Astute observation of the complexities that go into the creative process. There is always more there than is what is on the page even if the poet/writer doesn’t know what it is.
As Jung said, "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
Our creative endeavours are a reflection of the sum of our experiences and the time... yes, the struggle between the (perceived) weights, must do this, can't do that, roll that rock uphill.
I like your definition of creative endeavors...Sum of experience and time. It’s a great simple way of thinking about it and also something to reflect on when frustrated. Have I had enough interesting experiences lately to bring creative inspiration? Have I spent enough time on the craft to bring the times of inspiration?
"I’m learning that pursuing creativity is life giving, and while there are times in this stage of life that I will not be able to give as much as I would like to the creative process, that is not a reason to not pursue it. It is every reason to pursue a life of creativity."
"One thing I am discovering is there are periods where time seems to be unavailable even with the best of intentions."
^So much all this. 🧡
I'm on holiday now, seeing various family back in the UK, and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to connect with my daily routine of writing like I do back home, and I've realising that it has been affecting me negatively. I need to make peace with it and accept that there will be times when I can't pursue what I need to pursue, but that doesn't do anything to diminish the desire of the pursuit.
Absolutely Nathan. Especially when it comes to doing one worthwhile thing (spending time with family) compared to another (writing, working, being creative).
It’s been so many years (decades) since I’ve read or studied Greek mythology. I need to go back and revisit some of these stories!
Patris, also, thanks for becoming a paid subscriber! If you’re interested, join me in the Chat feature for the conversation around Memory. Right now we’re in week two with “I wandered Lonely as a Cloud”.
I had no choice learning Greek mythology, there are many places to study it if you’d like to - and as you can imagine many modern (1600s on) stories are based on or variations on their themes.
This poem touches on something prescient for me. Whenever the shadow of old negative thought patterns start to appear, I keep trying to ask: "Is this an actual problem today? Or am I imagining a someday/maybe problem? I agree with you--staying in the the current microseason :) can be a practice that shows us fewer problems than we think we may have. As always, thank you for your words. They are right on time for me as I navigate some uncertainty right now.
Astute observation of the complexities that go into the creative process. There is always more there than is what is on the page even if the poet/writer doesn’t know what it is.
Absolutely. It’s kind of fun to watch it happen😄
Go Brian♥️
As Jung said, "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
Our creative endeavours are a reflection of the sum of our experiences and the time... yes, the struggle between the (perceived) weights, must do this, can't do that, roll that rock uphill.
I like your definition of creative endeavors...Sum of experience and time. It’s a great simple way of thinking about it and also something to reflect on when frustrated. Have I had enough interesting experiences lately to bring creative inspiration? Have I spent enough time on the craft to bring the times of inspiration?
Thanks for reading and being here Alexander!
"I’m learning that pursuing creativity is life giving, and while there are times in this stage of life that I will not be able to give as much as I would like to the creative process, that is not a reason to not pursue it. It is every reason to pursue a life of creativity."
"One thing I am discovering is there are periods where time seems to be unavailable even with the best of intentions."
^So much all this. 🧡
I'm on holiday now, seeing various family back in the UK, and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to connect with my daily routine of writing like I do back home, and I've realising that it has been affecting me negatively. I need to make peace with it and accept that there will be times when I can't pursue what I need to pursue, but that doesn't do anything to diminish the desire of the pursuit.
Thank you for the reflection as always, Brian.
Absolutely Nathan. Especially when it comes to doing one worthwhile thing (spending time with family) compared to another (writing, working, being creative).
I liked your poem very much, Brian. I can relate to struggling with the balance between work and creative time.
Thanks for reading Conny! I think a lot about how little blocks of time and effort really add up to something marvelous over a long window of time.
I see Atlas catching sight of his reflection finally and setting down the world he carries.
It’s been so many years (decades) since I’ve read or studied Greek mythology. I need to go back and revisit some of these stories!
Patris, also, thanks for becoming a paid subscriber! If you’re interested, join me in the Chat feature for the conversation around Memory. Right now we’re in week two with “I wandered Lonely as a Cloud”.
Thank you Brian for the invite.
I had no choice learning Greek mythology, there are many places to study it if you’d like to - and as you can imagine many modern (1600s on) stories are based on or variations on their themes.
This poem touches on something prescient for me. Whenever the shadow of old negative thought patterns start to appear, I keep trying to ask: "Is this an actual problem today? Or am I imagining a someday/maybe problem? I agree with you--staying in the the current microseason :) can be a practice that shows us fewer problems than we think we may have. As always, thank you for your words. They are right on time for me as I navigate some uncertainty right now.
Love it Ann. The microseason framework is so useful in so many ways!