How to Dream of a Better Future

6 Meditations on Hope and Love

Oct 14, 2024

Photo by Summer Schantz, framed by me, of our engagement shoot.

Dreaming the Future into Existence is an act of LOVE

I know that in a world where tragedies seem to layer one on top of the other—wars, natural disasters, political division, along with personal tragedies and stressors—one can feel overwhelmed by the sheer weight of it all. I know that the collective grief can feel like a burden too heavy to bear. This post seeks to serve as an hopeful reminder that we are called to action and we are capable—not only to heal, but to dream of better.

We are each capable of envisioning a world beyond the pain, beyond the hate and destruction. But how do we actually begin to dream of a better future? What steps can we take to shift our energy and create ripples of positive change? Here are 6 prompts paired with song meditations—to prompt your imagination and heart with visions of better futures, miracles, and divine love. 💗

1. Anchor in Love and Hope

Song: "I Have a Dream" – Mamma Mia
This uplifting song calls for courage and belief in the power of dreams, reminding us that hope is a strong force to believe in. It’s a perfect prompt to meditate on the importance of anchoring ourselves in hope and love as a foundation for positive change.

“I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream…”

To dream of a better future, it helps to root ourselves in love, compassion, and empathy. These are the foundations upon which a better future can be built. It’s easy to get caught up in anger, especially when the world is chaotic and unjust. But ask yourself, what does anger solve if it isn’t righteous or transformative?

Consider using the power of your imagination to counter feelings of negativity. When something difficult arises, imagine how you’d like it to be different. What would a world full of love and peace look like in that moment? What can you envision as the antidote to hate?

In "I Have a Dream," we hear a call for courage in the face of adversity, a belief in the power of dreams to change the world. This song evokes a sense of hope, reminding us that dreams are where change begins. I remember being struck by this opening scene when I saw it as a young girl, and this song is a refrain of hope and beautiful lyricism that I return to.

Similarly, when emotions are high and I find myself crying out in pain, I turn to "Oceans." In "Oceans," we are reminded to trust in faith even when we are called out into the unknown. Its lyrics capture the mystery of life, encouraging us to keep our focus on love, even when the waves rise. These two blue, oceanic songs invite contemplation and connection to something deeper, serving as perfect starting points for imagining a better future.

2. Transmute Negative Energy

Song: "Oceans" – Hillsong United
"Oceans" encourages trust when stepping into the unknown, making it an ideal accompaniment to the process of releasing fear and negativity. The song reminds us that faith helps us navigate deep waters with strength and calm.

“Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine…
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me…”

When you encounter fear, doubt, or anger, try not to let it consume you. Instead, practice transforming it into something positive. Sometimes, when we face deep, dark fears, like the loss of a loved one, it’s easy to spiral into the negative. But consider this: In what ways is this fear not yours to carry? Not all yours—not solely yours? How can you release it—little by little, bit by bit—what can you surrender to God?

I have learned to prevent a fear-spiral, when fear strikes, you could say to yourself, "Thank you for showing me this fear, so I can let it go." I use this practice often. Here’s a direct example: when a bright fear blazes through my mind—such as a vision of a loved one dying an ugly death—I pray, “Thank you, Spirit, for showing me that so that I can release it.” This helps me believe that this fear is not for me, and redirect my mind to gratitude for what is present, for what is. After I release that fear to the energetic ether, I state, “I am grateful for our health and wellness,” or something similar. This practice helps to shift the emotional and spiritual energy around you, allowing you to focus on the good that already exists.

Transmuting negative energy into something positive can involve prayer, meditation, or even simple daily actions like expressing gratitude. I consider each of these as forms of prayer. These practices raise your own frequency, which in turn helps to elevate the positive energy around you.

3. Imagine a World of Possibility

Song: "Oceanic Feeling" – Lorde
This song captures the expansiveness and depth of the ocean, evoking a sense of renewal and endless possibility. Its ethereal and reflective tone feels like floating on the water’s surface, inviting listeners to explore what lies beneath the familiar. Just as the ocean holds both calm and storms, "Oceanic Feeling" reminds us that imagining a better future often hinges in present awareness and gratitude.

