Book 2: Creative Intelligence (Part 2)
The White Space Between Thoughts
Creativity is both elemental to being human and to the universe as a whole. From the big bang onward, creation defines. Geneticist Theodore Dobzhansky puts it this way: “The creativity of the evolutionary process follows the general pattern of all creativity. The emergent process is neither random nor determined but creative. Just as in the human order, creativity is neither a rational deductive process nor the irrational wandering of the undisciplined mind but the emergence of beauty as mysterious as the blossoming of a field of daisies out of the dark Earth.”
If Dobzhansky is right, it begs a question. If creativity is so central to everything, why is it so difficult to let our creative brilliance shine? The answer lies in our attempts to try, do or attain a state of creative ‘spark.’ Simply put, in the doing, we’ve moved away from being.
We are already unlimited, boundless creativity. If instead of doing we just relax, ‘aha’ comes into being because its already there. In the same vein, being in the ‘flow’ is always when we’re not thinking, but feeling. Thus, the trick isn’t to seek it, but simply to relax and let ourselves become aware. Seeking is our ego demanding attention, for it takes effort and will to make something, doesn’t it? Yet, in the seeking, so too is the loss of recognition of our true self. Our Presence is innately wise, and can be known by feelings of joy and love, not in thoughts and searching.
Instead of letting your ego determine what you focus your attention on, the sorcerer simply focuses his attention on what his intentions are. The principle is: whatever you focus your attention on expands in your life to the exclusion of other things. Instead of focusing all his attention on getting into the flow or getting out of this trap or that bad habit, the sorcerer simply focuses on getting better acquainted with his true self. With his intention focused on becoming more aware of his true self, his true self becomes better known. In that simple step comes Presence.
This takes a bit of trust, in the beginning. Is isn’t easy to disregard a lifetime of worry and a whole laundry list of looming responsibilities in the faith that the answers are already known to your true self. Most people concentrate on things they want, not on who they are. Yet there is nothing the true self cannot do; it isn’t constrained by time or space, economic or social laws. It is boundless, it is energy, it is part and parcel of the cosmic whole. Our true self can’t see any limitations, because those very limitations don’t exist in its realm. It is only our ego that sees limits, because our ego is so limited. Our true self can only see potential, and the avenues available to manifest that which is intended.
Ask yourself: Would you rather trust that very same ego that’s gotten you into this mess in the first place, or in your innately wise true self that knows no bounds?
Meditation Exercise: Relaxation. In this meditation, it is important to learn how to completely relax. First, empty your mind and get control of your thoughts. Focus on relaxing your muscles. Start at your toes. Tense, then relax them. Once you’ve learned how to relax the toes, move up to your calves, then thighs and so on all the way up to the face. Once you’ve mastered completely relaxing your self, note how completely at peace you are. Now, it is time to work on letting go of all negative thoughts. Visualize them disappearing, like a leaf on water flowing downstream, or sand escaping from top to bottom of an hour glass. All fear, doubt, worry thoughts are no longer the kind of thinking you will allow. Your intent is now to replace each negative thought with a positive one. Note how easy and reaffirming positive thoughts are to those negative ones that once occupied much too much of your time.