Creating Choices

A recent vacation had me on a plane and in the window seat which I love.  My nose stayed pressed against that little window and, as always, I was enthralled by the bird’s eye view of the world.  (Actually, I’m always amazed that we’re up there and, no, don’t spoil it with an explanation of aerodynamics!)  After take-off and before we headed through staggering, billowing clouds I could see the world laid out below me.  I could see small streets curving through sprawling developments; older towns neatly laid out.  I could see highways ribboning along the surface, cars like monopoly tokens moving along, drivers unsuspecting of my scrutiny from above.  I could see where rivers widened and narrowed, detoured around green islands.  I could see where they started and where they went. I got the whole picture; the whole enchilada. The view was clear and defined. I knew what was around those bends.

 Being on the ground, in one of those cars, on that highway, on the bank of that river? That’s a whole different story.  Things are not as clear when we’re in the thick of it. Right?

 How much easier decision making would be if we could do it from 30,000 feet!  The consequences would be clear.  “A” would lead to B would lead to C.  D, E and F would naturally follow. Easy, peasy!

 In a recent Creativity Age program I watched and listened as participants tossed around ideas for what might be a just-right next step for them.  As always happens, once they start, it’s like a geyser!  Ideas emerge and are expanded upon by fellow participants.  Lots of “what-ifs” pop up.  At this point in the process of creating their next stage of life they’re not ready to settle on something.  The creative juices are starting to flow; possibilities are swirling.  It’s energizing and fun. And I remind them that this first evening is not about coming up with the perfect scenario. It’s just the beginning. And it’s fun. And that’s okay!

As I drove home, though, it occurred to me I thought, “Could this also be a little overwhelming?” Too many choices?” Because, eventually, the field of choices will need to be narrowed down. A first step will have to be determined.  Otherwise, “fate” assumes dominance and our ideas wither on the creative vine of life

The beginning of any creative process, be it a piece of writing, art, a new career or how to segue into a new phase of life, is rarely crystal clear and linear. It’s only as we proceed, if we allow ourselves to proceed, that we begin to get the higher level vantage point of view.  Sadly, many lose faith when ideas are vague. They never get off the ground.

2 things occur to me which might help in the winnowing of ideas, which just might help them gain the needed altitude to soar.

1.       Small, kaizen questions. Ask yourself what is the essence is of the ideas that have come to you. Lay those ideas out in front of you. Live with them, walk them through the park.  Dialogue with them.  Ask questions.  Relax and put your paying attention cap on.  The answers will show up.  Begin to notice the thread that winds through all your ideas.  What is at the heart of it all? Is it that you want to sell hot dogs or is the happy customer part the real driver? Be curious and non-judgmental of what shows up. Let it gain traction. Grab that thread and rappel up the thought process with it.

2.       Use your body. Can you sense your way to the idea that is better suited just for you at this point in time? As you ask questions and listen for the answers also be noticing how it feels in your body.  Does that sound weird to you?  Let’s back up a step here.  When something frightens you or delights you do you notice that there is a visceral feeling that goes with it?  A sensation of the stomach dropping; a flutter in the chest.  Our bodies are amazing barometers and yet so often ignored.  We have an entire network of nerve endings lining our gut, so wide-ranging that some scientists call it our “second brain”.

You can use this body awareness as a powerful tool in your decision making. Try to identify what emotion you’re feeling when you contemplate an idea.  Try to distinguish between the normal fears that might occur when facing the unknown and the absolute knowing that something is not for you. Be alert for the signals of excitement and delight that can steer you in the direction that is better suited for you.  Try it first on small decisions; get the “feel” of it.  Learn to rely on it. Go there first before you ask someone “what do you think of…”