Category: creativity

creativity, experience, teaching, yoga

Beginning: If You’re Going to Experiment, You Need a Laboratory

Christa Avampato
From smashingapps.com

“Experimentation is an active science.” ~ Claude Bernard

The only way anyone can really learn to teach is to practice. No amount of book learning or observation (and I am an enormous fan of both practices!) can really prepare us to stand before a group of willing minds and bodies who want to learn what we know. We have to take our place at the helm of a class and give it a whirl, over and over and over again.

This is especially true when learning to teach yoga. The cadence, tone, and volume of our voices, how we tread the lines of observing our students, adjusting them verbally and physically, demonstrating, and giving them information about a posture’s benefits all take a good deal of practice. To practice we need a laboratory – a place where we can try experiment and play to gauge what works and what doesn’t. My laboratory for teaching is my free class at the New York Public Library on Wednesday nights at 6:00pm.

Tonight we started class with a few postures that I learned over the weekend at my therapeutic yoga training at Integral Yoga. These postures are more based in Traditional Chinese Medicine  than yoga, and asked if they’d be willing to give them a go so I could practice teaching them. Gracious as always, they were more than happy to give them a try to help me out. It was a great gift for me to practice receiving help, something that is sometimes difficult for me to request. I’m used to giving all the time; the students were more than happy to be able to give in return.

Labs gives us the chance to try what’s difficult for us, which is often exactly what we need to do, and it promotes the growth of the individual and the participating community. It also opened up the dialogue. The students felt more willing to ask question than they have in other classes. Rebecca, the head librarian at Bloomingdale who makes this class possible, walked me out after the class. “I have to miss next week’s class and I’m not happy about it. This one hour of class makes my whole week manageable.”

And that’s the benefit I didn’t know a lab could provide – the freedom it represents gives all of us permission to check our cares at the door and for a brief time just be.

creative process, creativity, inspiration, love, New York City, nostalgia

Beginning: Building a Space from Love – Heidi’s House by the Side of the Road

Christa Avampato

Front view of Heidi's
“Here are your waters and your watering place. Drink and be whole again beyond confusion.” ~ Robert Frost, seen on the chalk board over the bar at Heidi’s House by the Side of the Road

I went to Heidi’s House by the Side of the Road last week with a small group of friends. It’s not an actual house but an adorable niche that serves tremendous wine and some of the most delicious food I’ve had in a long time. Every nook and cranny of Heidi’s in jam-packed with love, care, and concern. The attention to detail is extraordinary. Heidi herself made sure of it.

Even the name has a heart-felt meaning. In the bathroom there is a needle point that states, “Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to a man.” It’s a quote by Sam Walter Foss. I asked Heidi why that quote means so much to her that she’d name her business after it. She told me, “It’s the quote on my father’s grave stone.” Gulp. I got goosebumps.

It got me thinking about how important it is to put love into our endeavors, how much of a difference that makes to the people who get to share in your creation. We taste love in food, we hear it in music, and we see it in art. It has this unmistakable and yet unexplainable quality that is universal.

Take a spin over to Heidi’s and see what I mean. Then get cracking on your own creation of love, and let others share in it the way Heidi does.

business, change, creativity, leader, leadership

Beginning: Leadership and Boundaries

Christa Avampato

“We are our boundaries.” ~ George Simmel, Sociologist

I read this quote on a blog by one this blog’s supportive readers, bwinwnbwimusic. The quote showed up just as I was thinking about a project I’m currently involved with. The Universe is so wise; it knew exactly the encouragement I needed. The project is not fun – difficult partners and a difficult team to manage. I was nashing my teeth a bit over how to proceed. I felt like my efforts, and even my creative abilities, were blocked. I was stuck, and quickly time was flying by.

Meditating on boundaries
I decided to sit down, close my eyes, and really focus on this quote from George Simmel. If I feel blocked, there must be some boundary I am trying to cross over and that boundary doesn’t have any give. What is the boundary? What lesson is it teaching me? How do I either traverse it, or find an authentic way to incorporate it into my plan?

