What does your creative process look like? Do you ever notice yourself doing something that would be fascinating to an onlooker? Why are some of the most mundane things so interesting to observe?

There’s never been a better time to be a witness. Thanks to our little handheld gadgets and the accessories our so-called ‘content creators’ employ, we have a birds-eye view of almost anything you can imagine.

I’m sure you’ve seen any number of well-crafted short-form videos that boil down a lengthy process into just a few minutes. I’m often astonished at the amount of effort that must go into the creation of these productions, aside from whatever activity they’re focused on.

I’ll be the first to admit, a lot of those little videos are super-captivating. They’ll suck you right in and won’t let go. The algorithm knows this, and keeps them coming. Watching them, I’ll feel amazed, astonished, or occasionally inspired.

But only for a moment. Then they’re gone. On to the next. After some number of jaw-dropping clips, I realize I’m just another person zoning out on my screen. Numb is the only feeling that’s left.

Maybe that’s why I hesitate when I feel the urge to whip out my phone and document some interesting thing that I’m up to. Part of me will be like “Wow! This would look so cool online, think how many people would watch it!”

But another part of me holds back, with a twinge of guilt. Because if the content that I’d be creating succeeds, that would mean all those folks out there watching will be spending their time staring into their screens.

I may amaze, astonish, or inspire you as you stare, but that still falls short of the joy, awe, or creative passion you could be experiencing in the real world. The sort of feelings you get by actively doing things, not passively watching.

Obviously there are many good reasons to share things online. But I have to wonder where to draw the line between doing the thing and making the thing about doing the thing.

Content that’s effective on the tiny screen is a mile wide and an inch deep. Millions might see it, but it’s gone in a flash. Which raises the question, what’s the opposite?

An interesting way to dance around to the other side of this dynamic would be to come up with things that are very narrow and have depth.

Joy, awe, and creative passion are all feelings that start far beneath the surface, so how to bring those about in yourself or another person?

Surprise an old friend with a personal phone call out of the blue? Give a tray of fresh fruit from your tree to your neighbor? Hand write a personal letter or thank you note?

Or perhaps your time is better spent going deeper into your own creative process. After all, if you’re going to impress the world with your masterpiece, you’re going to have to dedicate some quality time to your work.

It can be fun to skitter along the surface of the social media sea. But don’t forget to dive deep once in a while. That’s where the real pearls of experience are to be found.

Much love till next Monday!

Merci et à bientôt!

M+

ML #695

Mark Metz
Monday Love Movement Calendar