Getting into the "creative zone"
There are many things we call this, but the most common seems to be the "Flow State".
The 'Flow State' seems to elicit a visceral response. Some people are totally on board, while others are adamant that it does not exist.
I feel it does have some value. We get into a zone, perhaps a funk, when everything effortlessly flows. We become engrossed with what we're doing, whether it's writing, sketching, working, or merely talking. Have you ever been in a moment when you (or someone else) is absolutely killing it with all the words spilling out? As though you're on a new wavelength and your mind is racing through ideas, finding the best things to say at every turn? It's a surge of adrenaline, you feel incredible, and it's a lot of fun.
I recently watched a completely enthralling video. It's not every day that I watch an hour-long YouTube video, but this video was special.
Marc Rebillet's partnering with Wayne Brady was a stop-everything-right-now-and-watch-this moment. These are two people that seem to be in that killing it attitude non-stop.
Before I continue, here's the video. If you have an hour to kill, it's impressive.
Marc Rebillet has built a reputation for making stuff up. Using live streams and live performances to create beats and lyrics on the go.
Wayne Brady has used the same method, perhaps just a little earlier. Most notably, through the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway? In their own ways (but also kind of similarly), they're geniuses.
My heart was beating as I saw these two matched up in the thumbnail, eager to see what was creativity was sparking.
It's incredible to see these two in their element.
After a brief introduction, they both got down to business and made some music. After that, they had a short conversation (14:00).
...you aren't concerned where you end up, you're handling things in the moment.
- Wayne Brady
Chatting about this 'groove' they get in. Where the music and the words just come to you. You take a leap, and improvise; just going with the flow.
I find that doing improvisation is probably the most present that I am in a day.
- Wayne Brady
That's some beautiful stuff there for a bit of chat between two guys.
Improvisation demands being present in the moment. You don't have to worry about what you'll eat for lunch, the bill you have to pay, or the early wake-up call the next day. You need to be present to improvise; otherwise, you’ll stop yourself by thinking it through.
It's not about you trying to be as funny as a ‘Whose Line’ cast member, it's about [taking] 10 minutes out of your day and just try to make something up. Maybe it's a story; maybe it's a song; anything that focuses your mind like that, you'll automatically bring down your anxiety and you'll have fun. That's what's missing, man; we need to have fun.
- Wayne Brady
It doesn't take long to come up with something to ponder about - even if you have no idea what to think about. Pick three random words from a dictionary or a dictionary website. Now try to come up with something that ties all three of them together. Your brain will be firing, and you'll be exercising that creative muscle.
I'm just making up bullshit week after week, doesn't really matter what it is, as long as something comes out.
- Marc Rebillet
It's not just ordinary bullshit; this is top-notch bullshit (if you know what I mean).
You'd think they would prefer to be jamming it up, but around 37:00, Wayne says something exciting.
Sometimes creatively, your first mind is the best mind.
- Wayne Brady
I researched this, the First Mind, and it's all about gut instincts, but more nuanced... let's call them micro-instincts.
Let's pretend we're shopping for formal attire. We see a lovely shirt, but something tells us we shouldn't buy it. We like another shirt more, but it's much more expensive... let's go with the less expensive option! We only wear the shirt a few times and don't get as much use out of it as we had hoped — should have gotten the one we preferred more.
It's a simple example, but instincts come in before reason. Those thoughts before judgements come into the picture. I'm not advocating that you always go with your gut instinct, but you should always give it a chance. It's not necessary to think your way through everything; some things are better being decided on, so you can move on.
This is the foundation of improvisation. You don't get to judge what you do; all you can do is do it. You gotta act on the first thing that comes to mind because the moment you begin to doubt whether it is a good idea, you step out of the flow.
Allow and acknowledge your first mind's role as a guide. Today, I'm finding there's a lot of importance on careful consideration for decisions that don't need to be carefully considered. People tend to overthink pretty much everything. Make a decision and stick to it; don't stress about the outcome; just go with the flow, and everything will turn out OK (usually).
*Please don't apply this principle to everything in your life; certain things deserve thorough consideration!
Stay safe, and pass-it-on.