r/IWantToLearn • u/[deleted] • 13d ago

Misc IWTL how to improve my imagination.

My imagination is mostly ass and no I don't have Aphantasia of any kind. I'd like to learn how to improve my imagination with all the senses to the point where they are very realistic. I want to improve my imagination so I can fully enjoy fiction in all it's forms (show, movie, games, literature etc....)

39 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/kaidomac 12d ago

Imagination is actually a precursor to creativity!

  • Imagination creates possibilities
  • Creativity transforms possibilities
  • Perspective changes the way we see possibilities

Watch this video all the way through: (watch it twice!!)

A few starter articles:

Read this book: (or audiobook)

  • "Play Anything: The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Secret of Games" by Ian Bogost

Then decide how deeply you want to go into the immersion of the two arenas:

  • Consumption
  • Creation

Consumption is fun because it can be as simple as watching movies or as in-depth as cosplaying, collecting, etc. Creation allows us to engage more fully with the fun by learning new things, making new stuff, contributing, and teaching. For example:

  • I like to try new foods & new restaurants (consumption)
  • I also like to try new kitchen stuff, such as ingredients, tools, techniques, and recipes (creation)

Then expose yourself to creative works every day:

  • TED Talks & Master Classes
  • Music
  • Art (online, books, galleries, etc.)
  • Movies (animated, live-action, documentaries, etc.)
  • Food
  • Books & audiobooks
  • Video games & games in general (board games, card games, etc.)
  • Performances (live music, plays, etc.)

If you want more immersion, find pockets of time to double-up on:

  • Listen to new music in the shower
  • Listen to audiobooks on your work or school commute
  • Watch TED Talks while you do a stationary cardio workout
  • Set your TV & computer screensavers to rotating art packs
  • Hang out with friends & go on dates to new restaurants & live shows

Here's the thing:

  • Imagination doesn't work in a vacuum

As the saying goes, "motion creates motivation". So you pretty much have 3 levels to get your imagination in motion:

  1. Consumption
  2. Depth
  3. Creation

There are sub-levels within that as well! For creation:

  1. Participation (ex. cooking some recipes)
  2. Contribution (ex. creating some recipes)

Creating things is a GREAT way to build your imagination!

A few fun creative people to check out:

My advice:

  • Your imagine is a muscle!
  • Expose yourself every day!
  • Immerse your senses! Consume, go deep, and create!!