Pretending is Not Just For Children: Using Sacred Imagination as Spiritual Practice
Imagine a world where the borders of reality blur into the infinite possibilities of the unseen. Picture yourself walking alongside ancient sages, witnessing sacred stories unfold, or sitting in the presence of divine wisdom. These images might feel whimsical or even childish, but they are the cornerstone of a profound spiritual practice known as sacred imagination.
For over-functioning, high-performing women—those who spend their days navigating demanding careers, caregiving responsibilities, and the relentless expectations of modern life—sacred imagination offers a sanctuary. It is not an escape from reality but an invitation to engage with it differently, to peel back the layers of busyness and reconnect with a deeper spiritual truth.
In this blog, we’ll explore how sacred imagination can enrich your spiritual journey, reawaken your sense of wonder, and provide a grounding practice to sustain you in your high-pressure life.
Rediscovering the Gift of Pretending
As children, pretending came naturally. We transformed backyards into enchanted forests, couch cushions into castles, and simple toys into tools for heroic adventures. This capacity for imagination wasn’t mere play; it was a way to explore, make sense of the world, and tap into something greater than ourselves.
Then, somewhere along the way, pretending became "childish," relegated to the domain of make-believe stories. For many women, the pressures of adulthood—career deadlines, caregiving roles, and societal expectations—left little room for imagination. We learned to value productivity over creativity and tangible outcomes over unseen mysteries.
Sacred imagination, also known as imaginative prayer or contemplative visualization, reclaims this lost art of pretending. Rooted in ancient Christian traditions like Ignatian spirituality, it invites us to enter sacred stories or experiences as active participants. Far from being frivolous, this practice deepens our spiritual connection and opens us to the mystery of Divine Presence in our everyday lives.
What Is Sacred Imagination?
Sacred imagination is a contemplative exercise that engages your mind, heart, and soul in an imaginative encounter with the divine. Popularized by St. Ignatius of Loyola, it involves visualizing yourself within a sacred story or imagining an encounter with the Divine/God or other spiritual figures. The goal is not intellectual understanding but experiential connection.
For example, instead of reading a story about Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee as a passive observer, you imagine yourself in the boat. You feel the spray of the waves, hear the roar of the wind, and experience the terror of the disciples. You might imagine what it feels like when Jesus commands the storm to be still, bringing peace not only to the waters but also to your own heart.
This practice allows you to move beyond rote recitation or intellectual analysis of spiritual texts. Instead, it creates space for personal encounters that feel vivid and alive, where insights can surface in surprising and transformative ways. Other spiritual texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita or the mythological stories of Greece and Rome can also serve this purpose. The story itself is just the context- it is your imaginative engagement with the story that enriches your experience.
Why High-Performing Women Need Sacred Imagination
For women who excel in high-stakes environments, the idea of “letting go” or “being still” can feel counterintuitive—or downright impossible. Sacred imagination provides an active alternative to traditional meditation or prayer practices, which often focus on clearing the mind.
Instead of battling your racing thoughts, you redirect them. Instead of striving for perfection, you explore curiosity. Sacred imagination embraces the same creativity and problem-solving skills you use in your professional life but channels them toward spiritual growth.
Here are a few reasons sacred imagination resonates so deeply with high-performing women:
Reclaiming Your Inner Child
When was the last time you allowed yourself to pretend, dream, or play without worrying about being "productive"? Sacred imagination gives you permission to reconnect with the wonder and joy of your inner child—a part of yourself that still holds profound wisdom.Engaging Your Whole Self
Many spiritual practices emphasize the mind or the heart but overlook the power of the imagination. Sacred imagination invites your entire being—your intellect, emotions, creativity, and even your senses—into a deeply immersive encounter with the divine.Finding Rest Without Stopping
For women who struggle to sit still or quiet their thoughts, sacred imagination provides an active form of rest. By engaging your imagination, you can enter a peaceful, restorative space without feeling like you’re “doing nothing.”
How to Practice Sacred Imagination
Ready to try sacred imagination for yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Choose a Story or Passage
Select a sacred text, story, or theme that resonates with you. This could be a story from Scripture, a spiritual concept (like grace or forgiveness), or even a moment from your own life where you wish to encounter divine wisdom.
2. Set the Scene
Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Imagine stepping into the story as though it were a vivid dream.
3. Engage Your Senses
Activate your imagination by engaging all five senses. What does the scene look like? Are there specific smells or sounds? What textures do you feel? The more detailed your visualization, the more immersive the experience becomes.
4. Enter the Story
Place yourself in the narrative. Are you an observer, a participant, or a specific character? Interact with the scene as it unfolds. Speak to the people around you or to God. Notice how you feel and what insights arise.
5. Reflect and Respond
Afterward, take time to reflect on the experience. Journal about what you saw, heard, or felt. Did you receive a sense of comfort, challenge, or clarity? Allow the encounter to inform your spiritual journey moving forward.
Practical Examples for Everyday Life
Sacred imagination doesn’t have to be limited to formal prayer time. Here are some ways you can integrate it into your daily life:
Morning Ritual: Before diving into your to-do list, imagine walking through the day with the Divine at your side, offering strength and guidance.
Stressful Moments: When you feel overwhelmed, picture yourself placing your burdens into the hands of “helpers”. Some people like to imagine their burdens as heavy rocks or boxes that they hand over to Nature (for example, dropping them in a river), angels (who then fly off with the burdens), or to God.
Bedtime Reflection: At the end of the day, imagine sitting in a sacred space, offering your joys and challenges to a loving, listening presence. Some people like to imagine they are talking to a relative who loved them well, such as a grandmother or grandfather.
The Beauty of Pretending
Far from being frivolous, sacred imagination is a deeply intentional practice that invites you to see the world—and yourself—through God’s eyes. It allows you to reconnect with the creativity, curiosity, and wonder that many of us lose in the hustle of adult life.
For over-functioning women, this practice is not about adding one more item to an already packed schedule. It’s about creating a space where your soul can breathe, where the pressures of performance fade, and where you can simply be.
So go ahead, pretend. Enter the sacred stories, walk alongside the divine, and let your imagination become a bridge to the spiritual depth you’ve been seeking. After all, pretending isn’t just for children—it’s a doorway to transformation.