What is the point in writing down your thoughts, or compiling a collection of words, notes, brushstrokes, records, instruments, or any creative effort in general?
I think about creativity a lot, and I regularly use Rick Rubin as one of the most definitive sources on the topic as he really is such a wealth of knowledge. I’m sure there are professors all over the world who have studied more or done deeper research, etc, but his mindset and overall approach is truly what speaks volumes to me. He is the living proof, and he practices what he preaches.
But to go back, creativity in itself is just such an amazing endeavor.
It could be as complex as trying to design La Sagrada Familia or it could be as simple as painting stick figures with your toes in the sand.
The enjoyment is completely the same.
To create for the fun of it.
To lose your relationship with time for a brief moment, or a lifetime devoted to the creation of something worthwhile (or even something not worthwhile). Have you ever tried really hard at something to find out that it is the direct opposite of what you were intending to create?
It’s funny that at the exact moment I was writing this, my four-year-old came in to show me his Play-Doh sculpture and said “Look what I made, isn’t it cool?!”
And man… I am such a mush. It’s so cool.
Children really are the best thing we ever create.
Because that’s the secret. Not the feeling of success or recognition for doing something great, but the feeling of creating something purely for yourself that once it’s finished, whether perfected or completely raw, it is yours. It is imperfect, and it is exactly the way it should be.
That’s the good stuff.
That’s what I think we should all be chasing. And in my opinion, those moments seem to occur a bit less in the world today than I think they used to when I was growing up in the 80s. Everyone in my age group loves to reference the fun we used to have when we think back to our childhood.
What did you do for fun when you were a kid?
"I don’t know, I ate a lot of dirt." Fell down, went outside, built forts, watched anthills, and spotted shapes in the clouds as they passed by. And honestly, those were the best moments. Not because we were young, although that's part of it. But because we were naive.
Because we had no concept of politics, gas prices, technology looming over our data, war, etc. We were existing in a bubble that was so small that our whole world seemed endless.
But... I will argue that at 39 years old, living in New York City, this mindset can be reached at the drop of a hat, the same way my four-year-old does it.
As long as we allow it.
As long as we permit it to pass into us and through us. And when it is gone, only we will remain.
But that comes with a protective, slightly guarded focus of your energy, attention, and what you allow into your day. The only difference between the Buddhist monk barefoot in the forest and the working finance bro getting on the train on a Tuesday morning is their mindset. Granted the city is a wild place, and we all have jobs and responsibilities and deadlines (maybe not Buddhist monks), but the perspective you hold creates the force field around what you allow into your day.
The milliseconds between the stimulus and the response.
In that window, we are free. Free to choose our entire world. The direction we want to take it, what we choose to pay attention to, and how we respond to life's events.
Your life was always the real story.
Chris
P.S. My great friend - the man, the myth, The Migueliste released this mix in memory of his parents who are no longer with us. In their memory and honor on his birthday, yesterday. And it truly is one of the most beautiful journeys of a DJ set I have heard in a long time.
An absolute masterclass on creativity, intent, and love. Enjoy.