“You can never step into the same stream.” ~ HERACLITUS
Dear Readers, Community, Friends,
Are you kidding me?
Here I sat down for the 47th time to write to you, and my mind was blank. I got afraid a new idea would never arise. Taking Steven Kotler’s advice from The Art of Impossible about Creativity, I stepped away from the desk, went outside for a walk, and hadn’t even left the driveway and it all came flooding in. So, here it is to cap off 2023. I leave you with some experiments, ponderings, and hope (I hope). Happy New Year, all. Thanks for joining me for these little newsletter moments. I’m glad you’re here.
I imagine all cultures across our world have ties to weaving, separating fiber from plant stems, or animal coats, and reuniting them on the loom, creating magical, useful structures. I weave, and do so by experimentation. I play with plant fibers, wool, and even up-cycled material like fabric. I get to see how different fibers react to each other texturally, and how their color changes depending on who they reside next to. I have learned by trial and error that some fibers make stronger warps (some machine-spun recycled wool has broken after warping), and some, more interesting wefts (like sari silk and plant-dyed wool).
This sheds light on a fabulous life metaphor. The warp is our intentions (make sure they are good and strong). The weft: our actions (that which realizes our intentions). This woven structure of our being creates a beautiful, symbiotic relationship. Our actions can tell us if they are aligned with our intentions. Our intentions can help us decide what action to take.
When we come to those inevitable crossroads that stop us on our path: just weave the next row, take that next step. Over time, you’ll see your efforts were so worthwhile.
So, let’s have a little fun with perception. Stare at the dot in the middle of these pink circles for about 10, slow seconds. Then, scroll down and stare at the dot below.
What you are experiencing is called a negative afterimage. When your eyes become overstimulated and fatigued, they lose sensitivity. The eyes and brain then produce a negative afterimage in your retina. Cool, eh?
Our discussion below focusses on Part 3 of The Art of Impossible: Creativity. If you want to dive deeper, I’ve been enjoying a book written specifically on this topic, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin. He has a beautiful way of explaining where creativity comes from, and how to access and nurture this special part of ourselves.
This is the 47th issue of Platinum News! Written by Julie Miles, her passion is to act as a liaison between the Platinum team, their wonderful clients, and the community – striving to tell their stories, and make meaningful connections that fuel everyone’s purpose. Have a story to tell? Contact Julie here. • Not subscribed to this monthly newsletter? You may do so here.
