The Importance Of Fantasy
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Importance Of Fantasy

Using fantasy to find an outlet for inspiration and fulfillment in life.

301
The Importance Of Fantasy

We all know that life and what you make of it is but a set of your own perceptions.

“To forget himself in sleep was impossible now, at least until nighttime, so he must forget himself in the dream of daily life” – Anna Karenina

There is no such thing as reality—there is only your mind’s eye and how you decide to view the world. So there’s something I am deciding to experiment with. It is living in my own fantasy. Forgetting myself in a dream of daily life. It’s all about a practice of mind control which allows me to physically change the situation by doing so mentally.

When I was in a pre-professional dance training program, I was dancing and working my body nearly ten hours every day. Success as a dancer and acceptance into the main company became my sol purpose of living. I think we underestimate how much the drive to be special pushes us as humans. To me, I felt like dance was such a pure form of superiority and wonderment. It meant I serve a greater purpose: I create art and beauty in a way that provides people with inspiration and elation. And I still stand by that- dance is a possibility to experience revelation. The problem was that I was approaching dance in this ultimate need to be physical and achieve rather than to feed inspiration to the world.

And so I found myself pushing and pushing; every day was an opportunity to achieve more in my range as a dancer. Until I reached a tipping point. I had injured my neck from all of the stress and inflammation. I was sent to rest for 10 days, which I realize now seems very minor and appropriate. But at the time 10 days felt like dreams crushed, achievements voided, and mind sent on an existential crisis. I felt empty and purposeless. Little did I know this would be my new beginning. A beginning of fantasy and freedom.

In the first few days of rest, I discovered a crisis. My entire purpose in life was dance, so what kind of meaning did waking up every day have now that I wasn’t dancing. I found myself discouraged and empty from the lack of dance in my life. But eventually, I learned to embrace the sensation of fantasy. I would sit in the studio and watch all of the other dancers moving and learning, and begin dreaming that I was amongst them. I would read books and escape into the theories as they developed my eye as an artist. I would draw and paint, and imagine the brushstrokes were my feet painting the dance floor. Everything I did contributed to me as a dancer, even though I wasn’t dancing. Losing myself in fantasy and in the dream of daily life meant continuing my growth as an artist and a dancer.

That’s how I realized that dance and art is about inspiration and revelation, not this need for achievement. To truly create wonder, you hone your mind’s eye and your approach- not your flexibility and strength.

It was then that I learned a valuable lesson. Life is all about your perspective-your mind’s eye. You can choose to make every single act of yours fulfilling and full purely by embracing a fantasy within it. From the mundane and necessary to the utmostly inspiring, everything can be exciting if you create it that way. It means that as I clean my kitchen, I fantasize I am a dancer and the broom is my third leg- moving brilliantly across the stage. It means as I walk home, I fantasize the whole world is watching me walk on an expressive runway. It means as I live my daily life without dance, I dream and know that what I’m doing still contributes to and makes me a dancer: whether in my physicality or my fantasy. And just like that I am fulfilled; I lose myself in a dream of daily life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112831
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments