[-inspiration, photography-]

metAphorism is a PCQ coined-word that means a simple, everyday thing, concept or event that points us in the direction of a deeper lesson. metaphor - figure of speech giving an implicit comparison: this is that. aphorism - concise statement of a truth or opinion.

The metAphorism:
The Artichoke Plant
The Lesson:
Things Take Time

by guest metaphorical thinker and photographer, auer

© 2007 auer all rights reserved

If you eat artichokes you know that the middle part, full of thistles has to be pulled and trashed so you can get to the heart of the matter. But left to nature, this prickly trash becomes a lovely flower with soft filaments that blow gently in the breeze.

Sometimes all it takes is time and nature to turn a problem into a thing of beauty.

© 2007 auer all rights reserved

This lovely reminder was sent in by one of our readers after seeing the new PCQ. If you feel similarly inspired by anything that you’ve read here, take a chance on submitting your own MetAphorism or anything else that might be of interest to other creative people out there.

Thanks auer, for taking the time to send this in and for the timely message!

[-metAphorism, motivation-]

metAphorism is a word I coined to mean a simple, everyday thing, concept or event that points us in the direction of a deeper lesson. metaphor - figure of speech giving an implicit comparison: this is that. aphorism - concise statement of a truth or opinion.

by Nancy Waldman

The metAphorism:
Road Map
The Lesson:
Altering our course becomes manageable when we have a road map to keep us from getting lost.

Road maps don’t tell us where to go and the precise way of getting there, but instead lay out alternatives. They show us the possibilities.

We can go the fastest, straightest way - sometimes our best option - or we can meander down the scenic route, taking our time and savouring every twist and turn. Even if we don’t know what our destination is, a map keeps us from getting lost. It’s very valuable information to know where we are in relation to the rest of the world!

Think of the road map when you begin a creative journey. Before setting out, study information about how others have managed the journey, jot down notes and sketches in your journal as your own road map, so you can remind yourself of where you were when you began and what made you want to take this trip.

And here’s another thing to remember: you may have an outdated road map that is keeping you on the same old, well-worn paths. If you are feeling stuck, becoming aware of the need for a new, improved, updated map will help you go to exciting new destinations.

Finally, don’t be afraid to cross borders or go down a creative road you’ve never been on before!

Originally published in the April 2006 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: alterations

Nancy S.M. Waldman © 2006 - 2007 all rights reserved

[-metAphorism, r-mindfulness-]

metAphorism is a word I coined to mean a simple, everyday thing, concept or event that points us in the direction of a deeper lesson. metaphor - figure of speech giving an implicit comparison: this is that. aphorism - concise statement of a truth or opinion.

by Nancy Waldman

The metAphorism
Desktop Short-cuts

The lesson
Knowing short-cuts to access the most creative part of our minds will heighten creativity

Easily accessing your creative mind is like clicking a shortcut icon on your computer desktop. It not only saves time, but also limits frustrations while maximizing successes.

Did you know that part of your mind is good at and enjoys the creative flow while part of your mind resists it? Take a look at the classic art book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards for an in-depth explanation. Ms. Edwards’ work originally referred to the right hemisphere of the brain as being the more creative side with the left side carrying out the everyday linear functions. This is a convenient label for what are highly complex and individual processes. We know that the brain hemispheres work together but the “r-mode” is an expression coined by Betty Edwards to represent a very real state of consciousness wherein creativity is more likely to happen.

If you have trouble getting started in your creative pursuits or are overly critical of your creative output when you begin, it may be that you’re trying to use your “everyday” mind instead of your creative mind.

If you are constantly bothered by distracting thoughts like, “I need to do the laundry.” “This is no good.” “What makes me think I can write?” “My stomach hurts.” “What time is it?” it’s because you haven’t clicked on your r-mode shortcuts. Finding the right frame of mind is like clicking the proper icon on your desktop: it takes you there as fast as possible.

Movement such as walking, dancing and traveling in vehicles seems to be conducive to r-mode thinking. So does water. That’s why we often get our most inspired ideas while driving or showering. Unfortunately we can’t do our work while soaking wet or stuck in traffic! We need to become adept at short-cutting. Our linear minds must recede like a Window’s file behind our r-mode minds when we are at our desks or our easels so that we can get the work done with fewer distractions.

Remember the “Desktop Shortcut” when you want a short-cut to your creative energy.

Originally published in the April 2005 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: Inspiration
© 05-07 Nancy S.M. Waldman