Embracing Magic!
Do you believe in magic? Regardless of our age, experiencing something magical feels like having a sudden rush of electricity running straight through your body! We all find different things magical. I love a great sunset and you might prefer the sound of the ocean. Nevertheless, when we witnessing a moment that is mysterious, breathtaking and leaves us in awe, we will feel more alive, creative and inspired.
As we grow into adults, we can easily become preoccupied with status and achievement. Sadly, our curiosity and sense of wonder gradually gets diminished and can be replaced with pessimism and cynicism. I've loved magic since I was a little kid and as a therapist I am intrigued with why (regardless of our age) we are fascinated with magic. Some psychological reasons that I believe that we are drawn towards fantasy and exploring the unknown include:
We each have an innate desire to want to solve mysteries. Magic can help us make sense of and enjoy the unknown.
We have a love of wonder and creativity. I mean, who doesn't love seeing money getting pulled out of someone’s ear?
We want to understand deception. Magic is part science and part art. In understanding how this pairing creates delusions, we can also begin to understand that there is always more than what meets the eye.
I believe in magic that can be explained by science such as the beauty of a waterfall or an Iris flower. I am also am in awe of the type of magic we just can’t predict such as why the perfect people come into our life at the perfect time. Magic doesn't have to mean believing in the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny. Magic is about believing in something bigger than ourselves and being open to beauty, miracles and the element of surprise. The world is a scary place and believing in something bigger than ourselves and having faith is a hard practice and one worth challenging ourselves to take on.
As adults, I think we can learn so much from children. Research on early childhood development shows that when children encounter ambiguities that confound them or anomalies that surprise them (two sides of the same coin), they want to explore them. Understanding anomalies, or violations of expectation, or bending of the rules of the physical world, is what magic is all about!
I launched the #maymagic campaign because as adults we need to continue to question reality, be open to unexpected miracles, appreciate beauty and always be curious. I invite you to join me as I welcome more magic in my life! Below are four tips on how you can invite more magic into yours.
Sending thoughts of wonder and awe your way!
Aimee
4 Tips to Unlock The Magic in Your Life:
Believe that Magic Exists: Believing and having trust in magic can psychologically benefit us. When we believe in magic it can help us make sense of the world, bring a greater sense of curiosity, adventure and creativity in our lives. Magic helps us trust in beauty and powers bigger than us.
Look For Magic: Look for the magic in your life – there is plenty of it and if you struggle to find it, say this affirmation to yourself, “I grateful for magic and miracles that are on the way.’’
Be Grateful: A study was done on gratitude by Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and Robert Emmons of the University of California where participants were asked to complete gratitude journals. It was concluded that completing gratitude exercises result in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy. I can't think of a better recipe for manifesting magic.
Embrace Your Inner Child: Remember being a child and experiencing everything as exciting and new? Sometimes we need to remember and honor our inner child through embracing that quality of wide eyed wonder, play and anticipation, that is so often lost as an adult.
