Mastering Your Creative Flow: The Art of Directing Energy
Ever feel like you’re riding a wave of inspiration one minute, then stuck in a creative rut the next? That’s your energy talking, and it’s got a lot to say. In the latest episode of The Creative Present podcast, Joshua Townshend dives into the secret sauce of creativity: directing your energy flow at will. Whether you’re an actor commanding a stage, a writer scribbling in a quiet corner, or just navigating the chaos of everyday life, this is about taking the reins of your inner spark. Let’s unpack how to make your energy dance—on cue, on purpose, and with a whole lot of flair.
Energy isn’t just one thing—it’s a conversation between two directions: introversion and extroversion. Picture them as your breath, the inhale and exhale of your creative soul.
! Asking if introversion beats extroversion is like asking if inhaling beats exhaling. You need both. Without one, you’re not just out of balance—you’re out of breath. Creativity thrives when these energies flow together, like a dance you get to choreograph.
Too much extroversion? You’re that uncle at the family reunion, yammering away, chasing claps and laughs but losing touch with your own heart. You’re all output, no depth, tethered to everyone else’s reactions. It’s exhausting, like shouting into a void hoping for an echo.
Too much introversion? That’s you, locked in your head, spinning in circles. You’re so deep in your own thoughts you forget there’s a world out there. It’s the dinner guest who just nods—“Fine, fine”—while the conversation sails by. Your energy’s stuck, bottled up.
The sweet spot? It’s not about picking a side—it’s about having both on speed dial. You want to inhale to recharge, exhale to connect, and switch between them like a pro. That’s what it means to direct your energy at will.
What does this look like?
This is where you read the room—not just noticing the vibe, but joining it, shaping it. Walk into a hushed library, and your energy dials down, matching the soft rustle of pages. Stroll into a lively bar, and you’re laughing, clinking glasses, fully in the mix. It’s not about faking it; it’s about syncing up, staying true to yourself while meeting the moment.
Creating Your Body Of Work: Embracing Vertical Time
This work is for anyone who wished to enter the realm of the Conscious Creator - and go deep into the well of "All That Is" and make their work impactful and universal.
Creativity is a river that runs through our lives, sometimes rushing, sometimes meandering, but always present. It's not confined to the moments we sit down to write, paint, or perform—it's woven into the fabric of our existence.
Let's dig into this and explore the idea of having breathtaking clarity, inviting us to define and redefine our "body of work." How? By stepping into the timeless flow of vertical time. This isn't just about finishing projects; it's about living creatively, deeply, and consciously. Let's dive into how this perspective illuminates our creative lives' fleeting sparks and enduring currents.
Your Body of Work: A Living, Breathing Tapestry
Picture a painter's portfolio or a writer's shelf of novels. That's a body of work, right? Sure—but it's only part of the story. What if your *life* is the canvas? Every brushstroke counts: the way you arrange your living room, the laughter shared over a spontaneous road trip, the unfinished poem crumpled in a drawer. These aren't side notes to your creativity—they're the heartbeat.
Your body of work isn't just the polished pieces you show the world. It's the roles you've embodied, the relationships you've nurtured, the dreams you've chased (even the ones that slipped away). It's the quiet moments of reflection and the loud, messy failures that taught you more than success ever could. Short-term bursts—like a sudden inspiration for a scene or a melody—feed into the long-term arc of who you're becoming. Zooming out, you'll spot the threads: recurring themes, unspoken questions, and a signature uniquely yours.
The Roots Beneath the Bloom
Creativity doesn't spring from nowhere. Is "that" project tugging at your soul today? It's not random. It's a flower blooming from roots that stretch deep—sometimes years, sometimes generations, into the past. Maybe the story you're writing echoes your mother's unspoken ambitions. Perhaps the film you're directing carries your grandfather's resilience or your culture's quiet ache. These aren't just ideas; they're inheritances.
Short-term creativity—like a burst of energy to sketch or brainstorm—often feels immediate, but it's tethered to something bigger. Ask yourself: *Why now? What's this really about?* The answers might surprise you. That quick doodle could be a seedling of a lifelong passion. That half-formed script might be wrestling with a question you've carried since childhood. Long-term creativity emerges when we honor these roots, letting them guide us deeper.
Vertical Time: Where Art Breathes
We're conditioned to see time as a straight line—horizontal, predictable, marching from start to finish. You begin a project, you push through, you wrap it up. Done. But creativity doesn't obey that rhythm. It thrives in *vertical time*—a space of depth, presence, and immersion.
Think of the last time you lost yourself in a film or a song. Time didn't just stop; it expanded. You weren't racing toward an end—you were *in it*, fully alive. That's vertical time: not a checklist, but a plunge into the moment. Horizontal time drives us forward with deadlines and goals; vertical time pulls us downward, into meaning and connection.
Short-term creativity sparkles here—a flash of insight, a sudden line of dialogue. But we build something enduring in the long-term dance with vertical time. It's the difference between skimming five blocks on a bike and digging five blocks deep into the earth. One's a breeze; the other's a feat of courage and craft.
The Beautiful Cost of Depth
Going deep isn't easy. It's not a casual stroll—it's an excavation. You're working against the gravity of distraction, doubt, and the urge to rush. But oh, the reward.
Today, we'll explore how moving from the ordinary to the non-ordinary can unlock new creative possibilities.
From Patterns to Chaos to Growth
We all live in patterns. As creatives, we have routines, habits, and ways of approaching our craft. These patterns are essential—they help us navigate the complexities of storytelling, character development, and the creative process. However, staying too long in the same pattern can limit growth. That's where the magic of breaking patterns comes into play.
When we consciously break a pattern, whether it's a habitual way of thinking, creating, or even something as simple as breathing or moving, we enter a period of chaos. And chaos, while destabilizing, is where true transformation happens. It's the space between the old and the new. As artists, that in-between place, filled with openness and possibility, is where creativity flourishes.