Finally, an answer surfaces
Yes, the partner on this project is difficult. Yes, there’s a leadership vacuum and a team that is not proactive. The boundary though, the real boundary that I was wrestling with, was me. I’m the one who needed to grow and change because I am the only individual I really have control over.

It starts and ends with me – that’s leadership
The partner was difficult because I had not set firm guidelines with them. There is a leadership vacuum and I will need to fill it. The team is not proactive and so I need to be more prescriptive with them. I have the ability to influence and if the project is to turn out in a way that I’m proud of, then it is up to me to find a way to motivate, inspire, and bring all the disparate pieces and parties together. In this way, I am learning that leadership requires the close examination and then acceptance of boundaries. It’s back to the oldage of once I accept myself as I am, then I find that I can change.

career, creative process, creativity

Beginning: 4 Paths to Gaining Constructive Discontent

Christa Avampato

I was digging through the Problogger archives recently and came across this gem of a post: 9 Attitudes of Highly Creative People. I love these kinds fo posts for a few reasons: a) I’m a creativity hound, hence the subtitle of this blog, “Curating a Creative Life” and b) they never go out of style. Creative habits are trendy; they’re truths. What works today will work tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. Just like that little black dress or that perfect feel-good pair of jeans. I love a classic.

Of the 9 attitudes that Darren Rowse, a.k.a. Problogger, discusses in this post, my favorite by far is “Constructive Discontent”. Give me the naysayers who have taken the time to come up with a host of better alternatives than the options currently on the table. I will gladly embrace them because I’m one of them. These are the people who turn ideas upside down, create disruptive new products and services, and live by the mantra “why not?” They are rebels with a cause – to make the world better.

4 Paths to Gain Constructive Discontent:
1.) Don’t accept that the way it is will be the way it will always is. In this new-fangled economy there is only one certainty – change, and plenty of it!

2.) Be a Hopeful Pessimist, or a Cynical Optimist. Even if it’s all going to hell at the moment, those with constructive discontent believe in their heart of hearts that it can and will be better in the not-so-distant future.

3.) You’re Part of the Solution. Believing that the choices you make and the positions that you take on a project can make a difference is key. If you have strong convictions, be prepared to back them up with actions.

4.) Be on record. Being on record with a unique p.o.v. can be tough. It takes confidence and courage, and in the end confidence and courage do create a healthier more productive system. Take the long-view.

art, creativity, film

Beginning: Sketches of Frank Gehry

Christa Avampato

http://www.sonyclassics.com/sketchesoffrankgehry/main.html
Over the weekend I watched the documentary Sketches of Frank Gehry by the brilliant director Sydney Pollack. This was Pollack’s first documentary and he starts the movie by freely admitting that he knows nothing about making a documentary and nothing about architecture. “That’s why you’re the perfect choice,” laughed Gehry. I was struck by how much of the documentary dealt with the topic of beginning. “At the moment of beginning, I’m always terrified,” said Gehry. “It’s just me and this enormous task, and I delay and procrastinate because I’m afraid I can’t do it. And then I start, and I realize I actually can do this.”

Two other poignant points about the idea of beginning happen in the middle and at the end of the film. Towards the middle of the film, Pollack shares his feelings about his early career as a director. “I always felt like I was pretending when I first started. I felt like I was faking it for a long time, and then eventually that feeling went away and I was just a director,” he said. “That happened to me, too,” agreed Gehry. Toward the end of the film, Pollack asks Gehry, “Do you ever look at one of your buildings and wonder how did I do that?” “Every time,” replied Gehry. “Every time.”

