Embracing Possibility: Living Ahead of the Present
Created at: July 26, 2025
To dwell in possibility is to live in the future before it arrives. — Emily Dickinson
Dickinson’s Vision of Potential
Emily Dickinson’s assertion invites us into a mental space where the boundaries of the here and now dissolve. By 'dwelling in possibility,' she suggests that the human spirit thrives on anticipation and imagination—a place where limitations fall away and myriad futures remain accessible. This idea, woven through much of Dickinson’s poetry, signals her fascination with what might be rather than what already is.
Imagination as a Bridge to Tomorrow
Building upon Dickinson’s perspective, we see that imagination serves as a vital conduit between our current reality and forthcoming experiences. For instance, literary works like Jules Verne's *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas* (1870) allowed readers to pre-live technological wonders before their time. In this way, visionaries leverage possibility as a springboard, sketching outlines of the future long before it arrives.
The Psychological Comfort of Anticipation
Moving from literature to psychology, studies show that anticipation often fuels motivation and hope. Renowned psychologist Viktor Frankl, in *Man’s Search for Meaning* (1946), observed that prisoners who dreamed of postwar reunions or new beginnings were more likely to survive. This ability to dwell in possibility—living emotionally in future outcomes—can offer resilience in challenging times.
The Risks of Forsaking the Present
However, living predominantly in the future carries its own dangers. When we immerse ourselves too deeply in possibility, the richness of the present moment risks being overlooked. The philosophical musings of Søren Kierkegaard, especially in *Either/Or* (1843), caution against becoming so engrossed in potential futures that we neglect life’s immediate experience. Thus, while possibility inspires, it must be balanced with present awareness.
Cultivating a Healthy Outlook
In harmonizing potential and presence, we form a balanced approach to life. Practicing mindfulness, as promoted by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late twentieth century, allows us to appreciate current joys without sacrificing our readiness for what’s to come. Emulating Dickinson’s embrace of possibility, we can savor the anticipation of the future while remaining firmly rooted in today’s gifts—a duality central to fulfilling and visionary living.