Allow it

Artists often use words like “investigating” when talking about  their creative research. Discovering new territory, breaking boundaries, forging links. Like an explorer setting off in pursuit of distant lands.

In the depths of my memory are Latin lessons about verbs being expressed in the active or passive voice. It strikes me now that the active voice brings with it all the connotations of adventure and achievement. Being passive is rarely applauded. 

But much of the creative process isn’t active. Yes, we make things - but a great deal of creativity is about being attentive, listening to what arises. Allowing a process to unfold. Seeing what happens when you let go. Being receptive and open to possibilities.

For me, that’s the best part of creative discovery: when it feels like the journey of discovery is taking its own course.