Embracing Chaos with Excitement
I recently talked with someone who asked, "Don't you feel anxious or destabilized when you break these patterns?" My answer was simple: I enjoy it. I embrace those moments of uncertainty and excitement. It's a process I've come to love because it leads to creative and personal breakthroughs.
There was one exception, though. I once pushed myself a bit too far with a breathing exercise—going beyond my limits in pranayama (a yogic breathing technique)—and had to take half a day to re-center. But even then, the experience taught me the importance of boundaries, limits, and knowing when to rest. That's part of the creative process, too.
The Power of Non-Ordinary Actions
Lately, I've been reflecting on some simple ways I break patterns in my life. It doesn't have to be dramatic—sometimes, it's as simple as breathing differently. On average, we take in 6 to 12 breaths per minute. But what happens when you slow that down to just one breath per minute? You step into the non-ordinary, creating space for new awareness and perception.
Or take walking. Most of us naturally walk forward, so I asked myself, "What if I walked backward?" By doing this consistently, I'm not just reversing my movement—I'm opening up new sensory experiences, expanding my perception, and breaking out of the ordinary.
Even something as small as which leg you use to step up onto a curb can be a place to experiment. I noticed that I always used my right leg, so I started consciously using my left leg. These small, non-ordinary actions are ways to cultivate awareness, and in turn, they open up creative possibilities.
40 Days of Exploring Place and Presence
Now, I'm taking this concept of breaking patterns even further. Starting on the Fall Equinox, I'm embarking on a 40-day challenge. Each day, I'll go to a new location—a place I've never been before—or, if it's somewhere I've visited, I'll treat it as if it's entirely new.
The goal? Experience each place with a fresh perspective and a heightened sense of presence. Places hold history, resonance, and energy. By being present in a space, we can tap into those vibrations and connect more deeply with our surroundings.
The Random Journey: Using the Randonautica App
One tool I'll be using during this 40-day journey is the Randonautica app. This app uses a random number generator to provide coordinates for new locations. I spoke with one of the app's creators and am excited to experiment with it by visiting five different places in a single day. It's a chance to layer experiences, challenge perceptions, and explore the concept of place as a character.
Place as Character, Character as Place
There's an old saying that "place is character, and character is place." We often overlook the history and resonance of places, especially in our fast-paced, modern lives. Indigenous cultures have long recognized the sacredness of place, and I think there's something powerful we can learn from that.
For instance, we memorialize the event when a tragedy happens by marking the place. Even if a building is torn down, its energy and history remain. We must honor that, both in life and in our creative work. The place profoundly impacts character, story, and the creative process.
Crossing Thresholds: Embracing Change
Every time you cross a threshold, something shifts—stepping through a door or transitioning into a new creative phase. These moments of crossing over bring change, not only externally but internally. Our thoughts, feelings, and breathing patterns adjust to our new space.
As we move through the Equinox, a time of balance and change, I encourage you to embrace these shifts. Explore new places, break old patterns, and allow yourself to move beyond the ordinary.
Join Me on the Journey
Thank you for joining me in exploring breaking patterns, embracing chaos, and deepening your creative process. If you're inspired by what you've heard, I invite you to take up one of these approaches to support your creative life.
Together, we can continue to explore the unknown, expand our creative possibilities, and grow beyond the ordinary.
Let's see what new discoveries await.
Stay curious, stay creative.
Welcome to The Creative Present! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many creatives—breaking free from patterns. Whether you're an artist, actor, writer, or just someone looking to explore your own narrative, understanding and expanding beyond repetitive patterns is crucial. It’s about giving space to your space, allowing spaciousness in your work, and going beyond the boundaries of time and space.
Patterns: More Than You Think
We all have patterns. They can be patterns of behavior, We all have patterns. They can be patterns of behavior, thought, or even feeling. Think of a loop—patterns are like loops that repeat over time. In creative work, these patterns can have a huge impact on how we perceive a character or a narrative. If we break down these loops and explore them, we can discover new layers that lie within the pattern. This opens up a whole world of possibilities.
But how do we break these patterns? That’s what I’m here to explore with you.
Breaking the Loop
Imagine your favorite character in a video game. There’s a term called NPC, or non-playing character, in gaming. These characters are designed with limited behaviors—they can only do a few specific things like taking your order or crossing their arms impatiently. You’ll see them repeating the same small loop of behavior over and over. They are limited by design.
Now, let’s consider how this concept applies to characters in film, theater, or even our personal lives. While the loop might be bigger for the main character, it still exists. Patterns of behavior or traits are often repeated, limiting the character’s possibilities. But what if we could break that loop?
Let’s say you’re writing or playing a very buttoned-up, uptight accountant. The natural instinct is to keep that character rigid, defined by their job. But what if you introduced something unexpected? Maybe this accountant wears playful, colorful socks—grounded in reality, but it adds dimension. It’s these small details that break the pattern and offer more depth. Suddenly, the character becomes more than their loop, more real, more human.
Iconic Examples of Pattern Breaking
In the movie Apocalypse Now, we see a general step outside the expected loop when he says, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” It’s unexpected, but it’s one of the most memorable lines in cinema. Similarly, Dennis Hopper’s character in Blue Velvet uses an oxygen mask mid-conversation. These moments aren’t arbitrary—they’re grounded in the character’s reality—but they expand what we thought the character was capable of.
Breaking patterns can be transformative, both for the character and the audience.
The Loop Within Us
It’s not just characters—people, too, have loops. We repeat the same emotional cycles—whether it’s anger, frustration, or sadness—because something in that loop isn’t being completed. It’s like a record skipping over the same part. As creatives, we can dig into these loops, exploring and amplifying them in our narratives to create breakthroughs.
When we break these loops, chaos often follows, and in that chaos is the opportunity for growth and realignment. This is where transformation happens, both for our characters and for ourselves.
Key Takeaways for Your Creative Journey:
Identify Patterns: Recognize the loops in your characters and yourself. Where do things get stuck? What emotional cycles keep repeating?