Two giants, one in architecture and one in film, talking about their own uncertain beginnings in their chosen professions and their continued and consistent beginnings in all of their creative projects. The beginning process is terrifying. It’s you and a very blank canvas at the start of every day at the start of every project. It can be overwhelming. Take some advice from Pollack and Gehry – just begin. Give it a go. It worked out okay for both of them. There’s no reason why it can’t work out for you, too.

choices, creativity, luck, nature, religion

Beginning: The Long Shot of Life

Christa Avampato

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathoov/2429733088/
While in Austin, I started reading the book, The Case for a Creator. My brother-in-law lent it to me after we watched the lunar eclipse together in December. Lee Strobel, the author, starts the book as a devout atheist. He speaks to scientists and researchers to examine their views on the origins of life. Though they have divergent views, there is one thing that they all agree on – the odds of life being created in its first instant were a case against all odds. The numerous conditions that had to come together to give life its first breath is nothing short of a miracle. Life, as we know it, was a long shot from the very beginning.

I thought about this idea over the weekend when Kira Campo, a Twitter friend of mine and Founder of The Creative Practice, were talking about creative projects we’re both pursuing. She asked if I thought they were a long shot. I absolutely think they’re a long shot, just like everything in life. As Brian so often tells me, “We get what we settle for.”

If nature and life itself have anything to teach us it’s that we have to believe that the long shot is possible. Somehow the necessary elements conspire and catapult us into a life we imagine. The turning points aren’t always obvious and often entirely unplanned. If we live long enough and look back on the moment that really make our lives what they are, we realize just how coincidental and synchronous life really is. Go for the long shot that you really want – it’s just as likely to come to fruition as any other possibility.

creativity, ideation, imagination, impact, product development, SXSW

Beginning: Win By Being Open Source

Christa Avampato

“If you free your data, people will come to you.” ~ Deb Boyer, Phillyhistory.org

I heard this quote at one of the last panels I attended at SXSW Interactive, Innovating and Developing with Libraries, Archives, and Museums. Deb Boyer was part of a panel that discussed innovations that are happening within libraries, archives, and museums. Those institutions wrestle with the options of if, how, when, and to whom to release their extensive and rich spectrum of data and information. Do they charge or make it free? Is there a limit to how much someone can use? How should the information be delivered? Deb encouraged open collaboration between institutions and most certainly for anyone interested in partnering with libraries and archives. She believes being open source is the only way to win influence in our interconnected world; but yourself off from anyone interested in your brand by creating complex business models around the content and your influence rapidly diminishes.

At a conference buzzing with a million and one phenomenal ideas, the questions of intellectual property and ownership of ideas comes up a lot. In panels, hallway conversations, and key notes. Someone has a great idea and needs others to bring it to life. Does that mean that they run the risk of losing the idea by sharing it a la The Social Network? Maybe. Though Deb Boyer argued on her panel that there is no other choice. If the goal is to share what we know and bring our visions to life, we have to put it out there and see what comes back to us.

Gary Vaynerchuk talked about something similar in his keynote on The Thank You Economy. He gives and gives and gives and doesn’t worry about what he’ll get in return. In his very straightforward, and slightly crass, way he argued that if we’re generous first, others will follow in ways and quantities that we could never possibly imagine. Karma, baby. Karma.

SXSW is an incredibly generous environment. Sure, people are being provocative and forthright. They’re asking tough questions that have messy answers or no answers at all. They’re putting themselves and their ideas out there in the hopes that others will join them in their creative pursuits. They’re giving away what they know to anyone who’s interested in what they have to say and willing to take the time to listen. They’re all doing exactly what Deb and Gary advocate for. As Gary so eloquently stated, “Forget about having your ideas stolen. Just out care the competition and you’ll win every time in any industry, in any market.”

apple, blogging, creativity, technology

Some sparks are flying between me and the iPad

Christa Avampato

I am currently at the Apple pop-up store in Austin. The store was late breaking news development that geeks here at SXSW are very happy about. The line for the new iPad is currently extended around the corner.

