Realistically speaking, who would dare to be magical nowadays? In a world in which everything is measured and calculated, ruled by facts and figures, where a dose of skepticism is a necessary trait for the overall mental well-being.

I shared a personal magical experience with friends, merely my recollection of a walk I took, and felt strangely awkward doing so, even though magic is something very real and very present in our lives, I always have the feeling that it needs to be downsized with humor and sometimes, possibly, even sarcasm.

Occasionally I meet people, online or in real life, which sound slightly (or considerably) loony... they fall for any story they come across, they don't question things, not enough anyway. I have always questioned everything. And despite of that, I have magic in my life. I could even go as far as to say that my life is magical. Not all the time, or at least I am not aware of this all the time, but every once in a while.

So what is magic and why is it so hard to accept?

I checked the dictionary and this is what was returned.

The first definition of "magic" refers to illusions. Think David Copperfield. While he is fascinating and a true artist of magic, my definition of magic has nothing to do with that. He is an illusionist, and magic is not the same as illusions in my book.

The second definition of "magic" deals with techniques, so we can stop right there. There is nothing technical about the magic I am thinking of.

The third definition of "magic", the use of this art, may be closer to the truth, then again the example they used immediately removes the magical out of magic: Magic, it was believed,... The example insinuates an old-fashioned belief... something that we now, through our facts and figures, know no longer to be true or accurate.

The forth definition of "magic", the effects produced, as in the effects of the use of this art? So the forth definition is leaning on the third definition. It is obsolete.

The same goes for the fifth definition of "magic". It is still leaning on the third - the use of this art which was believed to be this or that.

Left with only a single definition of magic - the sixth and last one - I am thinking this has got to be it.

Any extraordinary or mystical influence, charm, power, etc.

Why is the only definition that is halfway real or possible listed as the last definition for this word? Maybe therein lays the problem. Maybe that is why we don't dare to be magical. Maybe we are used to this word being primarily associated with illusions and outdated beliefs, so we avoid it in order to be perceived as rational functioning members of the machine.

The Machine

The examples provided for the sixth definition list the magic of music or the magic of spring. Obviously associated with nature or abstract concepts (the magic in a great name), it is not surprising that there is little to no room for magic within the machine. The secured, calculated, and automated life of the many which enables the proper and intact functioning of the Machine does not encourage magic nor magical thinking and we are trained to discard such or similar thoughts and mainly associate this beautiful word with illusions and dusty concepts. We are trained to disdain magic, almost to the same extent as we are conditioned to dream convenient dreams: Dreams of needless gadgets and upscale vehicles, perpetual dreams of lonely greed.

However, if ceaseless beauty ever unfolded right in front of your eyes, then you know what magic really is and how little it has to do with illusions or seasoned techniques. If you were ever in a moment in which time seemed to glimmer and your bare essence wrapped around you like a warm blanket, then you know what magic feels like. Magic is the scent that fills your nostrils and your soul when you throw love, beauty and courage into the mix. You can breathe it in and exhale it, and the magical "particles" you exhale follow an unpredictable yet quite natural curve and may therefore land at an unexpected but always beautiful destination.

If this sounds confusing or perhaps even scary,
then you probably haven't discovered magic to date,
but do not be worried, as it is never too late.
There is nothing to fear and so much to gain.
But, first things first, say farewell to disdain.

It can be Tricky...

Magic is not a machinery. Its rhythm is not calculable, but seemingly random. The funny thing is that even though a life of magic and with magic is a life of beauty, some people get scared merely by the unpredictability of it. Conditioned by society's regulated life, they are used to its steady foreseeable rhythm and would rather have a reliable flow, whether it is good or bad, than unpredictable beauty.

Let the Daring Begin!

Remove and dispel that trained part of yourself and dare to be magical. Recognize, observe and see the magic around you, dare to dream your own dreams, even if they are not oil to the machine, and above all, dare to turn these dreams into reality. Because magic enjoys to dwell around the brave. It is then, when you begin to turn your dreams into reality, that you will be able to watch magic unfold in front of you. It is also then that you will see it with clarity and a gratifying calmness. This is sometimes referred to as bliss.

About the author: Sabina Nore