Break the Loop: Open up possibilities by introducing something unexpected but grounded in reality. This creates depth and makes your characters more dynamic.
Allow Chaos: When a pattern is broken, chaos often follows. Embrace it—it’s an opportunity for realignment and growth.
Give Space to Your Space: Allow spaciousness in your creative work. Explore the moments between the loops, where new discoveries can happen.
Explore Beyond Time and Space: Let go of the limitations your narrative imposes. Go beyond what's expected and play with possibilities that stretch the boundaries of your character’s world.
By breaking patterns and allowing spaciousness, we open up our creative work to new levels of discovery. Whether you’re working on a character in a story or exploring your own inner loops, this process brings transformation. So, next time you find yourself or your character stuck in a loop, remember: there’s always room to break free and discover what’s beyond.
Thanks for joining me on this journey! Let’s continue to explore, create, and expand beyond our limitations together.
Welcome back to The Creative Present! I’m Joshua Townshend, your host, and today we’re diving into something essential for all creatives: the subordinate image. Whether you’re an actor, writer, or artist of any kind, this concept can transform your work in profound ways. Let’s explore how!
What Is a Subordinate Image?
A subordinate image is the image behind the image—it's the underlying emotion, experience, or thought that breathes life into your art. Think of it as the unseen force that gives depth to the words you speak or write.
Words alone are neutral. They only take on meaning when charged with emotion and experience. For instance:
The subordinate image makes the difference between words that are flat and words that resonate.
Why Subordinate Images Matter
Subordinate images allow you to:
Real-World Example: A Voice Actor’s Journey
Recently, I worked with a talented voice actor who’s been in the game for years. He’s a true pro—impeccable delivery, great voice, and highly sought after. In one of our sessions, I introduced him to the concept of the subordinate image.
Here’s what happened:
A Quick Breakdown: How to Use Subordinate Images
Here’s how you can start applying subordinate images to your creative process, whether you're acting, writing, or anything in between:
Why This Matters for Every Creative
This technique isn’t just for voice actors. Writers, filmmakers, and stage actors can all benefit from connecting with subordinate images. The more you can tap into these deeper emotional layers, the more authentic and compelling your work will be.
By using subordinate images, you’re not just telling a story—you’re living it, and you’re inviting your audience to live it with you.
Takeaways:
Let’s keep exploring these ideas, and remember: It’s not just about what’s on the surface—it’s about the layers of emotion and experience beneath.
Thanks for joining me on this journey into the creative process! Stay present, stay creative, and I’ll see you next time.
The Power of One-Minute Breathing: A Practice for Creatives
Every morning, I begin with a simple yet profound practice that grounds me for the day: one-minute breathing. This technique is precisely what it sounds like—slowing the breath down to one complete breath cycle per minute. It's a practice of intentional breathing that goes like this: a 20-second inhale, a 20-second suspension, and a 20-second exhale.
In that minute lies so much potential. It's a space where everything quiets down and slows down, allowing me to connect deeper with myself and the creative process. I highly recommend developing some form of morning breathwork—whether it's this practice or another that resonates with you. If this one intrigues you, reach out, and I'll gladly share more details.
The Benefits of Long, Slow, Deep Breathing
When you breathe long, slow, and deep—without counting or measuring your breaths—something transformative happens. Your mind quiets, your body relaxes, and your awareness sharpens.
This kind of breathing creates space for stillness. It invites a sense of ease that can otherwise be elusive in our fast-paced, goal-oriented world. And when you add intentional timing to your breath—like 10-second or even 20-second cycles—you may notice resistance creep in.Resistance often shows up in subtle ways. It could be a tone indicating it's time to switch your breath pattern. If you perceive that tone as something external telling you what to do, you might find yourself resisting—feeling like it's an interruption, a restriction, or a demand. And this resistance is not just in the breathwork—it mirrors a deeper pattern in life and creativity.
Change and Resistance in Creative Practice
As artists and creatives, we are no strangers to change. In fact, adapting to change quickly and fluidly is key to staying inspired and keeping our projects alive. Yet change often carries an emotional charge. When asked to shift direction—whether in life, breathwork, or a creative project—there's a natural pull to resist.
So, how do we navigate that resistance?
It starts with perspective. If you feel that the tone, the bell, or even external feedback is telling you what to do—restricting or forcing you to breathe or create in a way that doesn't feel right—resistance builds. It can manifest as frustration, disinterest, or even resentment. But everything changes if you can reframe that tone or signal as a guide, a reminder, or an ally there to support you.
And here's the most important part: this isn't just a mental shift. It's something you need to feel. You can't merely think the tone is supportive if, deep down, you feel it's a nuisance or a constraint. The shift has to be authentic. Your relationship tothe process transforms when you truly feel supported by the breath cycle, a bell, or feedback on your creative work.
A Shift in Perspective: From Resistance to Flow
Everything opens up when you start to see those signals—whether from your breath practice or your creative projects—as helpers rather than obstacles. The world around you begins to change. Or, more accurately, your perception of the world changes. And as creatives, that change in perception is everything.
We can resist the tools and structures meant to guide us or lean into them, letting them help us grow. The key is to feel that support and trust the process. When you shift your perspective and open up to the possibility that these external guides are there to assist, not restrict, you'll find a new sense of flow—both in your breathwork and in your creative life.
Embracing Awareness and Presence
Thank you for being open to these ideas about breathwork, change, and resistance. As creatives, artists, and storytellers, we are constantly in a state of evolution. Our task is to become more aware, present, and conscious in our process. Something as simple as breathing can unlock more profound levels of creativity and self-awareness.
I invite you to join me on this journey—to explore your breath, resistance, and creative flow. Together, we can expand into a more present and conscious state of being.
Let's continue showing up fully, embracing change, and creating from a place of authenticity and presence.
—Joshua Townshend
Welcome to The Creative Present, where we delve into expanding your creative self-expression while getting your projects done.
