creativity
Don’t search for a solution. Open space for it.
The educator Maxine Green once said: “I find that, when a space is provided, something rather wonderful can happen.”
Empty space allows things to evolve in an organic way. It creates room for what we DON’T know and can’t expect. Empty space allows Something greater to come through us.
So next time you’re stuck, don’t search for a solution.
Instead, open space for it.
Creating space is the first step toward transforming anything.
Beauty, growth, and higher vision are what actually matter.
Lessons on creativity from ‘Top Chef’
Cooking is my favorite metaphor for the creative process. The creative is JUICY. When we work on a creative project, we STIR things, QUICKEN the energies, and let ideas SIMMER and COOK. We also need a STRONG POT.
On that note, here are 12 important tips for a winning ‘dish’ from the reality tv show Top Chef. Hope they’re helpful!
1. Let the star of the dish be the star of the dish. Drowning out the star of the dish with other elements is a no-no.
2. Sometimes the dish needs a “hit of acid.”
3. You may deconstruct your dish, but make sure all the parts go together.
4. Your dish should not be “one note.” Similarly, don’t have everything be in the same “flavor profile.” Offer multiple layers and depth of flavor.
5. One should be able to taste every individual flavor separately. Don’t let the flavors blend together.
6. Your goal is to make a ‘composed dish’ but if you fail on execution, you will be sent home.
7. The judges are looking for “complex” dishes that are ‘well balanced’ between savory and sweet.
8. However, don’t try to do too much. Non-edible garnishes are a no-no.
9. Presenting one main element that’s perfectly cooked “shows a lot of confidence.”
10. The salad should not be overdressed.
11. The main component not underseasoned.
12. And never, never do something we’ve seen before.
5 reasons why creativity and business have a problematic relationship – article in Medium
Some highlights from my article in Medium, Five Reasons why Creativity and Business have a Problematic Relationship…
“Creativity lives in the unknown…in a fairy-tale place that’s beyond how we are currently “looking.” True creativity is confronting, confusing, unacceptable, and childlike. And nearly impossible to measure, contain or define.”
“Both Carl Jung and Albert Einstein said in different ways that problems can’t be solved at their own level. To come up with truly innovative solutions, to sincerely dwell in the creative, we have to shift our focus. We have to look in a different way.”
Here are 5 reasons why creativity and business can be incompatible:
(1) Creativity is about expansiveness, unlimited possibilities, and being comfortable with the unknown.
(2) True creativity is challenging, confronting, and rarely ‘acceptable.’
(3) Creativity is confusing and not readily explainable.
(4) Creativity is not separate from who are as humans — it’s not a “tool.”
(5) Highly creative people are comfortable with childlike play.
Read the full article here: