Maximizing Creative Flow
Happy Friday!
I almost didn’t want to write today because I wasn’t feeling creative. But, I have a plan to help get inspired. It involves a short retreat to rest, process, and connect with nature. Retreats are good for cultivating clarity too, especially if you don’t know what you want. Clarity is fundamental, without it, we are lost at sea. “If you don’t know where you are going, you’re going nowhere”. Of course, we all don’t have to be so ambitious, but I tend to resonate with others who are so.
The Energy Report:
Uh, well it could have been (still could) WW3, as tensions arise in Iran and Israel. It might be worth putting some thought into doing some mild to mid-level prepping for survival. The most important thing is water (having extra water available, iodine tablets, and a few Life Straws to start). If the shit hits the fan, it’s good to have a plan. Will you have a meeting spot for family or friends? Can you feed yourself for a couple months if something were to happen? Good to think about and prepare, but not get into fear-mongering or living fear-based. Shit could get wack. Depending on where you are, it already might be. (owning a passport is a good idea)
Maybe everything will be fine, we’ll figure it out and create a sustainable society, or maybe things will get weird, never know. The media will play on every little thing and focus on what they want you to, but they won’t focus on other things (like the hurricane devastation in North Carolina). Choose your media wisely, and consider quiet driving to process thoughts and emotions versus listening to music all the time. As summer arrives, it’s a good time to set our patterns as we’d like them to be. Go through some uncomfortableness now and get it out of the way, discipline is key. Cultivating discipline can be a real pain in the arse, but oh well.
There’s a time to make sense, and a time not to.
This weeks blog:
How To Save America: Part One
Why the next big thing has little to do with technology.
Remember hearing this phrase growing up? “Don’t get any big ideas!”
Well, I’m here to tell you that now is the time to get some pretty f****** big ideas.
I am a full-blooded optimist (and middle-of-the-road Liberal-Conservative).
Many people are depressed, addicted, broke, miserable, and glued to screens.
So, can we simply agree on the fact that something is terribly wrong and that it’s potentially getting worse by the minute?
Despite the fact a lot of bad stuff is going down, I question the value of THE NEWS primarily focusing on the negative. This makes it rather challenging to focus on the great stuff that is indeed happening in our nation.
I’m not here to fault find or view things through sh**-colored glasses.
I’m here to help find SOLUTIONS (outside of Silicon Valley).
Call me old-fashioned (at 50), but when I grew up there were always children playing outside. Now, I drive around on a sunny summer Saturday afternoon and am shocked at what I encounter- NO CHILDREN OUTSIDE.
Just mostly rows of boxed silence, and the smell of quiet desperation…
It’s an adult-centric (and stress-centric) nation, and there’s not much of anything for kids to do- especially teens. Then we wonder why they’re huffing Freon or getting high behind the nearest 7–11, waiting for someone to buy them beer.
Most suburbs these days are especially a joke- it really is not cool.
I simply don’t want my kids growing up in this screen-dominated, techno-frenzied, politically noisy sh**- show.
If this is what “Evolution” looks like, then I recommend the idea of devolving a tad.
However, things can change. ( It gets better, hang in:) )
IDEA #1: “I HAVE AN IDEA. LET’S GO OUTSIDE.” -Easy Rider
With all of the good the creation of the Internet and modern technology has brought to the world, one thing’s for sure.
We are choosing to let it consume us (PEER PRESSURE in full effect).
The question is, is it merely a coincidence that with this technological revolution, we are also experiencing an escalation of:
MENTAL ILLNESS- According to the World Health Organization, DEPRESSION is now the most widespread illness in THE WORLD.
ADDICTION- including but not limited to a severe rise in opiate-related OVERDOSES.
A LACK OF CONNECTION- Many people are reporting that they feel more lonely and less CONNECTED in today’s techno-frenzied social media-driven era.
SUICIDE- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of DEATH for people ages 35 to 54, and the second for 10 to 34 year-olds. It remains the 10th leading cause of death overall.
DISTRACTION- Fewer people are FOCUSED on what really matters; they are dying or getting injured in motor vehicles more often; and, they are losing cognitive and social skills.
IDEA #2: Choose differently.
The good news is, we are choosing it all. For example, nobody is forcing us to spend boatloads of time glued to phones and screens.
What we need to do is change our behaviors associated with modern technology.
So what do you say? Is it time to put down the phone for a bit? Maybe go outside, say hello to a neighbor, and have more heartfelt conversations?
Maybe take a closer look at the impact of technology and how we can change our behaviors to better ourselves, our children, and our nation?
I believe it’s time.
IDEA #3: If Everyone shares everything, everyone has everything.
I’m not talking about Communism or Socialism, but Perspective rather.
Life doesn’t have to be a struggle- we were just taught that it was.
It’s rather silly that everybody on the same block owns a lawnmower.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for private property and the right to live as we choose to live. I just think it wouldn’t hurt to consider the possibility of sharing a little bit more.
It’s time to get way more creative, not only with finances and activities that don’t involve screens but with every aspect of living.
