The realm of the imagination is a haven, and a world of prophecy that has been suggestively available only in the childhood years, after which a swift and often painful ushering into a pre-existing perception of adulthood is imposed leaving many who are content to follow the status quo, or protect themselves by staying in the box, with a feeling of emptiness, and an inclination to reach outside of themselves for simulations of the enchantment and internal comfort that has always been within them. Some refuse the box, often paying the price by becoming the targets of labels that categorize them as weird, strange, or childish, from those who choose to believe that someone who can still weave magic within their minds has not learned to grow old gracefully.

But what exactly is growing old gracefully? Does this suggest we are to put away our rainbows, and replace them with practical monochromatic pallets? Are we to stop believing that life is change? Are we to pretend we are in control, when such an ideology is a falsehood in a world with so many unanswered questions, up to the very constant unpredictable nature of life itself?

The power of thought is a tremendous thing. Everything we manifest in our lives, is a result of a thought seed, that has either grown into a pattern, or has acted alone to influence choices which have attracted certain conditions. It is the essence of freewill, and thought can be directed, especially when its in accordance with ones heart. Before mastery is possible however, it is necessary to be in touch with our hearts so we can know ourselves enough to influence our own paths. Often we are so used to being a part of the flock, that it can be difficult to trust our own instincts. It can be a dizzying process, but through diligent attention paid to practices like affirmations, journaling, and cathartic experiences such as art, crafts or any form of ones dynamic creativity, it can be accomplished, with dazzling results.

The subconscious mind takes our words for literal, making our first step, to pay attention to our words, and cut out the negative statements. Statements such as "I'll never have that. I don't have that kind of luck..." should be replaced with something like "Anything is possible, and in a moment everything can change." As funny as it might feel at first, hold fast, chant positive re-directive affirmations instead, daily and it will become a habit. You can even make a program of it, as it takes 21 days to create a habit/pattern. The mind likes the path of least resistance. Once a habit is established, it will be like riding a bike, and the initial process of discomfort will fade once the path has been constructed for the mind's energy to flow through. Your words can lend insight into your true mind state, and what you are focused on. It is also wise to remember that like often attracts like. Keep your affirmations in the present tense as the subconscious mind only understand the now, and remember to keep your statements positive, by trying to avoid using "not" and other words that aren't affirmative. Something as simple as "I am beautiful", can connect your concept of who you are to the perception of beauty, and alter your view for the better. Saying "I want a car" can perpetuate your reality of wanting. Saying instead, "I have a car", is an affirmative statement with a now perspective the subconscious can work with in its magnetic form.

Visualizing is another potent exercise, as images tend to imprint us the most on an emotional level. Because of this, surrounding yourself with images that you find beautiful can become an extremely healing and reconditioning experience. Other exercises can include becoming attuned to frequencies like Reiki, or other qualities you find desirable and healing, by asking your Higher Self to attune you, or seeking out someone who has the ability to attune you to a positive frequency. Many do this for free.

We create our realities by ordaining. When we ordain something, we imagine it and then we certify it as fact. Emotions often help us with this as something we are celebrating is easy to ordain, just as something we hold contempt for influences an equally tempting urge within us to ordain or label it as undesirable. Remembering the very feeling of joy and love with as many senses as you can master is a way to charge your day with that same energy by simply stepping into that mind-state. Gurus of old have done this with words/names, images, and symbols of various kinds to manifest intended reality.

The truth is, it is simple and most spiritual schools of thought educate this in their doctrines, that you can create your own reality by asking, in whichever way is comfortable to you. Affirming life, through the celebration of one's own imagination, which is a limitless realm that can be the canvas for the reality you wish to create in your day to day world, begins with one thing and that is to simply change your mind and becoming willing to receive the beauty that is life at your core.

About the Author: Dazjae resides in the Northeast with her child Q., and feline familiars Noodles and Mr.Who?, when she is not in the various cosmos of her imagination. She is the author of the introduction into 'Black Faerie', the multicultural realm of Faerie lore with the omnibus 'MAJI; The Magik vol.1-3' available on Amazon. She can be found at ultravioletunderground.com and in Purple Magazine's bi-annual issues downloadable at purplemag.com.