I’ve been thinking a lot about how much of our creativity has become performance. Content. Deliverable. Something to share, not just feel.
But over time, and especially on a trip away from everything familiar, I’ve been letting myself experience without proof. To observe without documenting. To let a moment pass through me fully — no capture, no post, no plan.
Just me and the noticing.
Using the understated zoom of binoculars — not my iPhone. Not the Canon DSLR. Not even the instinct to reach.
And it’s been exquisite.
And hard.
As a “creative” who is opening up a Playground to teach and learn the benefits and joys of making a mess, who is learning how best to use social media to get my thoughts and ideas in front of as many eyeballs as possible, and who has a growing appreciation for an analogue existence, this has been a challenge.
I’m reworking how I spend my time.
One day a week, no time spent on social media.
One day a week, all posts will be bundled and scheduled. Like a social media marathon, to stop the regular disruption of my flow. It’s my hope that focused time will also add to my consistency, in thoughts as well as presentation.
Once every day, beyond my walk to Scubby’s Point and my barefoot labyrinth meditation, get outside. On the front deck, in the back by the fire pit, listening to the ‘bubbler’ for no reason other than the joy of it. No timeframe assigned, just wait, trust that I’ll know when my body has absorbed enough of what it needs.
There has been a lot of celestial activity with the promise of more to come. Instead of bringing my camera, I want to go to the beach with my binoculars, or put the telescope on the deck, and absorb it all. Living on a great lake, there are regular reminders of how I am but a speck of dust. There is nothing so important or precious except for knowing who I am and where I am in the greater scheme of things. Humbling and true.
What it does? It fills the creative well we all have.
Years ago, I was reminded that I am a human being, not a human doing. I need to engage in awe, in wonder, and in curiosity, to show up better. To do that? The proof is not in the photo, or the story. The proof is in the being.
* Relevance. Ritual. Rebellion. *
Journal prompt: What can you witness today without proving you saw it?
Thanks for being here. If something in this landed, tap the heart or pass it along to someone who reaches for their phone before they reach for their eyes. New work follows the moon.
100% I’m trying to stop taking photos and just enjoy the moments! It’s oddly settling! Especially sitting by a campfire or enjoying a meal with friends! There is always space to do it more often!
Amen to THIS!!! There are so many times throughout my days in the studio when I think I should be documenting and posting, but then I’d be interrupting my creative flow. Am I an artist or am I a maker of videos/posts about my art? It is an interesting question to ponder.