I have been slightly skeptical about tablets, worried that I would be duplicating my Droid X, which I love, and my MacBook which I love even more. However, I began to covet the glowing machine at SXSW because my laptop is heavy to carry around all day and blogging on my DROID is a less than ideal.

I took myself over here to the Apple store before grabbing some lunch in preparation for my SXSW talk this afternoon. From first touch, I developed an infatuation for little Mac Jr. Successful first date, though I need a little more time before I decide whether or not we’re destined to move in together.

I’m cautiously optimistic, and smitten.

creativity, SXSW, travel

Beginning: Variety Abounds in Austin at SXSW

Christa Avampato

I just finished sorting through all of my SXSW Festival materials. I’m bowled over by the amount of talent, insights, and excitement that’s available in the Interactive and Film portions of the Festival. Thank goodness I arrived a day early to get myself together!

Already Austin in proving to be an incredibly hospitable city. I had one cab driver who chatted me up about the US Open (we’re both big fans of del Potro!) and the other played a trivia game with me to test my African geography skills (he said I did well for an American – hmmm…compliment?). I had a great sampling of great Mexican food, complete with dangerously delicious sangria, and everyone I met smiled at my, made eye contact, and bent over backwards to help me out with anything I needed. In the words of Annie, “I think I’m gonna like it here.”

On deck for open day:
9:00 am coffee with Rohan Gunatillake, “reformed management consultant and seriously playful urban meditator” – a Twitter connection I made on Thursday morning. He works at the intersection of Buddhist meditation and tech so we have lots to talk about!

I’m going to take in the trade show for the remainder of the morning.

12:00 pm lunch date with Michelle Nickolaisen, a.k.a. the creative power behind Wicked Whimsy. Thank you, Twitter. Again!

And then the festival really gets cooking with these sessions:

2:00 – Improv Classes: Not Just for Comedians and Actors

3:30 – Why Everything is Amazing But Nobody is Happy

5:00 – Why Would We Think Social Media Is Revolutionary? with Clay Shirky

And then a plethora of evening parties to choose from. As Saturday and Sunday promise to be nights filled with revelry I may be taking it easy tonight. Pacing is a virtue!

For my thoughts on the day as it unfolds, check my Twitter feed and Tumblr blog, Born into Color. There’s exciting stuff brewing in Texas, and I’m excited to share it!

I took the photo above. Amidst all of Austin’s colorful signage, this is one of my favorites. A hot sauce store!

creativity, learning, mistakes

Beginning: Mistakes Pave the Way to Wisdom

Christa Avampato

“Mistakes are the usual bridge between inexperience and wisdom.” ~ Phyllis Theroux

In this year of new beginnings I’ve been thinking a lot about eradicating fear. The most wonderful thing about having a beginner’s mind is that it gives us the space and the freedom to experiment. We aren’t trying to be perfectionists or people who get it right. We’re playing, and in play, mistakes are welcome and expected.

The idea behind Phyllis Theroux’s quote concentrates on the utility and prevalence of mistakes. They take us from a place of ignorance to a place of knowledge. Last week I heard someone give a presentation in which one of his team’s annual goals is to “build a culture intolerant of defects.” My gut reaction to that language made me want to hide under the table or run out of the room. “That’s what’s wrong with his company,” I thought to myself. “Mistakes are not expected, accepted, or even allowed. No wonder there’s very little innovation here! People are too scared of being cast out to even try to do anything new.” And as a side note, there’s also very little wisdom in his company.

I thought about writing the speaker an anonymous note with Theroux’s quote on it and sending it off to him. The sad part is I really feel that once someone is that far gone down the path to perfection, there’s very little hope of pulling him back to reality until there is a burning platform underneath him. Instead, I’m going to show by example that if we can have even a hint of acceptance, or dare I say celebration!, of mistakes then all of a sudden the creativity really gets juiced up, the culture opens, and inertia of innovation can’t be stopped.

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