The Seed

Some of us are indecisive.  Creative people usually are.  But there is a legitimate amount of necessary waiting and seeing in the creative process.  Process is not indecision.  We freely decide to be in the creative process.  To act.  To will.  To choose.  To watch and wait as things simmer and cook.

Act - will.  Watch - wait.  This is the tension necessary for the creative life to work.

This thoughtfulness is not to be overlooked or minimized.  It is the creative job in many ways.  We might call it planning. And planning (we might call it Covey’s “Quad 2” - important, but not urgent) is the most important work of a creator.  Many people will see it as “doing nothing” (you may even at times), don’t believe the lie. 

But finding the space to do this deep thinking will not be easy. In fact, it will be a continual fight.  You will have to ask for help. You will have to put yourself on your own calendar.  You will be “selfish” and take day retreats. You simply have to!  Only then, with some space to listen, can you dream, dictate, and wonder.

This is your calling.

Don’t take it lightly.  Decide and do! (Even, by the way, if it means doing odd side jobs that offer time to think.) 

Dream away.  But don’t take this lightly.  Don’t underestimate this miracle of vision.  Some won’t get it.  They will see it as a waste of time, as confusing your call, as the inability to decide.  But you are seeking to realize what you already know is inside you, and has been fom the beginning.

To do this, you must have insight.

Insight comes from intentional planning space, contemplation, honing in on the ability to see the invisible things going on inside us.  It can be unbelievably tempting to avoid this step.  Don’t!

Don’t be afraid to get alone (because you are really not).  Go on this journey!  This is your vision quest, or at least your vision clarification.  In some cultures, youth were sent to find a vision and were not allowed back till they found one.  We have this desire, and need the challenge, no matter how hard we try to distract ourselves.

We all are looking for a mission.  A purpose.  The power to do something worth doing.      

How do we ignite (or reignite) the willingness to go this quest today?  We have to start at the beginning.  There are no short cuts here. It may take years.  Maybe even decades.  Perhaps even a lifetime.  Is it still worth it? Well what else are you doing that’s more important?

Here’s the simple call to action: let your creative seed germinate.  It needs time, space, love and attention. Only then can it grow to become the seed-bearing plant it was destined to become.