Here is a list of some things you can do for yourself and your nation:
Start with yourself, your foundation, your values, and your family. Own who you are. Everything starts with the self. Be yourself- the world desperately needs it!
Believe that things can turn around in America. Believe things can improve beyond your wildest dreams and imagination. Exercise your imagination and paint a picture of your ideal nation. Understand the power of BELIEF.
Understand the power of COLLABORATION. “Solitude is out of fashion” (however, it can be very beneficial at times to spend time alone, especially in nature or silence). Beyond family and friends- know your neighbors. We shouldn’t have to work on everything alone and be isolated all the time. Surround yourself with the type of people you want to be like as well.
Limit time spent on CELLPHONES AND OTHER SCREENS significantly (especially at night, as it’s been proven that use in bed can disturb a good night’s SLEEP). Limit time spent behind screens in general (including work, games, and social media).
Spend more time in NATURE. Connect and stay rooted with our amazing planet. Let yourself unwind and defrag somewhere beautiful (and get some exercise while you’re out there). Remember the show Little House on the Prairie? I don’t know about you, but that lifestyle is looking more enticing every day now.
Learn from and connect with our indigenous cultures. Noam Chomsky(considered one of the top intellectuals on the planet) said “Indigenous people are our only hope for survival”. It may be challenging to find Native Americans willing to talk to us Americans (I hear they have some strong reasons to be skeptical), but it might be worth the effort.
Educate yourself on ADDICTION. According to my RESEARCH, we’re in a bit of a pickle. Encourage Congress and local leaders to reexamine the entire RECOVERY INDUSTRY and to start funding alternative research and programs. Meanwhile, get addicted to being healthy, being alive, and becoming the best YOU that you can be. Hang out with people that emulate the type of lifestyle you wish to have.
Socialize more. Make more dates with friends and family. Make time for connecting with REAL HUMANS in the flesh. Have eye-to-eye conversations and tell friends and family you will be there for them (emotionally too), especially your children. We must support each other emotionally if we plan on getting out of this mental health crisis. Get out of your comfort zone- but most of all, have more FUN!
Understand the power of your attention and spending habits (what you choose to focus on, and which corporations you are indeed supporting with every DOLLAR). Focus on creating the reality you wish for and ignore all of the noise and distractions in this busy world. Socrates said: “The secret of change Is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
YOU CAN’T SAVE THE WORLD, nor should you try. Save yourself first. Many activists become distressed and depressed to a counterproductive degree because they take on a belief system that it’s their responsibility to make some great impact, even if it means compromising their own happiness. Ideally, productive activism is serving in a way that makes one happy in the process. The process is all we have, so if you’re not enjoying it, then why are you doing it? Your life is your only true responsibility.
REST, RELAXATION, AND REFLECTION- Slow down! Americans are way too stressed to a counterproductive point- and if it were up to me, I’d call for mandatory (and paid) VACATIONS. Comedian Zach Galifianakis said: “Destroy the concept that you have to be constantly working or grinding in order to be successful. Embrace the concept that rest, relaxation, and reflection are essential parts of the progress towards a successful and happy life.”
POSITIVE SPEECH: Many of us do not realize the power of language and POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS. Research suggests we can reprogram our DNA through our speech. Speak kindly to yourself and to others- our speech affects the outcome of our lives and future.
ENTREPRENEURS AND STARTUP WIZARDS: Consider creating business concepts and opportunities for people that don’t involve screens and apps. Think of stellar and creative ways to actually connect people in the flesh, to get them outside in nature, and to start building a new America that doesn’t lose its most common threads of humanity.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. It’s a free country.
So, bring that beat back! Wake up! Dance! Go outside! Have block parties! Have a karaoke yard sale! Mix it up! This isn’t a dress rehearsal!
How To Save America: Part Two
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” –Socrates
Thank you for your service, Silicon Valley, but we’ll take it from here…
Technology provides many benefits, but the focus of this article is to articulate ways of connecting people that don’t rely on it.
The ability to communicate with people from afar is definitely cool. But, the last thing we need is another app, game, or gadget.
Life existed before cellphones and the internet- and I’d bet a lot of people would say it was better, BEFORE.
The Internet Revolution is over, for the most part. Generation X acted as the funky little guinea pigs and it was fun to hear “You’ve got mail!” (via AOL)- but come on already- is the amount of time we are collectively spending behind screens really acceptable? Is this all there is? I think not. Even so, I can’t imagine not using the internet or Wi-Fi for very long- I’m surely hooked.
About 28 years ago, one of the best choices I ever made was selling my computer for quick cash to embark on a spontaneous cross-country trip from New York to California. It was the best month of adventures and meeting new people in the flesh I’ve ever had. Camping on the beach two hours south of the Mexico border was one of the highlights. Didn’t have cellphones, didn’t log in once on the trip.
But then of course I bought another computer just in time for the age of conspiracy theories- and I’ll take an intellectual risk and say nothing good came of that.
