Experiment 2 (Part II): Photography assignment and asking What If?

 In this month's Experimental Task Part II, engaging with Playfulness becomes looking at things from many angles and fields of focus with photography. Basically taking my phone/camera out into the world and simply giving myself the space to just follow what I find interesting and really LOOK at the thing. No passing glances - but stopping and seriously giving my attention to said thing while recording those moments with a camera. Okay. I've done that a lot over the past year. It's true - its fascinating to actually SEE and experience something that has drawn one's attention. 

And while that is very interesting, I found myself responding much more to Jean's prompt of exploring "What If?" in journal form (Task Part II). I shouldn't just say journal - I have a hunch that what she is really getting at is allowing that question of discovery to become tangible, whether that's a journal or some other form that allows a person to journey into discovery physically, viscerally. Basically get out of one's head and use the senses, use art/craft mediums to side step the thinking brain and simply be creative.

And I still haven't done this.

I am really drawn to her journaling process - but I'm struggling with the implementation. I am letting a lot of other things get in the way of actually DOING. 

Jean says asking "what if" can disrupt the habits that sometimes impair our creativity. 

What if I don't turn my computer on until after 3 pm?

What if I dedicate three mornings a week to creative projects? Writing, baking, drawing, painting, quilting.

What if I write down all my ideas for the pictures I want to paint with fabric? What if I start to draw, sketch, and build templates for them?

What if I simply look for the patterns? The colors, the angles and connections that resonate with me?

What if I look at my intentions and make sure I bring compassion and kindness to my Self and my lived life?

What if I make space for my emotional health and give myself time to process this challenging

world we live in?

Takeaway: It's easy to think about being creative but tangibly moving into the creative process for play and experimentation is different. Doesn't have to be difficult - but it does take looking at all the ways we stop ourselves from putting pen to paper, brush to paint, camera to picture.