Imagination / Resentment.
In this week’s session, we discussed resentment, particularly in relation to imagination and how it can block our creative processes. While resentment might technically involve a form of imagination - using your mind to revisit feelings or scenarios tied to that emotion - it’s not a positive or constructive use of imagination. Instead, it prevents the mental and emotional space needed for growth, both within ourselves and in our artistic practices.
I found the group discussions around this topic very interesting and insightful. It brought forward ideas and concepts that I hadn’t necessarily been aware of on a conscious level but perhaps had recognised subconsciously as there were a lot of connections I was able to make to my own experiences.
As part of the session, we did a free writing exercise exploring the question, “What blocks my imagination?” This question has stayed with me, and I’ve continued to reflect on it since. As I have continued to ponder this question, I have decided to expand on the theme for this blog post, as I know it is something that I need to continue to be aware of.
Resentment in Relation to Imagination.
Resentment consists of a complicated and deeply layered feeling that is often describe as a mix of anger and disappointment. At its core, it arises because we feel forced to accept something we dislike and something we wish were different. The word comes from the French sentir and the Latin sentire which mean "to feel" so in this sense re-sentment describes the act of repeatedly feeling something over and over again.
When resentment takes hold it fills the space within us and overwhelms our being. You cannot process it fully in a healthy way because you cannot release those feelings and move on. Resentment crowds out the room needed for generosity and creativity and new ideas because it consumes our ability to embrace positive change. Resentment limits our imagination and reduces the space for creativity.
Imagination actively looks forward to new possibilities and opportunities that can shape our future experiences. This is an adventure that explores possibilities and brings fresh perspectives while giving birth to something new. Imagination reaches for the future while resentment dwells in the past. This tension between the two shows that holding onto resentment stifles our ability to create and to dream and to move forward.
What blocks my imagination?
Overthinking. My mind often fixates on every possible avenue something could take - usually focusing on the negative outcomes rather than the positive ones. I dwell on how those outcomes might impact me, my environment, my relationships, or other areas of my life. This overthinking can spiral to the point of immobilisation, where not only does my imagination feel blocked, but other parts of my life also feel stuck.
I sometimes find it difficult to disconnect from day-to-day concerns, which limits the mental space I need for imagination. For example, I’ll worry about not seeing someone for a certain number of days, or that I need to book an appointment with the vet or dentist. It becomes a never-ending loop of thoughts that can feel impossible to break through.
Flare-ups of my autoimmune condition also present challenges. They bring both brain fog and more negative thinking patterns. For instance, I sometimes find myself stuck in unhelpful thoughts, like wondering if I would even have this condition if certain things in my life hadn’t happened.
Creating ROom for growth.
Strong emotions can be a powerful driver in creative practices, bringing energy, motivation, and inspiration when channelled positively. However, when they become stuck and harden into resentment, they block the space needed for new ideas, creations, and imagination.
Recognising these emotions and processing them in a healthy way - before they spiral into resentment - is key to unlocking growth, both as an artist and as an individual. This is something I’ve been consciously working on, allowing myself to move through emotions rather than becoming trapped by them.
