts the trajectory that starts towards thinking, making a loop.
There are two types of imagination: the reproductive imagination, in which objects or phenomena that are not directly perceived are mentally represented on the basis of descriptions (illustrations, diagrams, verbal descriptions, etc.), and the creative imagination, in which new, brilliant or profoundly original images and ideas are developed. Imagination is an essential component of creative thought, intervening both in spiritual evolution and in the process of artistic creation, and in the scientific creation of technical inventions. The level of language has some influence on the development of Imagination.
According to yogic texts, the SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA is the energy centre associated with fantasy and imagination. Problems such as paranoia, phobias, manias, tics, inferiority complexes and obsessions can arise when the receptive aspect of this power centre is overdeveloped and the AJNA CHAKRA power centre is underactivated. When the mental aspect of a person is under-energized, the imagination can function chaotically, subjugating the mind.
The solution in such negative situations is a progressive self-energisation of the AJNA CHAKRA mental center of force, which will make it possible to eliminate these disturbances and restore inner mental and psychic balance. It will be of real use in such states, where imagination tends to tyrannically dominate us, to tenaciously and systematically perform SHAMBHAVI MUDRA.
SHAMBHAVI MUDRA is a very simple technique of mental concentration, which attempts to mentally render a physical pattern previously contemplated with deep attention.
The practitioner will sit, as comfortably as possible, on a chair or down on a rug, the back should be straight and the muscles as relaxed as possible. The mind must be firmly fixed in the centre AJNA CHAKRA, the gaze is directed in a slight convergent squint, in the area in the middle of the forehead, at the level of the mental visual field, on an object chosen for this technique. This object should be as simple as possible, for example a ping-pong ball. Take the ping-pong ball between two fingers and raise it to forehead level at a distance of 15-20 cm. Look at this object for 1-2 minutes to fix it as well as possible and then close your eyes and try to reproduce it as faithfully as possible in your mind. The total duration should be 10-15 minutes at first, progressively increasing to 40-60 minutes.
Daily, consistent practice of SHAMBHAVI MUDRA eliminates mental impurities that keep the imagination out of control, which tends to amplify in us negative mental phenomena, conferring tranquility, self-mastery, the power to control, restoring mental and inner psychic balance.
In conclusion, imagination is a multifaceted mental process that plays a crucial role in creative thinking, spiritual evolution, and artistic and scientific endeavors. The understanding of imagination extends beyond mere representation, involving both reproductive and creative aspects.
The Swadhisthana Chakra, according to yogic texts, is intricately linked to imagination, and an imbalance in this energy center can lead to disturbances and challenges in mental well-being. One of the transformative practices to address disorders caused by an overactive imagination is Shambhavi Mudra. Learn more about Shambavi Mudra here.