“Oh, look, the rays are in the bay now
Can you hear the waves and the cicadas all around?
I can make anything real
Brain so hot, it's a summer body
Every day is blue and never cloudy
Don't look down
I can make anything real..”

And for good measure—so many of the songs + music video’s from Lorde’s Solar Power Album are wonderful for imagining a dream-beachy-it’s-always-summertime-somewhere-state-of-bliss. Here’s two more that I LOVE.

Perhaps one of the most profoundly imaginative and powerful steps you can take is to imagine a world that is better than the one we live in today. What is the best future you can dream of? What would your ideal world look like?

Perhaps you dream of world peace, a future where unity, not division, is our guiding principle. Or maybe you envision the United States electing its first female president, a leader who represents strength, compassion, and unity. I know that I am for sure envisioning that future.

Another example: Instead of fearing the rise of AI and robotics, imagine these tools being used for good—highly skilled robots that reduce human physical labor, allowing us to focus on more meaningful pursuits. Imagine a robot that cleans your home, giving you more time for family, creativity, or simply rest. Wouldn’t we all love that?

Similarly, the future of climate change holds incredible potential. Imagine scientific advancements not just slowing down, but reversing the effects of climate Change, enhancing natures ability to do so. Current research into carbon capture, advanced solar panels, and seaweed farming are just a few innovations that hold the promise of a sustainable, thriving planet. By focusing on these solutions, we can imagine a future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony, where we heal the Earth while fostering progress.

The key is to shift from fear to hope. Rather than focusing on what might go wrong, you can ask yourself, "What would I like to see instead?" Your imagination is a powerful tool for creating change, both in your own life and in the world. Your mind is powerful. Your heart is magnetic.

There’s science to back this up: The human heart generates an electromagnetic field that can be measured several feet away from the body. This magnetic field is much stronger than that of the brain, and the heart’s electric field is about 60 times greater in amplitude than brainwaves. When we experience positive emotions such as love, compassion, or gratitude, the heart’s electromagnetic field becomes more coherent, sending signals to the brain and body that promote overall health and well-being.

Similarly, the mind’s magnetic frequency—our thoughts, intentions, and imaginations—creates its own ripple effects. The more we focus our mental energy on hope, on building a better future, the more we align our heart and mind to manifest these possibilities. This is why it’s so important to properly direct your energy. By visualizing positive outcomes and embodying them with your heart, you are not only setting a course for your personal future but contributing to a collective shift in the world’s energy.

Your heart and mind are tools for transformation. They have the ability to attract and create, and when used together—focusing on what you wish to build rather than what you fear—you amplify your impact. What you imagine has the potential to manifest. By holding space for hope, you create the foundation for the world you want to live in.

4. Give Generously and Act with Purpose

Song: Meditative Ethereal Sound Portal by Eirlys

A nice meditation to still oneself, empty, and become clear. I find that the next right action becomes much clearer after meditation.

Also, a nice interaction of music with the natural world:

Dreaming of a better future also involves taking concrete action in the present. Giving generously—whether of your time, resources, or energy—contributes to a more ethical, connected world. How can you serve others in a way that uplifts everyone?

This might mean volunteering for causes you care about, making small, intentional gestures of kindness, or supporting someone in need. It could also mean questioning the status quo and advocating for positive change in your community. Every embodied action you take, no matter how small, helps build the world you envision.

Again, I want to emphasize the importance of embodying that positive energy in the heart and aligning your actions with love. When you act from a place of compassion, empathy, and genuine care, you are not just contributing to change—you are amplifying the very energy that transforms. It’s about holding love in your heart and letting that love guide your decisions, your steps, and your outreach. When your heart is engaged, your actions carry a different weight; they ripple out, impacting not just those directly involved, but the broader energy of the world. The love you embody becomes a living force, shaping the future.

Do you believe this? Can you believe this? How could it possibly hurt to believe that love, when embodied, can change the world? Humans have an extraordinary ability to transmute the spiritual and energetic into the physical, and this alignment of heart, intention, and action is one of the most profound ways we can do that—by bringing an intention that exists in the “mind”, or “heart” or “soul” into reality by action in the physical world. This is how we bring the dreams of our minds into the tangible reality of our world—by acting with love and purpose.