The creative process is like an endless game full of possibilities, joy, and discovery. It’s not just about understanding ourselves and our projects; it's about understanding the world around us and how we relate to it. My daily practice revolves around finding these moments of awareness in the mundane.
As creatives, our job is to transform what’s unconscious into something that’s fully conscious and then share it through our art. Imagine being under a brilliant blue sky with fluffy white clouds. While many might overlook this beauty, an artist becomes conscious of it, feels its influence, and then channels it into their work. Think of Andy Warhol turning a can of Campbell's Tomato Soup into an icon or Marilyn Monroe amplifying her own iconic status. They saw beauty in the every day and made it extraordinary.
Yet, the journey from being self-conscious to self-aware isn’t always smooth. Many actors and writers struggle with self-consciousness, which can make them feel small or inhibited. It’s a common experience to feel tighter and more constrained when aware of something new. This self-consciousness can be a step toward greater self-awareness, where you can consciously navigate and use your awareness as a tool rather than letting it control you.
To illustrate this, let me share a personal experience. I noticed a pattern during my daily walks: I always stepped up onto the sidewalk with my right foot first. Once I became aware of this, I wanted to change it to my left foot. Conscious effort and practice are required to alter this ingrained habit. Over time, with repeated attempts, I was able to switch my stride seamlessly. This exercise in awareness and adjustment mirrored the process of altering thought patterns.
Just as it took the effort to change my walking stride, altering thoughts, which are more subtle and lack external feedback, requires a similar process. You move from being unconscious of thought to becoming self-conscious and, eventually, self-awareness. This awareness allows you to easily choose and implement new thoughts or behaviors.
Consider children learning to walk. They stumble, fall, and get back up, supported by encouragement rather than harsh judgment. Similarly, we need to give ourselves the space and support to make and integrate changes in our creative and personal lives.
For instance, I also pay attention to how I step out of the shower or rise from the floor during my breathing exercises. By consciously choosing to alter these mundane actions, I expand my range of expression and awareness. This practice helps me in my work as an actor or writer, where embodying different characters or perspectives involves similar conscious choice and integration processes.
In summary, the journey from self-consciousness to self-awareness involves becoming aware of the unconscious, working through initial awkwardness, and eventually integrating new patterns seamlessly into our lives. This process is crucial not only for personal growth but also for creative expression.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the creative present. Let's continue to transform the mundane into the extraordinary and embrace the journey from self-conscious to self-aware together.
I developed the Three Circles of Attention framework in my work with actors, writers, and other creatives. This framework is a tool for navigating the myriad possibilities in any given scene, allowing you to consciously choose where to focus your creative energy.
First Circle of Attention: The Internal World
- This is where everything begins—within the character. It includes their thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensory experiences. When a character is in this circle, they're fully immersed in their own inner world. This is the space where introspection happens, past traumas resurface, and the quiet hope of a kiss lives. In film, this is the close-up shot, capturing the subtleties of emotion that flicker across a face or the way hands tremble slightly when nervous.
- As a writer or actor, when you focus on the first circle, you're diving deep into the character's psyche. You're exploring what it's like to live in their skin and experience the world through their unique lens. This is where a character's most intimate and personal aspects come to life.
Second Circle of Attention: The Interpersonal Space
- This circle extends outward, encompassing the interactions between characters. Here, attention shifts to action and reaction, to the dance of communication. It's about how one character's words or actions impact another and how that impact circles back. In film, this is often represented by the two-shot, where the dynamic between characters is front and center.
- When you operate in the second circle, you're crafting the push and pull of relationships. You're exploring how characters influence each other, how they push each other's buttons, or how they unexpectedly find common ground. This is the realm of dialogue, of meaningful glances, of the subtle shifts in power dynamics that define human interaction.
Third Circle of Attention: The External Environment
- The third circle expands even further, taking in the broader environment or setting where the scene occurs. This includes everything from the physical surroundings to the broader context of the narrative. In film, this is the master shot, capturing the full scope of the scene—the beach where the couple meets, the looming cityscape that frames a conversation, the endless desert that challenges a character's endurance.
- Focusing on the third circle allows you to ground your scenes in a specific time and place, creating a sense of context that is vital for the audience's understanding. It's about recognizing how the environment impacts the characters and their interactions and how it can symbolize larger themes within your work.
The Dance Between Circles: Shifting Focus to Enhance the Scene
A powerful scene often involves a dynamic shift between these three circles of attention. As a creator, your ability to fluidly move between these levels of focus can elevate your work from ordinary to extraordinary. Let's consider a scene in a café where two characters are having a difficult conversation.
You create a rich, layered scene with multiple realities by consciously shifting between these circles. The audience is not just watching a story unfold; they are experiencing the depth of the characters' inner lives, the complexities of their relationships, and the context that surrounds them.
Today, we’re diving deep into a concept that can transform the way you approach every scene you write or perform: alternative realities.
The Nature of Alternative Realities
Every scene you write or perform exists within a web of alternative realities. These are not just theoretical possibilities; they are the rich, textured pathways that characters often navigate subconsciously as they move through their stories. The awareness level of your characters—how attuned they are to their desires, fears, and inner conflicts—shapes these realities. This is why tapping into your characters' hopes, dreams, fears, and secrets is essential.
Consider this: a character's hopes and dreams aren't just background noise; they are the fabric of their reality. Their fears and secrets are the shadows that shape their actions and decisions. And their ideal future, the outcome they long for at the end of a scene, is the lighthouse guiding them through the fog of uncertainty.
The Cascading Effect of Desires
Imagine a cascade—a waterfall of desires and possibilities. At the top, you have the character's most vivid hopes, dreams, and fears. As the water flows down, it branches out into smaller streams, each representing an alternative reality within the scene. These streams are the possible outcomes, ranging from the ideal to the disastrous.
Take, for instance, a romantic scene. The ideal future for one character might be to hold hands and share a first kiss—a tender, chaste moment that symbolizes connection and trust. For the other character, the ideal future might be entirely different—perhaps securing a second date because they’ve never made it that far.
