6 Impossible Things: #2 Deep-Sea Cafe

// March 23rd, 2010 // creativity, creativity theory, metaphor

Creativity is a non-linear process. We start out at Point A and end up at Point C, or Point Q, or any other point that happens to not be called Point B.

This is because, on the way from Point A to Point B , impossible things happen that steer us away from our original endpoint and onto fresher, shinier, more startling destinations.

This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Point B as a destination, just that the creative way to get there probably starts at Point W, or some other ‘non-A’ point.

Anyway the point is: a key feature of the creative life is that seemingly impossible things occur along the way that really kick things along, but only make sense in retrospect.

This is a series of posts presenting 6 impossible analogies for these ‘things’

***

#2 Deep-Sea Cafe:

There are many theories about the creative process. We’ve all probably heard someone’s version even if we don’t remember all the steps. Most people can at least recall this much: Blah Blah, Blah, Incubation, Blah.

It can be frightening to lessen our controlling grip and let go into the process, it can be disorienting and stressful, but by tapping into this drive to remain in control we risk allowing our ideas to remain at the surface. What’s called for is for us to dive deeper and let go.

The Deep-Sea Cafe is a place where you can sink and allow the warm currents of your subconscious to drift over and through your creative goals. This is the non-doing that allows things to get done, the non-thinking that allows creative thoughts to rise up. All that’s required of you is to trust in yourself and your creative process.

Sink, rest, allow things to happen. Leave the surface at the surface. The light wavers and shifts, objects change shape, images and memories arrive with stunning synchronicity. When you pop back up at the surface it’s very likely that some element of what you were working on has flipped, allowing you to see everything in a new light.

What’s your favourite way to switch off from a creative project and dive into incubation mode?


Related posts:

  1. 6 Impossible Things: #3 The Melancholy Piano
  2. 6 Impossible Things: #5 Dream Boat
  3. 6 Impossible Things: #6 The Upside Down Umbrella

6 Responses to “6 Impossible Things: #2 Deep-Sea Cafe”

  1. Vivienne Grainger says:
    March 23, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    I’m a writer of fiction, so I a) read non-fiction, or b) watch anime. There are other things too: I don’t like poetry, but I find poetic writers feed the Muse; so do long, long walks (5+ miles), and, oddly enough, looking at topographic maps of anywhere at all. The Muse usually chooses among these options, or occasionally suggests others, like … I dunno … necessary housekeeping I’ve ignored for weeks to write.

  2. Dave Rowley says:
    March 24, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    Hi Vivienne,

    I love your list–looking at topographic maps sounds so different and I can just imagine the mind meandering along pleasantly and making all sorts of wonderful connections.

    I’ll definitely be trying that.

    Thanks for reading!

    Cheers,
    Dave

  3. Karen says:
    March 25, 2010 at 10:59 am

    This is a wonderful description of my preferred way to “be.”
    I struggle with the return to action, more than the inability to let go of control.
    Obviously there is a discipline I continue to develop that will allow the round trip from contemplation and exploration to a state of action/completion.
    Thanks Dave for these lovely thoughts and images. Inspiring!
    Karen

  4. Barb Black says:
    March 25, 2010 at 11:19 am

    Howdy from Snohomish! I just tripped over your blog, and I love this post. I’m a writer, artist, and musician. I call going from point A to point Q “falling down the rabbit hole.” I never know where I’m going to end up or what kind of fantastic characters I’ll meet along the way.

    Any kind of natural beauty tends to hit my refresh button. Communicating with other creative souls always helps (whether actually talking to them, or viewing some form of their creativity). Reading. Anything. Everything. Words of any kind require some kind of action.

    Lately my art Muses have been in overdrive (not that I mind a bit). Oddly, the only way I’ve been able to find that gets me out of my head, is to sit down and play the piano.

    Cheers!
    Barb
    .-= Barb Black´s last blog ..Now and Zen =-.

  5. Tweets that mention 6 Impossible Things: #2 Deep-Sea Cafe | Creative Chai -- Topsy.com says:
    March 25, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dan Goodwin and Victoria Brouhard, Dave Rowley. Dave Rowley said: New blog post–6 Impossible Things: #2 Deep-Sea Cafe http://bit.ly/aeXWIj [...]

  6. Dave Rowley says:
    March 26, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    Hi Karen,
    I can have a harder time coming back to action from the letting go, too. I like what you said about the discipline of moving between phases.

    Hi Barb,

    Hey, we’re neighbours! Love all your great ways to head down that rabbit hole! No wonder your art Muses have been in overdrive.

    Cheers!

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