What if we all were illiterate?

In other words, what if we didn't have a written language? What if we didn't read? Didn't write? I wonder what the world would be like, what other inventions we'd have, how we'd be living our lives without the influence of our left hemisphere-centric orientation?

I'm rereading the Alphabet vs. the Goddess by Leonard Shlain. Remarkable book. A Freakenomics of sort giving rationale to why we are the way we are. The author argues that the left side of the brain has been overdeveloped to the detriment of right brain functioning; his implications are jarring in considering creativity, its full scope.

More later, it's late now. The insights weigh heavily, and after appearing in popcorn fashion. One step at a time. Stay tuned.

The Story of Cap and Trade

The Story of Cap and Trade

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Creativity at Canada Post

Maybe it's not a new idea to you, a variation on a theme. Saw this while walking through a tougher neighbourhood of Toronto today.

Think the postal code decorations will keep the taggers at bay? Bets?

Desiderata

A friend recently told me her dad gave this to her when she was small; said she memorized the poem. Took a look at it tonight, thinking, how does this relate to creativity? Simple. Follow the suggestions for a couple of weeks. See how many new ideas transform into new actions that make a difference in your life, and in the lives of the people who matter most to you.



Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Extraordinary Simplicity

Street fish sculpture: transformed bicycle stands. With a little extra effort the usual can become intriguing. Seen in front of the ROM in Toronto.





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Signs of the times: Blue Banana Insights

Blue Banana in Toronto's Kensington Market is an artisan's fair filled with boutique kiosks, booths, selling funky bath salts, candles, t-shirts, posters, bed linens, toys, housewares; nifty artifacts not typically available for purchase in big-box stores presented for purchase. The holiday season evident at every turn. Interesting gift ideas beyond the 'normal', geared for those with an eclectic bent. A fascinating experience when looking through the eyes of a creativity specialist.

New ideas, interesting twists on common themes were everywhere. And underneath it all, evidence of the times we are living in. Like this first photo - recessionary swine flu times advice - available in posters, fridge magnets and mugs - Keep Calm and Carry on - a phrase used often in the UK during the last World War.

Here's another, juxtaposed. Not really sure what this is - perhaps a large fridge magnet. Imagine seeing this message everyday, or the one above. Think it would make a difference on your attitude toward your day ahead? Personally, if given a choice, my preference would be the keep calm one. Wonder what attitudes the masses are carrying more of and how that inspires them to work all our emerging changes.

Another juxtaposition - ready for this - Angel's and Devils. You can choose either of these magnets, or both, to affix to fridge, filing cabinet, whatever. FYI there were other ones too, of Spinoza, Jesus, Eleanor Roosevelt, etc. How we choose our influences, eh?

And what about Jesus and love? Are we so needy, driven for acceptance, recognition, affirmation that we put ourselves above others so we are blind to our humanness and the contributions others make? If you could give only one of these two t-shirts to others, or to yourself, as a gift, which one would it be?

Why a definition of creativity specialist?

I've been in the creativity business for 30 years, having graduated from the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State College in 1980 (BA - first minor in creative studies), 1983 (Graduate certificate) and 2001(Master of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership).

Over the years there have been tremendous changes in the field. The number of practitioners and books have been growing steadily since the early 1990's; some do a service to our profession, others not.

Creativity is becoming a professional competence - there are those that use it in their day to day work and others who specialize in supporting those individuals, and others, be at their best. What's missing from the creativity profession,though are ethics and competencies by which creativity professionals abide: what are the ethics creativity professionals follow? what beliefs do we have? what are our competencies? In a bottom line fashion the question is this: What are clients guaranteed of when they engage a creativity professional? Why would they engage one at all? What's the difference between a creative professional and a creativity professional?

I began looking into this in earnest during the summer of 2009, and presented my initial findings and thoughts at the Mindcamp just north of Toronto a few weeks ago. Reception was profound with tremendous encouragement to keep the conversation, newly opened, going. The earlier blog post contained some of my findings - there will be more to follow...