Imagination

nimnimak_11

Peace all

I was thinking about the imagination of human beings and certain questions arised. Below SOME of the questions i have given my opinion. I would appreciate anyone providing Quranic background or personal opinion based not on logic but reason on this issue

When can imagining be harmful?

Is it when thinking violent thoughts?
Could dampen the mood and make one angry so IMO yes

When imagining to take revenge and picturing your self hurting the other person?
IMO yes

When day dreaming about something unreal?
No idea does not feel wrong yet sometimes it does make one feel is low in character where as the two scenarios above do not!

Or when reflecting on sexual matters of fantasies with the use of your imagination??
IMO if about a real person then deffinantly wrong. If about an unreal person then IMO it may take the person out of that state of mind/understanding which IMO is the truth so to some extent yes. Again however the same effects of one feeling low about themselves is applied. Could this be due to the circumstances of an individual?

Peace,
Nyma

phoenix1

We are what we think about. Our imagination affects our behaviour and our lives in a very real way and we should be careful what thoughts we focus on. Positive thoughts lead to positive behaviour.
If you think violent thoughts, then that will be reflected in your actions.
Why would thinking of "unreal" situations lower one's self-esteem?

nimnimak_11

We are what we think about. Our imagination affects our behaviour and our lives in a very real way and we should be careful what thoughts we focus on. Positive thoughts lead to positive behaviour.
If you think violent thoughts, then that will be reflected in your actions.
Why would thinking of "unreal" situations lower one's self-esteem?

I think it depends on the nature of what that unreal thought is.

Thank you for your insight Lobster

Peace

Tay

Peace Nyma,

I echo Lobster's thoughts here. We should not underestimate the influence of imagination. It is, afterall, the true catalyst of human behavior and progress, or lack thereof. But there is certainly a difference between imagination and mere thought, imo. We all have thoughts that just sort of appear in our minds. In recognizing the thoughts there is no harm or gain. However, it is when we take a thought and build upon it that it becomes our own doing. So, whether good or bad, we must acknowledge that we are completely in control of the direction we let our imaginations go.

This is important, also, in respect to personal growth, overcoming trauma or fear, dealing with addictions, etc. When we are fully aware that we are in control of where we let our imaginations go, then we become aware of the true origin of our behaviors - and that is, our selves. The same exact event can slide off one person's back, and linger for years with someone else. What we rarely realize is that it's a choice.

Peace,
Tay