Universe of Thoughts
By Chris Dunmire | August 14, 2022
"There would be no art, and there would be no science, if human beings had no desire to create. And if we had everything we ever needed or wanted, we would have no reason for creating anything. So, at the root of all art and all science there exists a gap — a gap between what the world is like and what we wish and hope for it to be like. Our unique way of bridging that gap in each of our lives seems to me to be the essence of the reason for human creativity." —Life's Journey According to Mister Rogers
How's your summer going?
I've been working on a presentation for a training seminar at work. Lots of characters have shown up for this project: procrastination, perfectionism, and Glossophobia, to name a few. But I'm intent on transforming mundane PowerPoint slides into a participative audience experience because studies show that more learning happens when there's engagement in the process. On the plus side, I'm transmuting anxious energy into experiential arcs and getting very comfortable with my material.
Here's a secret: One way to make your projects easier is to ask yourself, "How can I make this more fun?" This is my go-to Kaizen-Muse™ question which instantly transforms tasks into adventures that I'll share more on later.
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Creativity imagineer Michael Michalko likens the mind to the the universe. He says, "You have billions of bits of thoughts, observations, and information floating around in your conscious and subconscious mind, totally unobserved, with each bit presenting a multitude of possibilities which evolve and change over time."
While you ponder that, let me introduce you to our new summer intern, Isette, a curious dreamer with a passion for research and writing in a natural blend of rational conjecture. Her favorite game is Two Lies and a Truth, and when I received her resume, it was written in pink and white icing on top of a chocolate cake in four words: "You need a writer." Unbelievable, I know.
In Michalko's 'universe of thoughts' existing in multiple states of "words, phrases, metaphors, images, feelings, dreams, symbols, abstractions, and voices," particles "pop up out of nothingness and become entangled with other thoughts influencing each other instantaneously." Take in more of Michalko's mind-expanding work in part two of his series below, and be aware of your own spontaneous creativity over the next weeks.
Also enjoy the new array of particle-popping features below, including fantastic pieces by Linda Dobson, Meredith Heller, and Ellen Joy Johnson. I also recommend Isette's research into The World's Oldest Microblogging Platform.
By Isette Façìon
The World's Oldest Microblogging Platform
Is also the precursor to cereal box prizes and ice cream cones.
Michael Michalko (Part 2)
Edison, Monkeys, Cathedrals, and Thought Walks
Embark on a journey into how creative mind works; the creativity habits of Thomas Edison, the benefit of thought walks; and how to create your own destiny.
Linda Dobson
The Conflict Resolution Journal
How to harnesses the power of journaling as a practical, therapeutic, and clarifying tool.
Meredith Heller
Prompts: Mandalas and Talismans
Letting go of what no longer serves you; moving forward with new intention.
Nadine Sanders
Interview with the 'Singing Weaver'
Fiber Artist Nadine Sanders is a writer and singer who designs and weaves gorgeous tapestries and shawls and leads travel tours for those interested in the connection between music and the fiber arts.
Ellen Joy Johnson
Spinning Straw into Gold: Creating from Nothing
How the story of Rumpelstiltskin translates into gold for your creative life.
©2022 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.