In my teachings, I often focus on the human brain. Everything we perceive, every choice we make, and every relationship we have is mediated through the brain. Thus, little in life, both individually and collectively, can be changed if we don't first change how we use our brains. They are truly responsible for everything in human life, from the greatest advancements to the worst problems. When you look around in awe at the technological advancements happening today, you are looking at a product of the human brain. All the things we now take for granted—smartphones, laptops, ATMs, automobiles, air conditioning, and so forth—came about because some people used their brains very efficiently to solve certain problems of human existence. The same is true for any great artwork that you enjoy. Your favorite films, paintings, music, and books all came from a human brain that decided something important must be expressed.
At the same time, the human brain is responsible for our worst problems. The biases we accept into our brains as beliefs are the root cause of discrimination in the world, and these same biases can turn into hatred that leads to war and other forms of violence. The brain is also the seat of our habits, our choices becoming etched into the brain's wiring. Because we have difficulty changing our behavior patterns, we find it difficult to address our environmental and social problems in any meaningful way. Thus, there is no way to address any human problem or to advance humanity to the next evolutionary level unless we first address the brain. But how can this be done?
Imagination Is the Greatest Brain Power
I think the best way to change the world completely is to make the human brain into a miracle-making machine. We tend to think of miracles as rare occurrences, just as we think of geniuses as uncommon flukes. I contend, however, that we can all become geniuses and miracle makers in the world. And that all begins with imagination.
Imagination is truly the most remarkable ability of the brain. Unfortunately, our culture does not fully appreciate this fact. Our educational systems view imagination as secondary, something relegated to playtime and a few minutes of art instruction each week. Children are naturally very imaginative, but as we train them to be, we ask them to set imagination aside in favor of logic and memorizing facts.
However, the reality is that no genius ever created a masterpiece or made any new discovery without imagination. Mathematicians, for example, cannot create new theorems unless they are willing to think creatively about the problem. No scientist has ever made a new discovery without imagining a new theory explaining natural processes. The Western world's quintessential genius, Albert Einstein, agreed. To develop his own theories, he would go through an imaginative process called "thought experiments." And he once said this about imagination: “Imagination is everything. . . . Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Imagination is where all change begins, and it is where the solution to all problems will be found.
Declare Your Brain to Be a Miracle Maker
If humanity were to have full confidence in our brains' power of imagination, I am sure we could make great miracles in the world. If we applied this power, the world could be a beautiful place for all human beings to live in, and we could create a paradise like we have previously only dreamt of in mythology and literature. Some might say, "But that would take a miracle," but to that, I would reply, "Then let's make miracles!" People who have accomplished miracles or realized grand visions were only ordinary people, but they believed in themselves and their brains completely. So, let's start to believe in ourselves and make our brains into miracle-making brains!
Making your brain into a miracle maker starts with believing in your imagination. Anything you imagine for yourself or the world begins there. If you are in the habit of saying, "I would like the world to be a better place, but there is nothing I can do," you are selling yourself short. This statement indicates that you are already imagining the possibility of a better world, but then you stop yourself. So, the key is to stop negating your own imagination. Instead, hold that vision within your mind and keep telling yourself that you were put on this earth to make that a reality. That is your genius, and that is your birthright. Do not sell your brain short. If you allow yourself to hold a vision of a better world in your brain, your brain will, in turn, be trained to believe in that vision. Once your brain believes fully in this possibility, it will naturally work to find ways to make the vision become a reality.
Recreate Yourself Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually
Of course, you will need to work step-by-step toward the creation of a new and better world. It does not happen overnight, but it can happen a little bit every day. I recommend beginning with your own life and your own body. Ask yourself, "Who do I imagine I can be? What is the highest version of myself that is possible?" Every day, picture that person you want to become. Then, begin to set goals that move you toward becoming that person you are imagining.
I recommend starting with physical strength since that will be needed to accomplish anything in the world. Also, it is a great way to build confidence and belief in yourself. If you want to become stronger physically, set a goal, such as doing 10 push-ups in a row or walking 10,000 steps every day. In your mind's eye, imagine how this goal will make you stronger and more capable of achieving other goals in your life. You can apply the same strategy to your mental and spiritual self as well, slowly but surely transforming yourself into a new person.
Visualize a Better World and Make a Miracle
Although starting with smaller, more tangible goals and strengthening the body is important, always keep the bigger goal in mind. Without the soul-satisfying goal of serving the greater good of humanity, it is too easy to run out of motivation when we become tired or face some obstacle of some sort. So, always keep in mind how bettering yourself and creating a miracle mind is not something for the sake of your own ego, nor is it in any way a selfish act. If you always focus your imagination on a better world and a better humanity, your soul will give you all the energy and motivation you need.