Have you ever noticed that when your daily schedule changes, you pay attention a little more? The auto-pilot is turned off and our minds become more active -- as well as our seeing, hearing and other senses. There might even be an expectation that something new could emerge!
While on a short vacation, I noticed a tension between missing normal routines and enjoying something different. Moving away from normal, created:
- A desire to experience other cultures;
- An opportunity to learn; and,
- A willingness to risk change.
In essence, a new canvas was challenging me with its blankness: What would inspire me this day? How might I be a little more creative?
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| How do you begin each day? (Photo credit: A Blank Canvas, Lead Life Well) |
This has caused me to question: Are we afraid of change? Do we avoid or resist it? Does it conjure up unpleasant reactions within us? And, I wonder -- especially after the pandemic -- why we all wanted to "return to normal" ?
In reality, each of us has distinctive Palettes of Values that can be used to paint on each day's canvas. We can experiment with style and test out possibilities. We can remain with what we know or attempt something new. What keeps us from trying, though?
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| Are you willing to test your creativity? (Photo credit: Paint Splash Background, Sharesale.com) |
We are challenged in different ways. What we can do, though, is encourage one another to pick up the brush and share what inspires us. Through awareness, reflection, and dialogue, we can listen and hear what values are important -- and cheer on the creative applications of those values to this wonderfully, complex world!
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| What inspires you? (Photo: North Atlantic Sunset - Larry Gardepie) |
For example: slowing down and watching a beautiful sunset is important. But equally important is inviting others to slow down and share that moment together. This shared experience connects us and draws the beauty inward.
That is, standing and watching alone connects that one person to the Sunset's Creator. Standing with loved ones, friends, colleagues and even strangers connects us to that ever-expanding moment. We become Co-Creators when we use our palette of values to move from the blank canvas of the day to opportunities that draw us together.
May the challenges of our daily blank canvases encourage and inspire us to color our world with beauty... together!
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
