In the world of fiction, anything is possible. This limitless imagination accounts for much of the allure we find in legends/myths/fairy tales/etc.; it has come to be an accepted fact that by opening a work of fiction, we are allowing our imaginations to run rampant. However, once the book is closed, our minds are as well. But how many have stopped to ask: who told us anything was not possible in reality?
In the story of Alice in Wonderland, just about everything we've deemed impossible seems, well, possible. The inhabitants of Wonderland expect the unexpected and have come to live in a perpetual daydream. In a group setting, I am very much a "contributive daydreamer". In my mind there is the world as we see it and there is the world as we can see it. The second is much more interesting. Sometimes this world graces us with some sliver of itself too extraordinary to believe; we call these small wonders "theories", "myths", "coincidences", "impossible". We neglect what we can see in favor of what we want to see, or rather, what we are comfortable seeing. In writing, the possible and impossible are sewn together and our comfort zone invaded. The basic elements of a story often adhere somewhat to accepted beliefs but a captivating author will sprinkle in elements too fantastic for reality- the fictional pieces- and therefore thrilling. However, a fine line must be established: there must be enough creative artistry to pique our curiosity but not enough to trigger our obstinate rejection, our mental veto. The dragon-slaying myths of old offer a picturesque example of such balanced mastery. Few people believe these myths but even so, how many would like to? The way we see things is often dull, traditional, and overwhelmingly lackluster. Simply enough, we get bored. How incredible would it be to think such mystical creatures once did inhabit this place? But no, our skepticism deems it "impossible" and so the closest the world as we know it ever got to a dragon was a dinosaur.
While working with a group, I offer new ideas that beg an audience. As a student and group member, I do not actively seek nor particularly like attention, but many of my ideas to. Some of these can be risks, unneeded even. Just for fun. However, this adventurous novelty allows me to be the Initiator/Contributor of unconventional approaches to what may seem to be a very conventional prompt. I believe that every small artifact has the potential to be anything but small if viewed from the right perspective. As such, aside from proposing my own ideas, I consciously remain very open to those of others. When you have the potential of four minds to utilize, what would be the benefit of employing only one? With this, I often gravitate towards a Supporter/Encourager role while working within the dynamic of a group. I am also a pacifist when it comes to dissent. As Alice does during her stint in Wonderland, I try to mediate differences and take on the role of a Harmonizer when and if necessary. To be frank, the trivial arguments and complications are just not worth it. Only through cooperation could we achieve a set goal and only through cooperation could we explore the land of fiction, a hop-skip and rabbit hole away from the plains of conventional thinking. I suppose we will see where that journey gets us.
After all, we're all mad here aren't we?
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