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“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire,
You will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”
George Bernard Shaw
What would happen if Iranians were to first imagine and then to express, with a single voice, what we truly want for the future of Iran?
The most important step in getting what we want is to clarify the desired objective from the onset. Is it, therefore, possible that clarifying that objective, through creating collective positive images of what we want our future to become, might be a worthwhile activity to engage in as a way of assuring its achievement?
The word "imagine" itself calls upon us to connect to the power and to the core of what we truly want. It arouses within each of us feelings of courage, hope, limitlessness, and fills us with possibilities and promises.
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magination is not shaped or limited by the past, current circumstances, or what some may call “reality.” Imagination is not day dreaming or fantasizing either. Rather, imagination is seeing through the mind’s eye into the realm of the future and of potentialities – utterly free and vast. Imagination is a deliberate contemplation on what is possible and how to build path to get there.
Therefore, when approached as a collective and purposeful mission, the power of imagination draws upon our fundamental urges to connect with one another, to communicate at a deeper level, to share our personal and collective aspirations, and to move forward in the same direction. Such communion can generate the positive force necessary to transform many seemingly impossible dreams into our desired reality.
The desire for a better and more just life has now become a universal topic. Many progressively minded people are coming together to form vital connections with each other, to collectively imagine, and to create new possibilities for their future, within which a happy and productive life awaits them and their loved ones.
Is it possible that Iranians would also benefit from making such vital and genuine connection with one another as a way of progressing towards a more productive future?
If yes is our answer, let us start with ourselves and consider being and becoming the positive change we wish to bring forward. Let our sincere actions, rather than fleeting words, advice or philosophy, then become the source of inspiration for others.
Starting today, each of us can chose to be a driving force for building a better future through our own actions. We can start by striking a simple dialogue with as many people as possible to explore through a few simple questions such as:
1. What does a united Iranian people look like?
2. How do we start building a bridge together to get there?
3. How can a united Iranian people achieve its goal of a more positive future?
4. How can our collective peaceful actions bring about positive and lasting transformation to our lives and nation?
On the course of this mission, let us always remember two important facts: first, a dialogue is distinctly different from a conversation intended to prove a specific point of view, to convince, or to argue.
That type of conversation can be easily detected by its methods and effects: it is mostly top-down and authoritative; it focuses on rehashing the past; it reinforces a false perception that individuals are being controlled by external events, it projects blame onto others; it separates, and argues that the future will be equal to the past regardless. In short, it produces a sense of helplessness, destroys motivation, and leaves us feeling disconnected, disempowered, and perplexed.
Dialogue, on the other hand, is a free exchange of ideas whereby everyone’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions are welcomed and accepted — regardless of whether we agree or even like it. There is clear absence of arguments, complaints, or antagonism. Instead there is an air of openness, shared responsibility, creativity, and a genuine desire to participate, to learn and to contribute. It requires attentive listening, sharing our aspirations, remaining focused on discovering creative solutions, and that our actions are sincere and expressions are kind and respectful. A real dialogue has taken place when we feel connected, empowered, acknowledged, and inspired!
Second, let us remember through our dialogue that Iran belongs to all of us, above and beyond social, ideological, and cultural diversities.
The history of our social movements up to now has been largely based on first focusing on what we do not want, followed by intense emotional acts designed to cause what at the time seemed like progressive change. The last thirty years clearly proves the futility of that approach! Focusing on the “unwanted” nearly always produces another set of unwanted circumstances, even though it may be initially cloaked and presented as true “progress.”
Are we open to reconsidering that approach and moving forward to creating more constructive and thus progressive results this time round? If yes is our answer, then clarifying and focusing on what we truly want -- individually first and then collectively -- is worth the time and effort.
So, let us become clearer by individually reflecting on those questions first, and then by dialoguing with others, either in your next gatherings, or by proactively bringing together a small group of acquaintances for an inspiring and thought provoking exchange of ideas!
One way to create a productive group dialogue is by having everyone focused on the same topic. Perhaps reading this article and questions together, as a way of establishing a common understanding and direction, could be beneficial.
End your sessions with a list of constructive inputs about the questions which includes all ideas. Keep on talking, refining, and widening the circle of the dialogue, Keep the torch burning brightly with the fire of our positive dreams of the future so that together we can purge the darkness of the past.
The vast ocean is only the accumulation of many tiny drops of water; and a wave starts with a gentle breeze in its far distance, moving those drops consistently and uniformly in the same direction to become a potent force once it reaches the shore.
Let us decide to genuinely connect and unite -- as our most effective option -- to progress to a future we crave for ourselves, our loved ones, and our nation. Let us persevere in this decision despite potential set backs or frustrations.
Let us each decide to lead the way by first being the example of the change we want to see.
Let us remember not to allow our memories of the past be greater than our dreams of the future. Thus, let us decide to rise above all that has held us back from uniting so that together we strive towards a grander purpose to reach a more constructive and happier future.
Failure is no longer an option. Let us then come together to win -- It is really up to us!
Y. Rahnama is a pen name used by the author. You are welcome to contact the author at: yekrahnama@gmail.com. Please visit: www.imagineiran.org to continue the dialogue by sharing your thoughts.
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