This is truly magical. By simply holding a vision in your heart, and then stepping forward in alignment with that vision, you are participating in the ancient and ongoing act of creation. You are turning intention into reality, transforming the world with every step you take.

5. Take Small, Daily Steps

Song: "Anything" – Adrianne Lenker

Lenker’s tender, reflective song encourages us to find meaning in small, everyday actions. It’s a perfect reminder that consistent steps and daily acts of love—no matter how small—are crucial to building a better world.

“Wanna listen to the sound of you blinking
Wanna listen to your hands soothe
Listen to your heart beating
Listen to the way you move
But I don't wanna talk about anything
I don't wanna talk about anything
I wanna kiss, kiss your eyes again
Wanna witness your eyes looking…”

Big dreams are built on small, daily actions. What small steps can you take today to move toward your ideal future? Maybe it’s as simple as reaching out to a loved one to lift their spirits. Or perhaps you start practicing a daily meditation or prayer, focusing on peace and healing for the world.

Even the smallest steps count. Sending a kind message, offering a listening ear, or spending a moment in contemplation can help shift the collective energy toward love. Remember, it’s not about solving the world’s problems in a day—it’s about consistently showing up with a positive, intentional mindset.

6. Hold Space for Each Other

Song: "Put Your Records On" – Corinne Bailey Rae
This warm, uplifting song invites listeners to embrace joy and connection, making it a fitting meditation for holding space for others. It reminds us of the importance of offering presence, understanding, and comfort.

“Girl, put your records on
Tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans
I hope you get your dreams
Just go ahead, let your hair down
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow…”

As we dream of a better future, we must also hold space for those who are suffering now. Some people are in the midst of unimaginable pain and loss, and while we can’t always fix what is broken, we can offer our presence, our love, and our prayers.

Holding space means listening without judgment, offering support where we can, and simply being there. It also means believing that those who have passed on are still with us in spirit, offering comfort to those in the depths of grief.

Obviously, there are many on earth now who have had the misfortune of losing loved ones, all of whom probably wish they could say, “This isn’t for me, this isn’t real.” In such moments, the only thing I know how to say is that I pray your very real grief transmutes into something miraculous and truly beautiful in your life. Spiritually, I believe those loved ones are still with you, and perhaps choosing to believe that can lessen some of the distress of grief. This belief might not take the pain away, but it can offer a sense of continued connection, a comfort amidst the sorrow.

Even in writing this, I can hear a small fear-critic in my mind saying, “This might provoke anger.” Please, let me be clear: I am sharing from a perspective of practices and understanding on transmuting energy between emotional, physical, and spiritual states. I am not seeking to diminish anyone’s experience or loss by this writing. Instead, I am offering what I hope can be a dreamy, spiritual, and idealistic mindset—a bit of hopefulness—that might serve as a relief to the current heavy, physical, and emotionally turbulent world we find ourselves in.

From Visions to Realities

Dreaming of a better future is not just about grand visions of world peace or technological advancements. It’s about asking what you can do today. How can you contribute to a world filled with more love, more peace, more connection? What small steps can you take that, when multiplied by millions of others doing the same, could transform the world?

As we face tumultuous times, let’s remember that we are not powerless. We have the ability to shift our energy, to dream of a better tomorrow, and to create that future through love, action, and imagination.

Let’s rise together. Let’s build a future where everyone has a place, where technology uplifts humanity, and where peace becomes our reality. Let’s hold space for each other, and let’s amplify the energy of love, one step at a time.

We cannot continue to add more hate to the conversation and expect peace to emerge from the wreckage. Albert Einstein famously said, “You cannot solve a problem from the same mindset that created it,” and this rings true now more than ever.

We must shift our consciousness. We must up-level—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally—not just for our own sake, but for the collective good. This isn’t about ignoring the very real problems we face; it’s about meeting them with a different energy. One rooted in love, healing, and understanding.

Here’s a list of all questions from this post: Respond wherever you feel prompted. Did anything in this post resonate with your heart, with your truth?

Also, what songs give you visions for a better future? Please share with me!