On some level we really have no idea what is happening.
Sure we know facts, we have created structures that are logical, and we have access to huge amounts of information.
Amidst the unknown we have constructed a way of living and creating that for the most part works for us.
But we tend to do whatever we can to avoid “not knowing.” Some of this avoidance drives us to do great things, and pushes us to go beyond where we thought we could go.
But there is an, often hidden, source of creativity within not knowing.
If we stop resisting the place of not knowing…
If we have the bravery to boldly stand up within the unknown and say I am here, and I don’t know, and I certainly am not going to run away…
A creative channel opens.
Why?
We are aligning with an inherent truth – the truth of “I don’t know.”
I have found it incredibly beneficial before starting to shoot a scene for a movie or TV show to remind myself that I really don’t know what is about to happen.
A door opens.
It keeps me present, open to the nuance, and brave enough to welcome the journey and the magic of the unexpected.
Here’s your experiment:
This week, play with committing fully as you…
-shoot that scene,
-finish writing that chapter,
-ask for a raise
-give that talk
-have that meeting
-say what is true
And, all the while…
welcome what you do know –
but equally welcome what you don’t know.
You might just access a source of power as you welcome the vast unknown.
Committed Impulse is about aligning with your truth to do your best work regardless of the situation.
And at times, boldly standing in the wind even when you have no idea…
is an act of bravery.
This bravery opens the creative channel so you can do your most insightful work.
Eyes open, deep breath, feel the sensation, you’re back.
X J
Wow. Okay. You kinda just blew my mind.
I’ve been tracing my fears back to that old scapegoat ‘control seeking’ but this made me realize that the reason I scramble for a sense of control is just a symptom of deeper trouble – I’m afraid of NOT KNOWING wtf will happen and that freaks me out.
Grateful for a new perspective, going to try to flip this script on its head and embrace the unknowingness. I’m excited to see what happens. Thanks a ton!
That’s awesome Blaine.
I think we all tend to fall into a sense of panic when we don’t know.
Maybe it comes from not knowing the answer in grammer school.
But we’re grown up now.
Have fun with your new script.
Let us know what you discover.
Rock on
Josh
I LOVE having no idea!!!
It’s just that sometimes, when the survival mode kicks in, and I have to pay rent (oh, yeah, that comes every month around here 🙂 ) I forget to relax into the ‘I have no idea’.
The beauty is that when I allow myself to not know, miraculous answers come to me when I’m in the shower, when I pet my dog or when I wash my dishes.
Sweet!
(and I can’t wait to see you in the July workshop)
Thanks, Josh
This is one of my favorites Josh!
I also think getting cozy with the unknown on a regular and personal basis makes dealing with “shit that happens” easier to roll with.
Also noticing the “I don’t know” idea coming up a bit more in the sales world more – I don’t know if this will work. I don’t know if this Product or Program is right for you. Maybe. I know what I’m doing, but not always. Advertising and marketing preys on our desire for control, perfection, belonging, but the world is getting wiser. Certainty can sometimes be bullshit. False confidence.
I don’t know if I am making any sense, but who cares?