By mksummerbell

Dialogue, for us, is simply two or more people talking to each other. In contrast, the concept of “visionary” is extremely complex – a challenge to even begin to define – which is why l will be delving more deeply into it in a future article. But, to begin with, “visionary” is derived from “vision,” which can just mean sight, the physical ability to see. Or “seeing the supernatural as if with the eyes,” or “something seen in or as if in a dream or a trance.” A vision can be a “mental image produced by imagination” or “a vivid imaginative conception.” Visions can be auditory or multisensory as well as visual, and can be religious, artistic, political, futuristic….all kinds of possibilities. Vision can be “unusual foresight.” Which means a visionary is a “person of unusual foresight.” Or maybe just “one who sees visions.” Confused yet? Well, confusion is the beginning of wisdom, so let’s forge ahead to more exploration of “vision.” 

Because our human brain is designed to learn by comparing and contrasting, sometimes we can better understand something if we know what it isn’t. Which prompts us to ask ourselves questions about other seemingly similar phenomena, like, “What’s the difference between a vision and a hallucination?” Or a dream? An illusion, a delusion? A trance, fantasy, ghost, mirage, memory, meditation? Whole books have been written on these topics, so we would be overreaching to try to explain them clearly here. A lifetime of study doesn’t answer these questions unequivocally. But it’s important that we ask the unanswerable questions, to expand our understanding so that, ultimately, with definition and intuition, we know a vision when we meet one. 

Which brings me to my favorite definition of “vision,” which is “something of extraordinary beauty.” Perhaps that will be the deciding factor in our discernment as we seek, and find, greater vision – and visions – in our lives. 

Common sense is sound, prudent judgment and decision-making in everyday matters, based on simple perceptions of situations and facts. It’s practical knowledge that can be logical but is not based on deductive reasoning, but rather on real-life experience and the ability to imagine consequences. It doesn’t require any scholarly knowledge, professional training or elevated perspective. It’s as basic as putting a coat on when it’s cold outside. Or a sweater if you’re inside. Or turn up the furnace. Because every individual’s experiences are unique and they vary vastly, what’s common sense for one can make no sense, or be unknown to, another. One person’s lifelong knack or habit might not ever occur to someone else. That’s why we share our little tricks, tips and insights-to make life easier for all. 

The word “magic” has many synonyms, including sorcery, alchemy, conjuring, witchcraft, wizardry, charm, hex, miracle, enchantment, spellcasting, incantation, trick, divination, voodoo, and illusion. The Oxford English Dictionary defines magic as the “secret power of appearing to make impossible things happen by saying special words or doing special things.” It can also be seen as extraordinary power or influence that seems to work by way of some mysterious, unseen or supernatural force.

Magic, for us, is no trickery, but orderly and consistent. It is a step-by-step, powerful ritual process that is repeatable, with predictable results. Indeed, the outcome is intended and expected. There is no mystery or surprise because the magic is performed according to cosmic principles. The only surprise is when you don’t see the steps, but only the results – much like seeing the “magic” of a theater performance without observing any of the work or rehearsals that went into creating it. Real magic takes discipline and practice. Professional magicians carefully and precisely set up every illusion the same way, time after time, so the effects are the same for every performance. 

Making magic is much like the scientific method, where steps of experiments are methodically and meticulously repeated by multiple people wanting the same results. Indeed, ultimately, magic is science. And art, but with sound structure prevailing in creative presentation and personal style. Being a skilled magician is all about learning the (sometimes secret) knowledge of the process and then practicing the techniques to a desired level of expertise. “Magic” comes from Greek “magikos,” meaning “of the magi,” a learned priestly class. Once the domain of an educated, mostly religious, elite, magic is now for all of us to learn to use wisely, creatively and constructively.

Viewpoints. Because we are in physical form, what we can see as individuals is extremely limited compared to all there is to see. Even if we move around a lot, and travel, even into outer space, and look through microscopes and telescopes, we are still quite limited in our visual range. But because we see not just with our eyes, but with our minds, and because people can share their experiences, thoughts, feelings and beliefs, in person, in writing, through art and music, throughout history and around the world, we can perceive a great range of perspectives in life, if we choose to. Through visualization, imagination and fantasy we have, essentially, unlimited inner vision. So, our potential points of view are limited only by our receptiveness, selectivity and time.

Visionary Viewpoints is an invitation for you to express your perceptions and expand your experience of others’ perspectives, with emphasis on New Age principles and how we can use them to support and nurture, enlighten and inspire each other. Together, we get to imagine and help create a better world now and a bright, positive future for humanity and planet Earth. We offer this forum of challenging opportunity for dynamic, compassionate, and innovative connection and communication, in service to realizing a vision of life that is reasonable, practical and “something of extraordinary beauty.”