In the second part of a series on hope, host Jodi Rose Gonzales explores how creativity and imagination give hope its structure. Building on last week's discovery that hope is always present, this episode reveals how the simple act of “making” builds bridges between where we are and where we might be headed.
Key Takeaways
- Imagination as Rehearsal: When we envision better outcomes—even ones we're not sure we believe in yet—our neural pathways begin preparing for them. Imagination isn't wishful thinking; it's rehearsal for possibility.
- Direction, Not Destination: Hope doesn't require a five-year plan or clear finish line. It just needs a sense of toward—toward ease, lightness, or something that feels more alive. Creativity lets us practice envisioning without commitment or pressure.
- Creativity Builds Hope Neurologically: Even brief creative engagement (10-15 minutes) shifts our nervous system into "broaden-and-build" mode, widening our perspective and helping us notice more possibilities.
Three-Step Practice: Imagining One Small Thing
Step 1: Choose One Feeling You're Reaching For Not a big life goal—just one feeling you'd like to experience more of that feels somewhat out of reach. Maybe calm, lightness, creative flow, playfulness, or rest.
Step 2: Give It Visual Form Ask: If this feeling were a color, what would it be? A shape? A texture? Spend 10-15 minutes creating an image that captures the essence of what you're reaching for.
Step 3: Dialogue With What You've Created Ask your image: What do you want me to know? What one small step could bring me 1% closer to experiencing you? What should I remember when I forget you're possible?
Special Invitation: Final Call for HOPE Messages
Last chance to participate in this year's HOPE sculpture! Send your message of hope by November 1st—one word, one sentence, one wish, or a quote. Messages will be sealed in golden ornaments and unveiled November 22nd.
- Local participants: Visit Jodi's studio during the Sturgeon Bay Art Crawl October 25-26 to write your message in person. 120 S. Madison Avenue.
- Send your HOPE message through Facebook or Instagram DM at @JodiRose.Studio or by making a small donation (for supplies) HERE. Messages remain private/confidential.
Resources
References
- Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218
- Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity: Top-notch research reveals the upward spiral that will change your life. Harmony Books.
- Sharot, T. (2011). The optimism bias: A tour of the irrationally positive brain. Pantheon Books.
- Sharot, T. (2017). The influential mind: What the brain reveals about our power to change others. Henry Holt and Company.
