Doing with Deep

If we allow ourselves to reach far outside of ourselves (see yesterday’s blog post) what do we do with it?

I think it depends on each person. What are they interested in? What are they game for? Are they open to recreating themselves in other directions? How much confidence do they have? Do they have a pattern of creative thinking? What about startling breakthroughs?

This aspect of a person’s makeup is important. Some people fiddle around with fresh ideas all the time yet do nothing with them. They may discuss them with others from time to time, but never follow that up with concrete action to build something new.

I’ve been in countless meetings in my life. No doubt you have as well! But the act of sharing ideas in a meeting can be exciting. There are those present who take up space; they say little and maybe nod their head in agreement; but they do not hazard their own viewpoint or experience with the idea.

I recall an important campus committee many years ago. I was an advisor to the committee, and my office did the work authorized by that committee. We had two faculty on the committee but students were heavily present, 9 or so as I recount. We programmed events, experiences for the campus. These events were to help socialize the campus community, expand musical tastes, help students experience new things that may fuel their own creativity. At any rate, the views expressed were far flung. Policy issues were front and center as well; there were limits on how to spend the funds, but also how to maintain order and safety during events. We didn’t want to unknowingly create a chaotic scene.

Often the meetings were raucous. Opinions were fought over. After an hour or so of this, one student with blazing red hair, who often sat quietly throughout the meetings, often spoke up and summarized the issues succinctly for the other attendees. Suddenly focus and clarity were at hand. The student was persuasive in his logic and clarity. His opinions often moved the committee to wise action.

[Footnote: that student went on for a master’s degree in engineering at MIT; I have little doubt he earned a PhD and probably is in research and teaching at MIT or some other prestigious institution.]

That student listened, catalogued ideas and thought them through in concert with one another. He came to logical conclusions about most of them. Quickly, too. The rest of the discussion was out loud thinking by others, and often distracting from the real issues. How many meetings does this sound like in your own experience?

Speaking up. Thinking clearly. Allowing ideas from others to percolate with yours. These are basic behaviors that help create totally new ideas, ones that will work if they are based in realism and logic.

Reaching deep is the first step. Allowing the self to do this is another step. Doing something with the deep is yet another step to take. With confidence and logic, allow ourselves to do this. New ideas result. New products and services result. New processes evolve. Problems are solved. Futures are built.

Let the deep speak to you. Then watch the fun happen.

September 16, 2020