Being More Present Part 3 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 3 of 6 | EP.023

The Creative Present

6 minutes 53 seconds

1 year ago

Being More Present Part 3 of 6 | EP.023

Embodying Creativity: Thoughts, Feelings, and Sensory Inputs in Your Art

Thoughts and Feelings: From a Somatic Experience Point Of View.

Let's dive into the fascinating interplay between thoughts and feelings.

Imagine your thoughts and feelings as a two-way street, where one influences the other. It's a bit like a dance – sometimes it's a waltz, other times it's a cha-cha. The key element here is to see & feel the relationship between thoughts and feelings in a somatic way, meaning it's a full-body experience.

You can harness this dance to fuel your creativity when fully present and aware. Imagine focusing on a thought – it could be anything from "I'm excited about this new project" to "Why does my cat always stare at me like that?" That thought generates a feeling, and you're suddenly in motion. You're embodying your art.

Sensory Input: The Building Blocks of Your Creativity

Now, let's talk about sensory input. Our sensory apparatus – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch – are the channels through which we experience the world. Each of us has a unique sensory profile, and understanding yours can unlock new levels of creative expression.

Focus of Attention

First, you need to be present.

Being present means fully engaging with your sensory inputs, thoughts, and feelings. This heightened awareness allows you to filter and interpret the sensory signals in a way that resonates with your artistic vision.

For example, some people are highly sensitive to sound. The hum of a city street, the rustle of leaves, or the song's melody can evoke powerful thoughts and feelings. Visual stimuli like colors, shapes, and movements are more impactful for others. Seeing a sunset, a piece of art, or even a cluttered desk can spark a creative surge.

Personal Sensory Preferences

Let's look at how personal sensory preferences shape our experiences and, consequently, our art.

Imagine you're choosing a restaurant. For some, the deciding factor is the visual appeal – the ambiance, lighting, and decor –. They want a place that feels romantic or cozy. For others, taste is paramount. They choose based on the quality of the food, the flavors, and the culinary experience. Then others will prioritize sound – the music, the chatter, the noise level. Each sensory input carries its own weight.

Applying Sensory Awareness to Your Creative Process

As artists, we must recognize which sensory inputs we favor and how they influence our work. Once we are aware of our preferences, we can begin to layer in other sensory elements to create a richer, more immersive experience for our audience.

For instance, if you're primarily visually oriented, start paying more attention to sounds. How do different sounds enhance or change your perception of a scene? Or, if taste is your go-to sense, experiment with integrating touch and texture into your creative process.

Thoughts and Feelings: The Narrative Engine

Thoughts and feelings are not just abstract concepts; they are the narrative engine driving your creative process.

Think of your characters – their thoughts and feelings are the heartbeat of your stories. They add depth, dimension, and authenticity.

You create a more compelling narrative when you can fully embody your characters' thoughts and feelings. This embodiment extends beyond mere intellectual understanding. It's about feeling your characters' feelings, thinking what they think, and expressing it somatically.

Sensory Inputs in Character Development

Now, let's integrate sensory inputs into character development.

Each character can have a distinct sensory profile that shapes their experiences and actions. One character might be visually driven, noticing every detail in their environment. Another might be more attuned to sounds, reacting to the subtlest changes in tone.

Varying the sensory inputs you focus on for different characters can create more nuanced and engaging stories. This approach enhances your storytelling and broadens your work's appeal to a diverse audience.

Expanding Your Creative Horizons

You'll find new dimensions to your creativity as you explore the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and sensory inputs. The goal is to create a more holistic and immersive artistic experience. Being present and fully aware allows you to tap into a more bottomless well of inspiration and bring your unique vision to life.

So, the next time you sit down to create, take a moment to center yourself. Tune into your thoughts and feelings, engage your sensory apparatus, and let the dance begin. Remember, creativity is not just about what you produce; it's about the journey of self-expression and discovery.

For your next Creative Session: Embrace the Dance

Embracing the dance of thoughts, feelings, and sensory inputs can transform your creative process.

By being present and aware, you can fully embody your art and create works that resonate deeply with your audience. So go ahead, dive in, and let your creativity flow.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of creativity.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with fellow creatives and follow my YouTube channel for more insights and inspiration.

And remember, stay present, stay aware, and keep creating.

Yours Truly

Joshua

The Creative Present