An area in America that I believe needs serious attention is the SUBURBS.
Is there any good reason most suburbs have not evolved much? It seems like they should be a little more creative by now.
“The whole 1950s notion was found the right girl, get married, move to the suburbs and then hang out with the guys while she stayed home with the babies. I felt that was sort of sad.” -Hugh Hefner
In the ’80s, I remember vibrant neighborhoods stocked with children playing outside. We did our thing with BMX biking, skateboarding, and a slew of other sports and outdoor activities.
Today, I don’t see many people outside, period. But I believe it’s entirely possible to BRING THAT BEAT BACK, also in new and exciting ways.
Forget politics, the media, and all of the other distractions. The change will come from the people choosing it. We have the tools here and now to improve our neighborhoods.
“Slums may well be breeding grounds of crime, but middle-class suburbs are incubators of apathy and delirium.” -Cyril Connolly
There are ways to creatively empower our neighborhoods, cut costs, become healthier on all levels, and prevent the suburbs from turning into the next film set for The Walking Dead!
There are things we should consider doing as Americans that might help the suburbs and the nation. Here are some things off the top of my head: (the potential is LIMITLESS!)
Know thy neighbors, spend time with them, utilize each other, share with each other. Understand the power you have as a neighborhood. Talk to more people in person and watch how many new doors open!
Limit screen time and encourage your children to spend quality time outdoors. Get outside, period. Understand our behaviors around technology can change- we hold the power.
Organize block parties, markets, festivals, fundraisers, and communicate more with your area in general.
Build creative gardens (multi-tier? micro-bed? front lawn too?). Learn about Permaculture.
Build a miniature golf course on your lawn (maybe combine with micro-bed gardens)- build it up, multi-levels, get as creative as you can dream of.
Turn your garage, shed, or carriage house into an Airbnb, a workspace, an arts or recording studio, an in-law apartment, ETC.
Build more creative camps and centers for children AND adults; creative centers (that could have internet cafes, open mics, lessons, educational elements, and more- then franchise it!)
Create a new style of villages that are more creative and environmentally friendly. Let people in on this process and let them co-create them.
Create more old-school apprenticeship/mentorship programs and opportunities. Make school curriculums more customized towards individuals' desires and abilities.
Pay teachers more, period.
Consider basic income for all (especially artists of any form).
Share stuff (babysitter exchange/playdates, lawn-mowers, and tools, etc.).
Have regular meetings, talking circles, or church/spiritual groups.
Play more, work less: we’re a pretty stressed nation. Being burned out won’t help matters. Account for more downtime, retreats, and vacations.
Collaborate with local organizations (groups or clubs like Lions, Elks, Rotary, Masons, etc.).
Encourage the growth of new developments in rural areas so that our cities and towns are not over-populated, duh.
Redefine what “service” means, and exclude things that harm people or the environment. Set new precedents for the world to follow.
Merge holistic medicine with conventional medicine (and cheers to hospitals and such already doing this).
Come up with more fun and creative street names already!
Make more time for fun and spontaneity.
Log off, tune in, and love somebody!
Stick together! (hey, if the Universe is expanding, it might only make sense to avoid being pulled apart!)
Believe that America can be better and that WE can change it!
“Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbor’s noisy party than being there.” -Franklin P. Jones
Imagine driving down the street and seeing lots of children playing while adults converse over lemonade or beer; seeing lawns set up for sports, or full of gardens, unique custom-made miniature golf courses, and more.
Imagine that subjects of massive value are taught in schools like:
How to deal with emotions
How to manage money
How to hone in on one’s unique talents and foster particular skill-sets
How to find one’s voice and never lose sight of their inherent intuition
Children are our only hope. We live in an adult-centric world that might benefit from the input of our children.
For it is a shame when we do not take the advice of our elders, but it is a tragedy when we do not listen to the unblemished intuition of our children.
Let’s focus more on building the NEW. Let’s focus more on serving the youth of today. Let’s save our apps and gadgets for a museum of the obsolete, the spiritually defunct, THE OLD.
Hey, I’m not saying ditch them all, I love my Mac!
Remember hearing this phrase growing up? “Don’t get any big ideas!”
Well, I’m here to tell you that now is the time to get some pretty f****** big ideas.
HERE’S A BIG IDEA: Connect cities across America via an all-weather cross-continental multi-use path (Eco-efficient solar powered)- and build it parallel to Amtrak’s tracks, so that people can check their bags and take the train part of the way.
Imagine biking from New York to Chicago, rollerskating to Minneapolis, and optionally riding the train the rest of the way to San Fran. Let each town this path travels through customizing their section of it (contractors, laborers, artists).
This fun path can create jobs and- fight boredom, addictions, depression, diabetes, carbon emissions, and other ailments troubling our great nation.
Recently, I discovered that somebody thought of a similar cross-country multi-use path called The Great American Rail-Trail, and thankfully it looks like they are making progress. But sorry, my version is more exciting.
“Build it, and he will come…”
I hope you have a stellar weekend and find inspiration. See you next week:)