These differing ideal futures create tension, and multiple scenarios can unfold within that tension. What if one character misreads a cue, and the moment passes awkwardly? What if the kiss happens too soon or not at all? Each of these scenarios is an alternative reality that the characters, consciously or not, navigate.
Navigating Ideal Futures and Their Alternatives
As a writer or actor, it’s crucial to understand that every character drives toward their version of an ideal future. This drive isn’t straightforward; it’s filled with detours, obstacles, and unexpected turns. And within these twists and turns lie the richness of the scene.
Let’s revisit our romantic scene. Perhaps the ideal future for one character is as simple as holding hands while the other seeks the assurance of a second date. These desires, while seemingly aligned, can create a multitude of alternative realities.
Imagine the subtle shifts that occur when one character reaches out to hold hands, but the other hesitates. In that hesitation lies a world of possibilities—what is the character thinking? Are they afraid of moving too fast, or perhaps they’re already thinking about the second date?
Now, what if the first character senses the hesitation and pulls back? Suddenly, the scene takes on a different tone. The characters are now navigating a reality where the simple act of holding hands has become a complex dance of intentions and fears.
The Importance of Choice Points
Every scene is filled with choice points—moments where characters consciously or subconsciously decide how to respond to the situation at hand. These choices are the gateways to alternative realities. The more aware your characters are of their desires and fears, the richer these choice points become.
For instance, in our romantic scene, the choice point might be as subtle as whether or not to smile after the first awkward silence. A smile could signal reassurance, while a lack of one might heighten the tension. These small choices ripple out, creating new pathways within the scene, each with its own set of consequences.
Embracing Human Complexity in Characters
What separates a compelling character from a flat one is their ability to exist in these alternative realities. A character who is fully aware of their ideal future and the myriad ways it could go wrong or right feels alive. They are not just playing out a script; they are living, breathing humans with desires, fears, and complex emotions.
This is where the distinction between a character and a human being becomes crucial. A character merely performing a scene might hit all the right beats, but they will need more depth to fully present in reality. On the other hand, a human being within a scene, fully attuned to their desires and the alternative realities at play, brings a boldness, richness, and aliveness that resonates deeply with the audience.
When we watch a film or play and see a character who fully inhabits their reality—no matter how flawed, scared, or hopeful they are—we connect with them. We see ourselves in them, or perhaps we see aspects of ourselves we hadn’t recognized before. This connection is what makes storytelling so powerful.
The Power of Dropping Labels
One of the most limiting forces in creative work is the use of labels. When we label a character—or even ourselves—we confine them to a narrow pathway, cutting off the vast array of alternative realities they could inhabit. Labels like “narcissist,” “bipolar,” or “hero” are reductive. They compress the richness of a character’s humanity into a tight, limited channel.
In your creative life, I encourage you to drop these labels. Allow your characters to exist in the fullness of their humanity. When you do this, you open up a world of possibilities. You give your characters the freedom to surprise you, to show up in unexpected ways, and to navigate their realities with the same complexity and unpredictability that real people do.
Expanding Your Creative Practice
Now that we’ve explored the concept of alternative realities, how can you apply this to your creative practice? Here are a few exercises to help you deepen your understanding and implementation of these ideas:
Character Mapping: Take a character from your current project and map out their ideal future in a particular scene. Then, explore at least three alternative futures—one better than the ideal, one worse, and one completely unexpected. How does the character navigate these possibilities?
Choice Point Exploration: Identify key choice points in a scene. What are the different ways a character could respond? Write out or act out these alternatives, paying close attention to how each choice alters the reality of the scene.
Label-Free Writing: Write a scene where you consciously avoid labeling your characters. Instead of defining them by their traits or roles, focus on their desires, fears, and the alternative realities they navigate. Notice how this opens up new possibilities for the scene.
Nature-Based Reflection: Spend time in nature and observe how the natural world operates within multiple realities—how a tree can be both a shelter and a trap, how a river can be both life-giving and dangerous. Reflect on how these observations can inform your creative work.
Walking Backward Practice: Engage in my walking backward practice as a way to shift your perspective. As you walk, reflect on a scene you’re working on. Consider the alternative realities your characters might be navigating. How does this practice help you see new possibilities?
Embracing Your Creative Process
As we conclude this exploration of alternative realities, remember that the creative process is not about finding the one “right” path. It’s about embracing the multitude of possibilities that exist in every moment. Whether you’re writing a scene, performing it, or simply living your life, alternative realities are always at play.
By tuning into these realities and allowing your characters—and yourself—the freedom to explore different pathways, you unlock a profound and expansive depth of creativity. You move beyond the limitations of labels and preconceptions, stepping into a space where anything is possible.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration.
Until next time, keep exploring the alternative realities that make your creative life so rich and fulfilling.
Introduction: Seeking Surprises
As creatives, our constant quest is to discover the new and the unexpected. Whether we’re writers, actors, filmmakers, or any kind of storyteller, our work thrives on surprises—both for ourselves and for our audience. We don’t want to create the same old thing; we want to unearth something fresh, something that feels like an adventure happening in real-time.
But discovery isn’t always about grand revelations. Sometimes, it’s hidden in the most mundane aspects of our everyday lives. These small, seemingly insignificant moments can be where the deepest and most authentic parts of our narratives are found.
The Audience's Journey
When we create, we invite the audience to journey with us. We want them to feel like they’re right there with us, experiencing the highs and lows, the twists and turns. It’s that shared experience that draws them in and makes them care about our work.
So how do we achieve this? How do we make our creations feel alive and authentic? One of the most powerful ways is by allowing the unconscious mind to surface through ordinary, everyday events.
The Power of the Mundane: The Unconscious Revealed
The unconscious mind is a treasure trove of emotions, thoughts, and memories that often reveal themselves in unexpected ways—especially during mundane, everyday moments. It’s not in the big, dramatic scenes that these revelations typically occur, but in the quiet, ordinary experiences that we all go through.
