7. Making good use of Data Voids

May 28, 2019

"Moments you don't notice are as telling as those you do" ~Lupi & Posavec

I'm feeling really grateful for this Spillings section during my process. It's nice to have a place for what feels like random thoughts. On Sunday I was supposed to start counting and recording my thoughts and feelings. However, I was completely distracted with family events, etc. and a lingering headache. (I think I need to make a count for "complaining" in this moment...hah!)

Even though I had a data void, I did recognize how I was feeling which was due to a lot of laughing. My process was still on my mind and I found myself tuning in to the moments that made up my day. Still though, I was feeling a little critical that I didn't stick to my plan of recording. It wasn't until later as I was thinking on those feelings of failure that I was creatively thinking and working through those feelings. I created a symbol for the data void on an index card to resolve the negative thinking. I didn't have post it notes like I had planned earlier, but using what I had on hand led to new ideas.

I thought about the thickness of the index card and how it was as if I made myself a "free pass". That thinking reminded me of monopoly and the "get out of jail free" card. So, I made myself a similar card to use in the future if needed.

My data void brought on feelings of failure which we all experience at times in areas of our life. I took those feelings and mixed them with creative thinking to push through. I feel confident this week and most of it is due to my acceptance to welcome failures. Without working through failures we cannot learn from them. Failing is an opportunity for creative thinking.

"You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine" ~John C. Maxwell

8. Reflection/Tuning In

May 28, 2019

I'm finding it really refreshing to go back and re-read the literature reviews that helped me shape my ideas on doing this creative experiment. The words and ideas have more meaning. During my reflection process I was thinking on my readings but began to notice this little voice as if there was a conversation going on. My readings, creative process and reflective thinking are shining a light on my own voice because of my experiences and the connections I am making. The ideas and concepts of the authors are still there but my own voice is coming through more now. Not just about my research but about my life.

I've been spending some time reading about being still when you have to keep going by David Kundtz (1998). He discussed Stopping and the three levels of it being Stillpoints, Stopovers & Grinding Halts. The ideas here are creating enough space in your days to allow blank spaces between life events. Paying attention to the quiet times.

The three levels happen during different moments of your life. Stillpoints are quick and can be done multiple times a day where it is just a brief moment. Taking deep breaths like meditation is an example. Stopovers are a little longer and leaves a feeling like you just went on a mini-vacation. Grinding Halts are rare and happen usually during a life transition.

This week I want to include stillpoints in my daily routine but using visual imagery to record them. An exercise below helps slow things down, encourages mindfulness for these moments and helps with the reflection process.

Exercise from Observe, Collect, Draw! by Lupi and Posavec

9. Experimental Data Collection

May 29, 2019

I started using index cards to record thoughts/feelings on the actions along with creating symbols in the moment. While it was fun, it wasn't working just right for me. I decided to get a little note book and stick small post-it notes in them so that I could later remove & add them into my journal easily. This note book helps because I can keep it in my back pocket as I go about my day.

With my focus this week I am becoming more aware of the constant chatter in my mind. I've had a lot of songs on repeat in there as well so I am writing down lyrics to merge together later into visual imagery. By tuning in to those streams you can really uncover some interesting things about yourself. Negative talk, new ideas, things to do, past/future conversations, etc. A lot of times we do this and we don't even realize it like when we are driving, showering and gardening, for example. Those with anxiety are aware of the negative aspects but those too can be transformed by artistic thinking into something creative and over time that chatter becomes full of ideas and questions.

"Understand that artistic thinking is not separate from daily life, but rather can inform and enrich every aspect of one's life" (Gude, 2007).