When I use the words “Imaginal Intelligence”, I am referring to two concepts: first, the intelligent use of imagination and second, the imaginal use of intelligence. I use the term to indicate the coupling of the logical rational mind with the intuitive, imaginal mind. Imagination is consciousness’ ability to form mental images of something not currently present to the senses. We use this function of mind all the time although we rarely label it as imaginal and as such, it remains unconscious. Unfortunately, when things remain unconscious, they have a life of their own and are capable of derailing our most passionate conscious intentions. Jung used the term intuition in an imaginal sense because for Jung intuition is the conscious mind’s ability to move from specifics towards generalities. Here I use imagination in this intuitive sense because I wish to differentiate it from New Age connotations of intuition that allows the acceptance of all sorts of unfounded metaphysics. I also wish to be clear to differentiate the type of imagination I am speaking of from childish imagination, which adults dismiss as immature, unreal and a fanciful, empty assumption.
Let us look at a couple of examples to help us understand the concept of imaginal intelligence. First, let us look at the concept of the intelligent use of imagination. Let us say that you have an important customer presentation to give. However, you are an introvert and fear public speaking. As the time approaches for the presentation, you think of all the things that can go wrong. You play them out in your mind repeatedly. Note, during the time preceding the presentation, you do not perceive the audience with your senses. In fact, you are using your imagination to project yourself into the future. This is an important point. We are always projecting ourselves into the future using our imagination. Now interestingly, our corporeal bodies do not care whether the stimulus originates in the senses or the imagination. The most obvious example of this is in the work done in sports psychology. So now, you have spent the time prior to your important customer presentation practicing your mistakes in your imagination. What do imagine the outcome of your presentation will be? This example highlights the unintelligent use of imagination as you have unconsciously allowed your imagination to run wild.
Now let us look at an example of the imaginal use of intelligence. I used to work for a company that prided itself on being “data driven.” However, inevitably when the data did not show them what they wanted to see, which was often, they would experience emotional affects as their minds imagined catastrophe about to strike. Now, it is very important to collect data especially when monitoring processes or striving for goals. However, it is also equally important to keep in mind that data will always be incomplete and therefore will ignite in the mind an imagination of what the situation was, is, or will be. This is because due to the time constraints, which apply in most business environments, it is impossible to collect sufficient data to describe the process, the organization, the market, or the customer completely. Furthermore, you imagine the actions required to correct the situation, because these actions are not yet present to your senses. Successful business people and leaders tacitly and intuitively understand this.
It is therefore important to possess a solid understanding of imaginal intelligence; the intelligent use of the imagination and the imaginal use of intelligence.
If the concept of imaginal intelligence interests you and you would like to learn more, send me an email or call me at (805) 637-4263. I will be happy to answer your questions.