For example, a few years ago, I had a conversation that changed everything for me. I was talking about family with someone, and they asked, “What’s up with your mom?” At that moment, I hesitated because my mom had passed away a couple of years before. I was caught between saying, “She is…” and “She was…” That hesitation, that small pause, brought a flood of emotion to the surface. It was a powerful moment where my inner life was unexpectedly revealed.
This is the kind of moment we should aim to create in our work. It’s in these small, everyday interactions that the unconscious mind can rise to the surface, creating a moment that deeply resonates with the audience.
Inner Life in Narrative: A Classic Example
This concept isn’t just a personal experience; it’s a technique used in some of the most powerful narratives. Take Citizen Kane for example. The film’s entire story revolves around the last word spoken by the protagonist: “Rosebud.” On the surface, it’s just a word, but it carries a deep, personal significance. The quest to understand this word drives the entire narrative and reveals the character’s inner life.
When we as creators place our characters in situations where their unconscious mind can surface, we create richer, more engaging stories. The audience is drawn in, wanting to understand the deeper layers of the narrative.
Practical Techniques for Creators
So, how can you bring this concept into your own work? How can you use mundane events to reveal the inner lives of your characters and create moments of discovery that resonate with your audience?
1. Notice the Mundane
Start by paying attention to the everyday moments in your life. These are the moments that often go unnoticed but can reveal deep truths about your characters. Whether it’s a conversation with a stranger, a routine task, or a quiet moment alone, these moments can unlock the inner life of your characters.
2. Layer in Subtext
When writing or performing a scene, think about what’s happening beneath the surface. What is your character really feeling or thinking? The subtext—the unspoken thoughts and emotions—adds depth and complexity to your story.
3. Trust Your Unconscious Mind
Let your unconscious mind guide you. Some of the most powerful moments in a story come from a place that you’re not fully aware of. Trust your instincts and allow yourself to be surprised by what comes up.
4. Use Everyday Objects and Actions as Symbols
Objects and actions that seem mundane can take on deeper meaning when used intentionally. For example, a character’s habitual action, like stirring a cup of coffee or adjusting their glasses, can become a window into their inner world.
5. Explore Moments of Transition
Transitions—whether they’re physical (like getting into a cab) or emotional (like the end of a conversation)—are rich with potential for discovery. These are moments when characters are often at their most vulnerable, allowing their true selves to emerge.
Examples in Literature and Film
Let’s look at a few examples where mundane events reveal deeper truths and lead to powerful moments of discovery.
Example 1: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s inner life is revealed through mundane interactions, like his conversations with strangers. His fixation on trivial things, like the ducks in Central Park, actually reflects his deeper fears and uncertainties.
Example 2: Lost in Translation by Sofia Coppola
In Lost in Translation, the relationship between Bob and Charlotte develops through quiet, mundane moments. These moments are rich with subtext, revealing their inner struggles and desires without the need for dramatic dialogue.
Example 3: The Sopranos (Television Series)
The Sopranos is a masterclass in using mundane events to reveal deeper character truths. Everyday situations, like Tony Soprano’s therapy sessions, peel back the layers of his psyche, revealing his vulnerabilities and internal conflicts.
Bringing Discovery into Your Creative Process
So how can you make discovery a central part of your creative process?
1. Cultivate Curiosity
As a creative, your curiosity is your greatest asset. Be open to new experiences and perspectives. Curiosity drives discovery and keeps your work fresh.
2. Embrace Vulnerability
Allowing the unconscious to surface requires vulnerability. Let go of control and allow yourself to be surprised by what emerges. This discomfort is where the most powerful moments in your work will come from.
3. Stay Present
Discovery happens in the present moment. Practice staying present in your work, and you’ll find that new ideas and insights come to you naturally.
4. Play with Perspective
Try looking at your work from a different angle. Experiment with different ways of seeing the world, and you’ll discover hidden layers in your work that you hadn’t noticed before.
5. Trust the Process
Trust that the discoveries will come when they’re meant to. Be patient with yourself as you explore new ideas and approaches.
Conclusion: The Joy of Discovery
Discovery is what makes the creative process so rewarding. It’s what keeps us coming back, eager to see what will emerge next. By embracing the mundane, allowing the unconscious to surface, and staying open to new experiences, we can create work that is authentic and deeply resonant.
As you go about your creative day, keep an eye out for those moments of discovery. Explore them, and let them guide you to new heights in your creative journey.
Here’s to the joy of discovery, and to the beautiful, unexpected moments that make our work come alive.
Welcome to The Creative Present, a space I created to support all of us in expanding our creative self-expression while—here’s the kicker—actually getting our projects done. Yes, you can have both! I’m Joshua Townshend, your guide on this wild journey.
Now, I’ve been thinking a lot about two very different yet essential states of being that form the foundation of your creative process. If you aren’t actively working with these states of being, you could be leaving untapped creativity on the table. And that, my friends, would be a shame. So let’s dive into these two critical states and why they’re so important for your creative work.
The Two States of Being
These states of being are fundamentally different and yet interconnected. Here’s the breakdown:
State of the Artist (The “I Am” State):
This is the state where you—the creative, the artist, the writer, the performer—center yourself. It’s the “I am” state: “I am that I am.” In this state, you’re present, relaxed, and open to everything around you. This is where you cultivate spaciousness, grounding, and a heightened awareness that expands your creative potential. It’s almost like you’re standing in the middle of a 360-degree creative arena, able to pull from all dimensions, aware of all impulses, and relaxed enough to channel them effectively.
State of the Character/Project:
Then, there’s the state of the character or project you’re working on. This is an entirely separate state of being. For example, if you’re acting, the character might be experiencing deep regret and remorse. You need to be able to embody that emotion fully, exploring every nuance. This state requires focus, but it also needs you to be flexible enough to exit and enter that emotional state at will.
Think about it: you have to go from being deeply immersed in your character’s regret to suddenly stepping out of it to adjust a light or respond to a director’s note. Then, just as quickly, you jump back in.
Why Is This Important?
