The Creative Unknown: Turning Uncertainty into Discovery

Because it is central to my work, I’m constantly learning and reminded - and in awe of - how what we see as a ”miracle" on one level (i.e., fulfilled intentions in the most unexpected, completely unpredictable ways) is just about partnering the with unknown-yet-to-emerge as a generative, creative resource and letting that be our guide.

I experience it not as "blind faith" in the process but rather faith-from-experience in the natural order of how things are created and emerge...and letting go of outdated, socialized assumptions and ways of being that no longer serve. I'm always looking to more fully inhabit and embody the "emergence lens" (which can be a struggle at times as I bump up against my own inner assumptions that need to be transformed).

But one thing is for sure…is that you can’t discover what you already know - to stay in the discovery process means allowing yourself the spaciousness of being in the unknown. Right now, we are all in a huge unknown. We have a choice to use that for discovery. It is the nature of how things emerge that when you bring intention, heart, and purpose into the unknown, you make discoveries that are often surprising, and always life-giving.

One of the tenets of the creative emergence process is turning uncertainty into discovery. It means you don’t fill up the unknown with something familiar - or avoiding it, relying on others ideas, or numbing it - for security, but allow yourself space and time to discover what is calling to emerge from within your own creative yourself. And something is always calling to emerge if we are present…and listening. Sometimes that means using various whole-brain cultivation “tools” to access it - from drawing it to to journaling it to acting it out in the body and so much more! There are infinite ways to harvest the “fertile unknown” (I’ve seen literally thousands of variations over the past 25 years working with my clients). Different ways work for different people - because we each have out own unique creative style and language.

A place to start is just accepting that you are at the edge of what you know, and you are open to discovering what is there. Just that will start to reduce the fear of the unknown into something you do have choice over - which is engaging your discovery process. Then, stay open to impulses, insights, awareness, and dreams (they contain subconscious information that our conscious minds often do not see) that come to you. Instead of brushing something supposing off, start to connect with it in whatever way speaks to you…through images, words, energy, feelings, etc. - and you’ll deepen the insights.

Discovery turns the unknown for a dark, scary place into a rich, fertile landscape you get to explore. And with enough exploration, something new, clear, and life-giving will eventually emerge. Security comes not from being certain, or in control (which is impossible in volatile times), but from learning to experience the unknown as a creative ally - something that is generous, creative, and there for you. That "bond" strengthens over time as you practice navigating it.

If you’d like additional support in this process, or have questions on how to get started, contact me anytime for a FREE 30-minute discovery session.

Michelle James ©2020

Comments

[SourcePOV]

Michelle,

Your thoughts here are, as always, important and insightful. Most all of us are likely to have struggled with confidence when we face uncertainty at the scale of 2020.

At times, I think we start to distrust our own perceptions.

Part of venturing into discovery - seeking the potential of generative engagement - is taking risk. And I'd argue our tolerance for risk these days has trended lower - !

But I agree with you, we have to put ourselves out there. Take those chances. Sometimes it's a bias for trust, or 'benefit of the doubt' in our chance encounters. For me, it's been the chance to get to know neighbors at level I wouldn't have otherwise. And LinkedIn connections have proven a fertile ground for new ideas, and a global network of friends to brainstorm them -

I hope you are faring well, under the circumstances. Again, many thanks for the on-going inspiration - !!

Chris | Charlotte NC

[Michelle]

Love everything you said, Chris. Thanks you! Yes, we are more risk adverse these days. It is my deep hope that seeing through the lens of discovery is one of the ways to help make taking smaller steps, or smaller risks, easier during these challenging times. I'm feeling more urgency than ever with doing that, and supporting others in doing that, so we can all contribute to a more life-giving future.

Great to hear form you! Hope all is well.