Every great invention first began with an idea. This spark of imagination has it's home in pure creative energy. This energy is available to all us. Whether you have always dreamt of writing a great novel or inventing zen fireflies that dance in the night, you owe it to yourself to let your imagination take you there.

Think for a moment what life would be like without imagination. In Stone Age times we would be barbarians sitting around a cave, freezing our butts off, because no one had the bright idea to start a fire. In today's world we use our imagination less as a way to survive, and more of a way to reach for the stars-to live fully each precious moment on earth.

Albert Einstein hit it on the head when he said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create."

Many people spend extraordinary amounts of time and money in the system of institutional education hoping to fulfill their dream. What they may not know consciously is that many times (not always) they are seeking approval based on someone else's dream.

It's easy to spot the approval-seeker when it's not you. When you are the approval-seeker, you might be clued in by the constant state of angst that you are living in. Imagine living free of this stress.

The first step to living this way is to begin to make yourself a priority-you, not your spouse, and not your mom or dad. Let them be responsible for their dreams. Your dreams and your life belong to you.

Once comfortable with the idea of honoring yourself, make it your mission to understand who you are. Not sure how to start?

Find a quiet place to be alone, get comfortable, and close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing, and allow creative source energy to flow into your body with each breath. Some refer to this practice as meditation. Remember imagination is pure creative energy-it belongs to all of us. But you can only access it when you honor yourself enough bring it to you.

Even though we all the same creative energy (some call this God or our inner source), how we create with it makes it personal. Your inspiration comes from your imagination, and how that manifests through you. Your imagination is nourished when you honor yourself by surrounding yourself with inspirational things or by being in nature. So, you need to know what you like and what you love. What scents, tastes, textures, pictures, and sounds resonate with you. Do not think about what your dad likes or your roommate loves-this is all about you right now.

Experiment by going to the movies, live theatre, ballet, and museums. Take a walk in a park, sit on a bench and imagine yourself as the giant oak-grounded with branches reaching out in different directions. To be like nature requires innocence. Look at everything through your eyes when you were three or four years old-before you began to be bombarded with the opinions and beliefs of others. Go shopping at the department store. Try on different kinds of shoes, pants, hats, and jewelry. Put Magical Fireflies in your backyard. Take a yoga, or tai chi class, and feel how this makes your body (and mind) come alive. Use your imagination to guide you on this fun journey, to discover that innocent explorer that is still inside of you.

Depending on the influences of your youth this process will be a relatively short one, or it will be one you will be enjoying for many years. But once you start, and begin to experience the ecstasy that connecting with imagination can bring, it will be difficult to go back to living your life based on seeking approval.

Don't get the wrong idea here. The idea is not to become a selfish narcissist. The truth is you will never be able to truly contribute to the well being of others until you find a level of contentment with yourself. Otherwise you are just doing something because you think it's the right thing to do.

Empty gestures are not recognized by the universe. Remember the law of attraction (like attracts like) works. If you practice insincerity you will be met with less than inspiring experiences. But, if you treat yourself with the care that your divine spirit deserves, your mind will be clear, and your body will become an open vessel. Inspired thoughts and will be like a zen gift from the universe. With this foundation your imagination will flourish and help you to create a life that is simply magical.