Permission to Dream

I had to learn how to dream. Really, I am not kidding. I grew up in a working class family and was not taught that I could actually vision, dream, and create my life. I am grateful to my past coaches and mentors who taught me this very crucial life skill. 

Our current reality of a global pandemic and a revolution to protect Black lives and create a world that is just for all is prime territory to ENVISION a new future. To quote Albert Einstein, “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” This is our opportunity to do something about it.

One of the best things we can do right now is dream about the world we want to create and then get busy working toward that vision. 

• What is the new world you would want to see? 
• How would you want to participate? 
• What do you want to see crumble?
• What do you want to see built?

Your inner critic may try to convince you that your ideas don’t matter, that they won’t make a difference. You can kindly tell that voice there is no evidence that your ideas do not matter and that your voice cannot make a difference. Send that critic on vacation or into the backseat of your car. Or tell your dear friend what that voice is saying and ask her to lovingly contradict it. 

If we want a better world, a safer world, a more just world, it means all hands on deck. We all need to participate and make our contribution. Your ideas and voice matters. But first you must create your vision, dream, and then take action. 

So let’s focus on dreaming. Right now, during shelter-in-place and an unknown future and a recession, you may be having feelings of anxiety and fear. So first let’s tend to that. Here are my suggestions: journal your anxiety away, move your body, go for a walk, dance, do an online yoga class. Do whatever you know can to help you move that anxious energy.

Next, you need some space to dream.I recommend getting into NATURE without any technology or devices. It will be the balm your heart needs. Find a walking path, sit under a tree, go to a body of water, allow yourself to be nurtured by nature. Allow yourself to notice how the earth is holding you. 

Now, you are in a space to dream, to let your imagination go. What is the new world you would like to see for yourself and others? What helps you feel alive? How might this new reality change your life? What would that mean to you? 

Now just keep dreaming until the next right action step becomes clear. Share your dreams with loved ones, co-create together, then support each other in making that dream a reality.