The Fertile Unknown

The Creative Wellspring Within

My 2 cents for today

 

 

Cultivating Creative Aliveness Poster

A couple yars ago I wrote an article on this blog on 9 Practices for Cultivating Creative Aliveness that goes into more detail with each of the practices. Today I played with making it into a poster (and shortening it) to go with a workshop I'll be doing. Thought I'd share it here:

The full-length article is at http://bit.ly/gx2Oyq

Expand Your Story: Improv for Creative Reinvention

This was a from an online talk I gave on Creative Reinvention using principles and story-based practices from improvisational theater...one of the ways to live into a larger story....

http://www.slideshare.net/mjames7770/improv-for-creative-reinvention

Expand Your Story: Improv for Reinvention from mjames7770

6 Elements of Signature Work

 

In the 15 years that I've been coaching and working with passion-centered, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, there are a few patterns I've observed that over and over again with clients and peers who have successfully made their way doing and embodying their alive, meaningful, signature work in the world.

By cultivating these 6 elements as an entrepreneur, you become more empowered in what you are offering, and in owning its value. You reduce the focus on, and worries about, competition. Others may work in the same field, or market the same type of services and offerings, but no one has the same 6 elements to bring to and inform his or her work as you do.

Most people look at only knowledge and education base, or type of work, as the only measure of what they do. That is only one part of your one-of-a-kind Signature Work. By following and cultivating what is most alive and juicy for you, you create a strong inner foundation upon which to build - one that can carry you through the rough times, and though times of uncertainty and discovery.

By also focusing and drawing out the uniqueness of your gifts skills talents; cultivating your own stories, observances and discoveries; drawing upon your unique set of experiences in your work and life; and then weaving it together with your own unique creative style and expression (EVERYONE has that - not just artists!), there is no one else who can do what you do in the same way you do it. It becomes your unique signature work or approach.

It takes work, focus and effort to dig deep and cultivate and then integrate these elements into your work. It requires time and attention on self discovery. As Socrates said back in the day, "The unexamined life in not worth living." It takes self-examination - a deep dive into who you are, what you know, and what really moves you - to create your Signature Work. And it takes trial and error in the real world to strengthen it as you go - with inside-out inspiration and outside-in feedback.

It's an ongoing process. The good news is that you can discover quite quickly you are so much richer and have so much more to offer your signature work than bullet points on a resume. You have a creative reservioir and wellspring of gifts, ideas and stories you might not even realize you have...and no one can do exactly what you do in the ways you do it.

By working to cultivate and integrate these 6 elements, impassioned entrepreneurs begin to embody and exude a sense of ownership and "inner authority" that serves to attract potential clients more easily, and allows you to meet the challenges of an uncertain, constantly changing world with less trepidation and more resilience. Work becomes more fun, meaningful, engaging...and uniquely yours.

Whole Brain Creative Facilitation Workshop in December!

Using Whole-Brain Creativity Practices and Principles to create Vibrant, Agile and Innovative Learning  Environments

http://www.creativeemergence.com/wbfacilitation.html

2-day Workshop ~ December 7th and 8th.
PLUS 1 follow-up one-on-one coaching session.
Led by Michelle James, CEO of The Center for Creative Emergence.


Image from Mercedes Benz ad

This workshop is for professional facilitators, trainers, OD practitioners, coaches, consultants, educators, leaders and anyone else who wants to facilitate creativity, dynamic learning and positive culture change for their participants.
 
Join the creativity facilitation and training revolution! In this workshop you will learn and experience a variety of both right and left brain creativity approaches and techniques designed to enliven your workshops and accelerate participant learning.
 
Learn how to * Quickly and easily engage participants * Modify activities for the particular group and learning objectives * Draw forth the energy, passion, and assets already in the room * Cultivate the attitudes and behaviors for using whole-brain approaches * Create a safe and receptive learning environment
 
Effectively getting groups to open up to experiential creative approaches begins with increasing your own comfort and flexibility with the techniques you facilitate. This workshop will focus on two levels at the same time - you as a professional, authentic facilitator and you as a creative individual. You will have the opportunity for personal expansion as you gather useful tools.
 
Experience whole-brain training activities based in storytelling, improvisational theater, visual imagery, somatics, accelerated learning, ritual, systems thinking, Socratic and analytical processes...and more!  You will learn key creative facilitation principles, creativity training design guidelines, and whole brain approaches to design and facilitate innovative learning environments.
 
Explore using whole brain methods to:
    * Get your own creative juices flowing
    * Draw forth your natural gifts as a facilitator
    * Explore the applications of these new tools
    * Have fun. Surprise yourself and each other
    * Let go of controls; think and respond spontaneously
 
Leave with creative activities for:
    * Icebreakers
    * Energizers
    * Creating group story
    * Innovation & idea generation
    * Team & community building
 
In this pattern-breaking program, you will learn how to let go of controls and mindsets that otherwise inhibit your creative thinking. As you facilitate this for your participants, they will experience a deeper level of meaning and learning.
 
When: Friday & Saturday, December 7th and 8th (9:30: 4:30) and a follow up phone one-on-one coaching session. Where: Falls Church, VA. Directions will be provided.

More information and registration:
http://www.creativeemergence.com/wbfacilitation.html
 
Contact information:
email: [email protected]
phone: 703-760-9009
web: http://www.creativeemergence.com