As many of you know, I’ve been learning how to paint and draw these last three years. And one thing I’ve learned is that there are skills… and then there is imagination. And the two don’t always go together. Which is frustrating as an artist. You can have a great imagination and think of wonderful ideas, but if you don’t have the skills, you cannot execute your vision. And vice versa. You can have great skills, but if you lack imagination, your art won’t draw people in (though your skills may impress). At least that’s what I’ve found as a budding artist.
And isn’t that true for most things we do? We need both skills and imagination to make life interesting and fulfilling. And imagination or creativity, doesn’t have to be about art. It can be about leadership, parenting, relationships, work—you name it. We need both skills and creativity/imagination.
And here’s the good news: both imagination and skills can be learned! We tend to think about imagination as somehow innate. But it’s not. We learn how to be imaginative.
This new year, I invite you to consider: In what ways can you grow your imagination?
Me, I’m imagining what it will be like to be with you all together again. I can’t wait!
With love,
Rev. Sian
Rev. Sian Wiltshire is Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's minister. Please feel free to reach out and say hello! She can be reached by email, revsian@ocuuc.org, or by church phone at (714) 556-2882 (x302).