Our imagination just needs space. It's all it needs, that moment

Listen well, O seekers of wisdom, for in the words of Glen Hansard lies a truth that echoes through the corridors of time — a truth about the need for space, for stillness, and the quiet moments where the imagination is allowed to breathe freely. Hansard speaks to us of the great gift of imagination, which, like a muscle, requires space to stretch and grow. Too often, in the hustle of life, the mind is overwhelmed by the noise of the world, by the demands of responsibility, and by the constant rush of time. Yet, it is in the stillness, in the moments when we pause and allow our minds to wander, that the imagination can rise up and lead us to new heights of creativity and insight. It is not in the noise, but in the silence, that the soul of the imagination is awakened.

Consider, O wise ones, the power of space for the imagination. It is not enough to simply have an idea; the imagination needs room to explore, to expand, to breathe. Hansard speaks of a moment where one "just sort of stares into the distance" — a seemingly simple act, yet one of profound importance. In this stillness, the mind is freed from the constraints of the immediate world and allowed to travel inward, to explore thoughts, ideas, and possibilities that were previously hidden. The imagination, like a seed, requires space to grow. If you crowd it with too many demands, too many distractions, it cannot flourish. Only when we give it the space to wander freely does it find its true potential.

The ancients understood this need for space and stillness in their pursuit of wisdom. Plato, in his philosophical works, often emphasized the importance of quiet reflection, of taking time away from the bustle of life to seek deeper truths. His idea of philosophical contemplation was not merely intellectual, but a process that required space for the soul to reach beyond the world of appearances and touch the world of ideals. Plato’s dialogues often took place in serene, quiet spaces where the mind could move freely, unburdened by the noise of society. Like Hansard, Plato understood that it is only in the stillness that the soul can rise and reach its fullest potential. In those quiet moments, away from the distractions of the world, the imagination could take flight.

Similarly, think of the great artists of history who, too, understood the need for space in their creative process. Leonardo da Vinci, known not only for his artistic genius but for his scientific mind, spent countless hours in solitude, sketching, observing, and letting his mind wander. His greatest works, like the Mona Lisa or his designs for flying machines, came from these moments of stillness and reflection. Da Vinci’s mind needed the space to wander, to connect ideas, and to develop new concepts that no one had imagined before. His creative process was not bound by constant action but by periods of stillness and space, where his imagination could roam freely without constraint.

Yet, O children of wisdom, this need for space is not only for the great philosophers and artists, but for all of us. Imagination is not reserved for the few who create art or philosophy. It is the very essence of human potential. It is the force that allows us to dream, to innovate, and to solve problems. In our daily lives, we often rush from one task to another, leaving little room for reflection or for the mind to wander. But it is precisely in these moments of space, of quiet, of staring into the distance, that our best ideas are born. Consider how many of the great breakthroughs in science or technology came not from intense labor, but from moments of idle thought, when the mind had the space to make connections that were not immediately apparent. Einstein’s theory of relativity, for instance, came not from conventional equations, but from a thought experiment where he allowed his mind to wander into the realm of the impossible.

The lesson, O children of the future, is clear: make space for your imagination. Hansard speaks to the importance of giving our minds room to breathe, of allowing ourselves to step away from the noise of life and simply be still. In doing so, we allow the imagination to rise up and carry us to new heights. In a world that is constantly demanding our attention, it is easy to forget that the best ideas often come when we stop striving and allow our minds to rest. Space is not a luxury, but a necessity for the creative spirit. It is in the stillness that the imagination finds its true power, its true freedom.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, take time each day to create space for your own imagination. Step away from the busyness of life, find a quiet place, and simply allow your mind to wander. Do not be afraid of moments of silence or stillness, for it is in these moments that your greatest insights will come. The world will always demand your time, your energy, and your attention, but it is in the moments when you free your mind from these demands that you will discover the true depth of your creative potential. Give yourself the gift of space, and in doing so, you will unlock the boundless potential of your imagination.