If you can master the ability to shift between these two states, you’ll have more freedom and depth in your creative work. You’ll trust yourself more. You’ll be able to take risks. And—here’s the best part—you’ll be able to truly collaborate with your creative team without losing the integrity of your work.
So how do you develop these two states of being?
Step 1: Cultivate the “I Am” state. Practice being present, relaxed, and expansive.
Step 2: Once you’ve established that foundation, create and explore the state of being specific to your project or character.
Step 3: Learn to move fluidly between these two states. Master the art of entering and exiting them at will. This is key to handling the unpredictability of creative work, whether you’re in rehearsals, on set, or in the studio.
How to Apply This Today
Whether you’re an actor, writer, dancer, filmmaker, or some hybrid of it all (we’ve all got a little something going on, don’t we?), these states of being are fundamental. It’s not just about the project itself; it’s about who you are when you’re creating it.
I invite you to start working with these states consciously. Reflect on your creative practice:
Key Takeaways:
The "I Am" State: Be present, relaxed, and fully open to creative impulses.
The Project/Character State: Deeply embody the emotions and experiences of your character or project.
Fluid Transitions: Master the ability to shift between these states as needed for your creative work.
Trust the Process: As you practice, your ability to navigate these states will deepen, expanding both your creative potential and your confidence.
Check out my channel where I’m currently exploring ideas like this in my series Walking Backwards in L.A.—a unique yet insightful look at creativity, movement, and perception.
Your Creative Homework:
Reflect on your “I Am” state. Are you giving yourself enough time to be present and grounded before diving into your work?
Explore the state of being of your character or project. What’s the emotional experience you need to embody?
Practice fluidly moving between these two states as you create.
Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or comments. And remember, creativity is a process—one that’s worth the deep dive.
Stay inspired,
Joshua
www.JoshuaTownshend.com
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Embracing Presence: The Dance of Polarity in Narrative
Welcome to the sixth and final episode in our series on presence!
Today, we're exploring the law of polarity, the dynamic dance between expansion and contraction, positive and negative, light and dark, masculine and feminine, and more. Understanding and utilizing this polarity is essential for creating compelling narratives that captivate creators and audiences.
The Dance of Polarity
Polarity is everywhere. It's about expansion and contraction, light and dark, positive and negative. In narratives, this concept is crucial. The cycles of expansion and contraction create undulation and change, driving the story forward. These cycles can be short or long, depending on the genre and the narrative arc.
For instance, in a romantic comedy, you often see an upward spiral—characters grow, evolve, and end up in a better place than where they started. Conversely, a tragedy usually follows a downward spiral, with characters descending into a worse state. Sometimes, narratives take a cyclical approach, reminiscent of purgatory, where characters don't fundamentally change but continue to cycle through the same patterns, which can be used effectively in comedies, dramas, and other genres.
Expansion and Contraction in Practice
Let's break down how expansion and contraction work within a narrative.
Imagine your character's presence is constantly shifting between these two states:
Expansion: When the character is open, engaging, and experiencing positive outcomes.
Contraction: When the character feels closed off, defensive, or faces negative experiences.
This undulation keeps both the character and the audience engaged. This ebb and flow creates tension and release, making the narrative compelling. Think of any great courtroom drama. One side appears to be winning, only for a surprising twist to shift the balance. This constant back-and-forth keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Impact on Behavior
Ultimately, narratives are about behavior—how characters think and feel at any given moment, informed by their state of being. This state of being is constantly between expansion and contraction, positive and negative. Watching this behavior unfold is what keeps audiences hooked.
Consider a sporting event where one team dominates from start to finish. If the outcome is predictable, the excitement fades. In contrast, a closely contested game with frequent lead changes keeps viewers engaged until the very end. The same principle applies to narratives. Characters must experience wins and losses, ups and downs, to keep the story interesting.
Avoiding Predictability
One of the pitfalls in storytelling is predictability. When narratives become too predictable, they lose their impact. This can often be seen in films with heavy agendas or overly formulaic plots. For example, some films with a solid ideological bent or certain Hallmark movies can become predictable as characters play out expected roles without real depth or change.
However, predictability is sometimes good. Knowing the outcome can sometimes be comforting, like in a beloved soap opera or a nostalgic film. The key is to balance familiarity with enough unexpected elements to keep the audience engaged.
Practicing Presence
So, how do you practice this dance of polarity in your creative work? It starts with being present. Embrace expansion and contraction in your presence and let that flow into your work. Whether you're writing, acting, directing, or producing, stay aware of the undulation in your narrative.
Stay engaged and keep creating!
Thank you for joining me on this journey through presence and polarity.
Keep practicing these principles in your daily life and creative work.
Remember, it's this dynamic dance that keeps both you and your audience engaged. Share your experiences, insights, and questions with me. Let's continue to explore and deepen our understanding of the creative process together.
Keep creating, stay present, and embrace the dance of polarity in your narratives.
Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and approaches to the work.
Thanking you
Joshua
Embracing Presence: Expanding Your Creative Space - Part 5
Working with presence is about opening and filling the space with your entire being. It's about awareness—fully aware allows you to fill the creative space, giving you more resources to draw from in your creative endeavors. Let's dive into how this works and how you can practice it in your daily life.
Opening the Space
The more aware you are, the more you can fill the space. Imagine your awareness expanding to fill the entire room. You can pull from a broader range of creative resources when you're fully present. Specifically, in creative work, you want to:
Create an open space: Be aware of your surroundings and the space you occupy.
Fill the open space: Allow your presence to permeate the space.
Maintain a point of view: Understand how your character thinks and feels and allow that point of view to fill the space.
Your character’s point of view will inform their state of being or how they carry themselves in their environment. This baseline will influence their actions and reactions.\
Example: The Art Gallery
Let’s illustrate this with a narrative example. Imagine your character is attending an art gallery opening filled with elite, affluent, and somewhat snobby art enthusiasts. Here’s how you can apply presence and point of view:
Create an open space: Your character enters the gallery, aware of the people and the atmosphere.
