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Creative Thinking

May 01, 2006

ph_may_incesned.jpg

Curly~Q Thinking ~ Canon 30d
Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things
in a different way.

~ Edward de Bono

Established patterns ~ they're everywhere. In our beliefs. In our government. In our religion. Something tells me there aren't many elegant curly-Q's swirling in George Bush's head these days. I don't get political very often, at least not here, but I find W to be a pretty good example of someone fixated on beliefs in an unhealthy, in-the-box, let's-facilitate-the-end-of-the-world sort of way.

Case in point. I was at a relative's vacation house last year, and a friend of the family, a Republican ~ they're always Republican ~ said he truly admired George because he wasn't afraid of standing firm in his beliefs. No matter how much criticism he gets, he doesn't flinch from what he believes, and since no one seems to believe in anything anymore, it was awe-inspiring.

Ummm. Sadam Hussein defiantly believed something too. As did Hitler. Pat Robertson doesn't give a rat's ass about what anyone thinks while spewing out a doctrine of hate. Senator Kennedy espouses protecting the environment, but can't seem to accept responsibility for it in his own back yard ~ fighting a law that would require windmill-driven power off the shores of Massachusetts. We're all deluded ~ we elect these self-serving hypocrites.

Many of us slog through life bearing the heavy load of negative beliefs about ourselves and our neighbors, which only serves to increase our suffering. One of my girlfriends, who stands 6 feet tall and is strikingly, even breath-takingly beautiful, believes she must find a man who is at least 6 feet tall (preferably taller so she can wear heels) ~ he absolutely must be a devout catholic in order for her to be happy. I shake my head in disbelief as she bemoans the lack of male companionship in her life. Beliefs "protect" us from change, from reaching out and expanding our definitions of what is "good" and "right" for ourselves. Snuggly beliefs, and we all have them, help us feel safe and secure, but without critical review and healthy doubt, we run the risk of becoming shackled by them. Blind faith can be a very hurtful and dangerous thing. Digging in one's heals ~ defiantly setting ourselves in stone ~ is a fault rooted in narcissism, not a virtue.

I visualize a future where our collective beliefs obtain a measure of elasticity. Scary shit seems to transpire at every turn, and in every corner of the world ~ to keep doing what we're doing when we know it doesn't work is the definition of ignorance and stupidity. It will take creative solutions to solve these problems. Unfortunately, our system doesn't reward politicians who realize this and chart a course which is different from the one they initially set upon. They are labeled "flip-floppers" and "wafflers". I'd take a flip-flopper any day over the warmongering boulders who are leading us right now.

Beliefs. They can change the world, which can be a very good, or a very bad thing. What we fail to realize is the world is always changing ~ with or without our assistance. To keep pace with these changes requires embracing the one thing that never changes, which is change itself.

You and me? Let's expand our vision. Out beyond the realm of beliefs ~ beyond the borders of religion and politics ~ there is an expansive field, filled with every flower imaginable, and a sky decorated with ever-changing curly-Q clouds. Meet me there, in the swirling field called Love.

Posted by susan at May 1, 2006 11:08 AM

Comments

Right On!!!

Posted by: jzr at May 1, 2006 01:12 PM

I love the vortices in that smoke! Neat-o picture. And yes, I've set up shop in the swirling, expansive field. Glad to see another neighbor! ;)

Posted by: G. at May 1, 2006 01:45 PM

I've enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your beautiful photos for some time but have never posted a comment. After reading today's words of wisdom from you though, I feel compelled to say thank you! I've been struggling with many of my doubts on several levels lately and was beginning to think perhaps I was the crazy one to not buy into everything being sold as true and right all around me. Thanks!

Posted by: Peg at May 1, 2006 01:56 PM

Great post, Susan!!
It is scary when you let go of your beliefs and start strecthing yourself out there but in the end so very liberating.

the culy-Q's look very musical to me

Posted by: aola at May 1, 2006 02:07 PM

Asolutely spectacular

Posted by: Derek at May 1, 2006 02:10 PM

PERFECT!! Just perfect, every detail! I'm speechless!

Posted by: tongue in cheek at May 1, 2006 04:14 PM

It's really heart-warming to read your comments here. There are times when I wonder if anyone's reading and watching, and although in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter, it doesn assist me in a feeling of connectedness. In a way, I see this blog as a loving-kindness meditation... a place of reflection and practicing the art of true seeing. This isn't to say I don't welcome divergent opinions.. far from it. Hearing many viewpoints helps us all to see more clearly.

Posted by: Susan at May 1, 2006 05:07 PM

i looks to me like the head of a beautifully carved cello - awesome, dancing images - feather to fiddle - just breath-taking!

Posted by: Heidi at May 1, 2006 05:45 PM

what beautiful photo! more please! :)

Posted by: alison at May 1, 2006 08:13 PM

bravo, susan - i was wondering if your words would match your picture and i was not disappointed.

(i am guessing you have a bunch more readers than you do commenters; you are so inspired that it is difficult at best to leave comments that don't sound lame, so usually i am quiet, too -- how often can one hear "great pic!" or "that was amazing?"....don't answer that ;) perhaps it is so we keep you as down-to-earth as you seem to already be....)

Posted by: ~m2~ at May 2, 2006 05:37 AM

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.

I love that quote, and know many very constipated people who will never break out of their patterns. Oh, what they are missing! Wonderful photo (which does look like a violin...how cool!) and wise words to ponder. Have a great day!

Posted by: samtzmom at May 2, 2006 06:44 AM

Wonderful post and incredible photo. It doesn't even look like it's real.

Posted by: Lynn at May 2, 2006 10:58 AM

first just let me say what a fabulous photo this is. now, let me compliment you on a very, very powerful post. i'm life right now is enduring some turmoil and i have not wanted to face the changes. after reading this i feel a little more hopeful, a little more open...

Posted by: la vie en rose at May 2, 2006 12:20 PM

as Howard, the minister at our sunday morning gatherings, says.... OH YEAH.

warm wishes,
Lisa

Posted by: Lisa at May 2, 2006 01:50 PM

'Belief is thought at rest...'

~ William James

Posted by: eB at May 2, 2006 10:31 PM

AMEN!!! Creative change signifies Life is being lived.

Posted by: janet at May 8, 2006 03:26 PM