Thank you, Gary. I’m appalled by the fact that creativity and art have become hobbies in our lives rather than who we are: creators. I’ve just discovered the power of imagination this past year through writing and music and it has changed my life and my perspective upon it tremendously. For me, imagination is the core of creativity and of being human for it allows us to break the barriers of the physical world, to remember who we truly are, what is the fire within, the love and joy that make it burn and make us free. I’m sharing that as much as I can to help people reconnect with themselves through imagination and find joy within rather than without. Lots of love.
I just started reading “Hospicing Modernity” and the phrase that leaped off the page last night was “the separation of creation from Creator” being one of the root causes of our pending downfall. When we forget that we are one of the creatures, not the center, not more important than any other plant or animal, because we think we are rational, we have deluded ourselves beyond recognition. Something to chew on….
Interesting topic, Gary! I just came across some research about "the creative benefits of living abroad," mainly by Adam Galinsky, which I think might interest you. Here's just one of the articles, but there are more. I hadn't heard about this line of research before, but I'm intrigued and thought you might be as well.
Yes, fascinating. Here's one finding: "length of time abroad, rather than breadth of travel abroad, had the greater impact on self-clarity. Among 564 students representing 53 different countries, those who’d lived abroad longer felt higher self-clarity than those who’d traveled a lot". One of my observations, from experience, is that living in a country full time is very different from visiting, even a 2 month visit.
This is another deep, thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing your extraordinary wisdom, and with such a wonderful caring nature that flows so eloquently with each passing word.
Boon, thank you for your generous response, much appreciated. Honored and humbled by your thoughts. Good folks like you help me to keep working on this craft. .
Angus Fletcher states that emotions are our engine and narrative is our steering wheel. Futurist Amy Webb, compares the unpredictable change that’s happening right now to hitting a patch of ice while you’re driving. She explains that we have to resist the human reflex to slam on the brakes and instead steer into the ice. When we put these two together we can see that expressing our narrative in whatever creative medium is going to be key to moving forward. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
I like the engine and driving metaphor. Being in the right gear is a big help, so is downshifting unless you have a standard transmission, and then you need to know how to activate the automatic one to a lower gear. Looking ahead and taking in the whole picture helps. This from a professional driver for many years of automobiles, trucks, buses, RV's of every size, tractors and large farm implements. I found a few keys to moving forward, gaining or slowing momentum as needed, and stopping along the way. Thanks for your good comment. Oh yes, I've been on that black ice that you can't see, treacherous stuff that is.
Your article really got me thinking about creativity and my personal process, Gary! Thank you. I first began sharing my writing last year on my blog on my website and then joined Substack in December...I've been writing for decades but never sharing and often never "finishing." I am realizing just this year that I am indeed living a creative life and what that looks like for me is revealing itself the more that I write, paint, draw, and imagine. I'm learning to allow myself to see myself as a creative being and I have been deeply inspired by many souls (like you!) that I have had the blessing to connect with here on Substack. I've now been living in Jamaica for six years and creating a life that allows me time and space to connect with something deeper than the hustle and grind I lived in the states is undoubtedly helping me to step into my personal power as a creative being. I honestly have no idea what I'm doing and I love exploring my inner world weaver with curiosity as I begin to create more and more externally. I love a thought-provoking read and you've delivered once again! A deep bow and a lotus for you 🙏🪷🩵
Thank you, Gary. I’m appalled by the fact that creativity and art have become hobbies in our lives rather than who we are: creators. I’ve just discovered the power of imagination this past year through writing and music and it has changed my life and my perspective upon it tremendously. For me, imagination is the core of creativity and of being human for it allows us to break the barriers of the physical world, to remember who we truly are, what is the fire within, the love and joy that make it burn and make us free. I’m sharing that as much as I can to help people reconnect with themselves through imagination and find joy within rather than without. Lots of love.
I just started reading “Hospicing Modernity” and the phrase that leaped off the page last night was “the separation of creation from Creator” being one of the root causes of our pending downfall. When we forget that we are one of the creatures, not the center, not more important than any other plant or animal, because we think we are rational, we have deluded ourselves beyond recognition. Something to chew on….
Interesting topic, Gary! I just came across some research about "the creative benefits of living abroad," mainly by Adam Galinsky, which I think might interest you. Here's just one of the articles, but there are more. I hadn't heard about this line of research before, but I'm intrigued and thought you might be as well.
https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2018/benefits-living-abroad/
Yes, fascinating. Here's one finding: "length of time abroad, rather than breadth of travel abroad, had the greater impact on self-clarity. Among 564 students representing 53 different countries, those who’d lived abroad longer felt higher self-clarity than those who’d traveled a lot". One of my observations, from experience, is that living in a country full time is very different from visiting, even a 2 month visit.
It most certainly is!!
This is another deep, thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing your extraordinary wisdom, and with such a wonderful caring nature that flows so eloquently with each passing word.
Boon, thank you for your generous response, much appreciated. Honored and humbled by your thoughts. Good folks like you help me to keep working on this craft. .
Angus Fletcher states that emotions are our engine and narrative is our steering wheel. Futurist Amy Webb, compares the unpredictable change that’s happening right now to hitting a patch of ice while you’re driving. She explains that we have to resist the human reflex to slam on the brakes and instead steer into the ice. When we put these two together we can see that expressing our narrative in whatever creative medium is going to be key to moving forward. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
I like the engine and driving metaphor. Being in the right gear is a big help, so is downshifting unless you have a standard transmission, and then you need to know how to activate the automatic one to a lower gear. Looking ahead and taking in the whole picture helps. This from a professional driver for many years of automobiles, trucks, buses, RV's of every size, tractors and large farm implements. I found a few keys to moving forward, gaining or slowing momentum as needed, and stopping along the way. Thanks for your good comment. Oh yes, I've been on that black ice that you can't see, treacherous stuff that is.
Your article really got me thinking about creativity and my personal process, Gary! Thank you. I first began sharing my writing last year on my blog on my website and then joined Substack in December...I've been writing for decades but never sharing and often never "finishing." I am realizing just this year that I am indeed living a creative life and what that looks like for me is revealing itself the more that I write, paint, draw, and imagine. I'm learning to allow myself to see myself as a creative being and I have been deeply inspired by many souls (like you!) that I have had the blessing to connect with here on Substack. I've now been living in Jamaica for six years and creating a life that allows me time and space to connect with something deeper than the hustle and grind I lived in the states is undoubtedly helping me to step into my personal power as a creative being. I honestly have no idea what I'm doing and I love exploring my inner world weaver with curiosity as I begin to create more and more externally. I love a thought-provoking read and you've delivered once again! A deep bow and a lotus for you 🙏🪷🩵