Fill the open space: Your character’s presence fills the room.
Establish a point of view: Your character thinks and feels a certain way about this event. Perhaps they feel out of place or disinterested.
Your character’s state of being reflects this point of view. They might want to get through the event quickly, or perhaps they might want to engage with the attendees playfully. The point of view remains the same, but the state of being can vary.
Now, imagine your character meets the artist—a charming, passionate individual—and they fall in love. This new experience changes their state of being, but their point of view about the snobby attendees might remain unchanged. This shift is potent and adds depth to your narrative.
Practicing Presence
You can practice this awareness and presence anywhere. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your daily life:
At the market: Cross the threshold of the market and begin your improv practice. Focus on your point of view and state of being as you navigate the aisles.
At the post office: Use the time in line to observe and expand your awareness.
At the mall: Engage with the environment and the people around you, practicing different points of view and states of being.
These exercises are excellent ways to develop creative skills outside formal classes or sessions. Incorporating these practices into your everyday life enriches your creative process and brings more authenticity to your work.
Your Turn Now!
Try it out! Next time you step into a new space, consciously create an open space, fill it with your presence, and explore different points of view and states of being. Share your experiences with me—what did you discover? How did it impact your creative process? Let’s continue this journey together, making discoveries, mistakes, and successes in real time.
Personal Stories
Feel free to share your own stories of practicing presence in everyday situations. How did it influence your perception and creativity? Let me know how you are doing, so we learn and grow together, constantly pushing the boundaries of our creative spaces.
The Direction of Focus: Harnessing Creative Impulses with Intention
The Power of Focus and Intention in Creativity
Focus and intention are key in the realm of creativity. Let's explore how to take a creative impulse and direct it with intention, creating a more impactful and coherent artistic expression.
Setting the Baseline of Intention
Every creative endeavor should start with a clear baseline of intention. This could be a theme, a goal, or even the name of a scene. For instance, naming scenes helps anchor your focus and provides a reference point for your creative process. Sometimes, it can be helpful to name your scenes. Giving them directional titles akin to the apparent event can be beneficial. Names like "The Breakup," "The First Date," or "The Big Fight." These title/labels can give direction and infuse your work with purpose.
Understanding Creative Impulses
Creative impulses are spontaneous, emerging from a state of being rather than premeditated ideas. Unlike ideas, which are cerebral and planned, creative impulses are grounded in the present moment and lived experiences. They are raw, unfiltered bursts of creativity that need direction to shape them into coherent expressions.
Let's explore this with an example. Imagine you're working on a scene called "The First Date." Your intention is to create a scenario that leads to a second date. As you improvise, you notice your partner's subtle actions – perhaps she spins a ring on her finger or plays with her bracelet. These observations spark a creative impulse.
Directing Creative Impulses
To direct your creative impulses, you need to align them with your baseline of intention. Here's how you can do it:
Balancing Conscious and Unconscious Creativity
Creativity thrives when there is a balance between conscious direction and unconscious spontaneity. By becoming aware of your unconscious responses, you can harness them to serve your conscious intentions. This interplay between the conscious and unconscious enriches your creative process.
Practical Application: Creative Exercises
To further illustrate how to direct creative impulses, let's explore a few practical exercises:
Exercise 1: Scene Naming and Intention Setting
Exercise 2: Sensory Observation and Response
Takeaways: Embracing Your Creative Flow
Directing creative impulses with intention will transform your artistic process.
By setting a clear baseline of intention, observing and responding to sensory inputs, and balancing conscious and unconscious creativity, you can create more impactful and coherent works of art.
Remember, creativity is not just about spontaneous bursts of inspiration. It's about channeling those bursts with purpose and focus. Embrace the dance of conscious direction and unconscious spontaneity, and let your creativity flourish.
Thank you for joining me in exploring the direction of focus in creativity. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with fellow creatives and subscribe for more insights and inspiration.
And remember, stay present, stay aware, and keep creating.
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
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.
Being More Present Part 1 of 6
The Game of Creativity: The Power of Presence
In the creative world, the game of creativity begins once you are very present and grounded in the here (hear) and now. Ideally, you are immersed in the moment to work authentically and organically, creatively with your process.
Yes, you can have fragmented attention—bits and pieces scattered all around—and still get work done. But to harness your full creative potential, you need to be present. Nothing starts to gel until you're "in the room," by this, I mean potently aware.
The Art of Awareness
Awareness is the cornerstone of creativity.
It begins with the breath, the essence of our being.
To be aware means feeling the air around you, seeing the people and environment in front of you, smelling the smells, feeling the feelings, and hearing the sounds. It's about engaging all five physical senses—and more.
Then there are the subtle senses, like equilibrium and other nuanced sensations. Being present, in its fullest sense, is the number one task of a creative artist or human being.
Of course, it is possible to do creative work without being fully present. But you'll notice that it lacks the depth and authenticity it could have. For example, as an actor, if I'm fully present in a scene, everything aligns. There's no self-consciousness, no turning inward, no distractions from the environment. The by-product of this is that I will have more awareness to work with and more presence to immerse myself in, which ultimately translates into a richer performance.
The State of Being
At the core of being present is your state of being, which I call your State Of Being. Awareness of your state of being is crucial for navigating your creative journey and producing your best work.
Imagine you're exploring a new creative concept. You'd want an open, relaxed, receptive state of being, without an agenda. If you're in a scene where you need to be agitated or frustrated, you will need to be able to access your current state of being and then tune into the desired state to fulfill the needs of the narrative. All of this work will circle back to being more and more present.
Practical Takeaways
So, how do you cultivate presence? Here are some practical takeaways:
This is the first part of a six-part series on enhancing your creative process working directly on increasing your awareness.
Each part builds on the previous one, so read all six parts as soon as they get published.
The journey of creativity begins with being present. By mastering this, you can ensure your state of being supports whatever creative endeavor you're embarking on.
Watch out for part 2 of 6 in this series!
