Being More Present Part 2 of 6

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The Creative Present

Joshua Townshend

38 episodes

1 day ago

Welcome to The Creative Present. This show is about expanding your creative self-expression. And, at the same time getting your projects done. JoshuaTownshend.com We start the work by being present. Present to yourself, your process, your current creative project. The first step is always to be present, so you can do the most potent and impactful work. To do this you will want to deepen the following; yourself, your senses, your inner space, your thoughts, your feelings, and your impeccable intention. All while being present to your own creative impulse in the here and now. Working with customized techniques to help your creative development and process. You have so many skill sets that were born with and talents that are innate to you. We need to capitalize on these traits first. After that, then you can stretch yourselves as a creative. Develop more layers and facets to your work, your projects, and yourself. On a project level, the main work is about the story, because the story is always at the heart of what we do. Awareness, sense, and sensibility development is foundational. Getting in touch with who you are and where you're going is key if you wish to consciously create. These aspects of the creative process tend to be cast aside while working on projects. While side-stepping these phases can be alluring in the short-term, it will wind up costing you more in the long term. What you are working on here is a merging of the states of awareness as a creative. Along with the proper tools and techniques for the project that you're working on. This work amalgamates towards one cohesive end. Helping you to complete your projects. Then, get that project out into the world while maintaining your creative development. We all need to break old habits that are not in our best interest, creatively speaking. These old paradigms include; not completing, not starting, getting stuck halfway through, not putting our projects and ourselves out into the world. We all have a propensity towards at least one of these dynamics. We want to cultivate a new habit. This cycle of creation we are about to talk about has been around for millennia. It is a cycle that's based on the natural world, which has three distinct phases: Create, Release, Relax. We create something, we release it into the world, then relax. This cycle is in the natural world. You can see it everywhere. In the microcosm, we do it every single day, every moment of our lives, it is - breathing. When you breathe, there are the same three phases. You create a breath, you release the breath, and then you have a little moment of relaxation. Then, the next cycle repeats itself. With this kind of natural process, there is no time, there's timing, there's no force, there is a state of being. Some of the practical tools and tips are only there to serve you to get you through the next phase of development. The state of awareness and deepening your creativity is a continual development phase. There are no know limits. When deep in your creative process, you can go beyond what you are working on. You will have the ability to delve deep into your consciousness and experience the creative self in a new way. We are always working on both priorities at the same time. Consciously creating the foundational sense and sensibilities as creatives. And at the same time - getting projects completed and out into the world. They might appear to be the classic pair of opposites pulling against each other. From another perspective, they are complementary. Both aspects are asking for expansion and contraction at different times. To birth a baby you will need to have both expansion and contraction. To birth your new creative self, the pair of these opposites is essential. Key Words: alchemy, conscious creation, creative writing, screenplays, story, character development, acting, performing

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Being More Present Part 2 of 6 | EP.022

The Creative Present

10 minutes 4 seconds

1 year ago

Being More Present Part 2 of 6 | EP.022

Being More Present: Focus of Attention

This is part two of our six-part series about being present and everything that comes with it.

Focus of Attention

Today, we're zooming in on the focus of attention.

To be a true creative force, your focus of attention needs to be on point and accessible. The ability to focus on anything at any time, at your choosing—when and where to direct your attention—is genuinely a superpower for any creative.

Ultimately, it's up to you. Imagine this: We are engaged in a deep telephone conversation, and suddenly, there's a loud siren in the background. I could focus all my attention on that siren or let it be part of my soundscape and keep my attention on what we are talking about. See the difference? Where you place your focus of attention can profoundly alter any experience in your life.

Now, here's a game-changer.

There are only three Circles of Attention. Just three. Understanding and mastering these will elevate your creative game to new heights.

The Three Circles of Attention

Skin In
This is all about how you think and feel, your internal sensory input. When you focus on yourself—your thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences—that's the first circle. In the film world, it's like a close-up shot. In literature, it's the interior life of the character. Picture a close-up of someone's eyes or hands preparing a meal. This is going deep into the character's personal experience, taking the world in via the senses, and having authentic thoughts and feelings arise from what you are sensing in this first circle of attention. You are not concerned about the other or how you look.
Focus on Others
This circle is about what you, as the main character, place your focus of attention on. It could be another person, a place, or a thing. For instance, if you're admiring a brand-new red Ferrari, that car is your second circle of attention. You're focusing on it, putting your energy into it, and wanting to impact or change it somehow. In narratives, this would be a person or an object the character interacts with. By putting your attention on the second circle of attention, we understand how the character thinks and feels about whatever is taking his/her attention and how they feel about it.
The Bigger Picture
The third circle encompasses everything else in your immediate environment. Think of walking down a beach. The ocean, the horizon, the seagulls—all make up the third circle of attention. In film terms, this is the master shot. It provides context and sets the scene without focusing too intensely on any element. The third circle of attention provides important content but is larger in scope, creating an overarching feeling or atmosphere.

Bouncing Between Circles

Great storytelling involves bouncing or transitioning between these three circles of attention. You move from one to the other to keep the narrative dynamic and engaging. Sometimes, you might focus on the intimate details of a character's life (first circle), then shift to their interaction with another character (second circle), and finally zoom out to show the broader context of their world (third circle). The faster we bounce from one circle to the other, the less time we have to experience the moment and the possible nuances that may ensue.

Suppose you want the character and the audience to go deeper into the moment. In that case, this is usually created by allowing more time (breathing room) for each circle of attention that is being presented. For example, music videos generally have quick cuts between these three circles. Art house or European-style films that tend to linger on the human experience will usually spend a longer time in each circle—slowing down the pace but increasing the depth of entry.

Practical Application

As an artist, a creative, or just a human being, where you place your focus of attention matters. Consider which circle you focus on in your creative work and how you transition between them. This awareness enhances your ability to engage deeply with your work and audience.

Remember, all of this hinges on being present. When fully present, you can navigate these circles of attention with ease and intention.

The Creative Present