Mastering Your Creative Flow: The Art of Directing Energy

Ever feel like you’re riding a wave of inspiration one minute, then stuck in a creative rut the next? That’s your energy talking, and it’s got a lot to say. In the latest episode of The Creative Present podcast, Joshua Townshend dives into the secret sauce of creativity: directing your energy flow at will. Whether you’re an actor commanding a stage, a writer scribbling in a quiet corner, or just navigating the chaos of everyday life, this is about taking the reins of your inner spark. Let’s unpack how to make your energy dance—on cue, on purpose, and with a whole lot of flair.

Energy isn’t just one thing—it’s a conversation between two directions: introversion and extroversion. Picture them as your breath, the inhale and exhale of your creative soul.

• Introverted Energy: The Inhale
  This is your quiet, inward pull. It’s the writer hunched over a desk, lost in thought, or the actor pausing to feel the weight of a line before it lands. It’s reflective, focused, a deep dive into your own sensations, emotions, and ideas. Think of it as curling up with a good book in your mind—cozy, intimate, all about you.
• Extroverted Energy: The Exhale
  This is the outward burst, the moment you let it rip. It’s the opera singer filling a theater with sound or the director rallying a crew on a bustling set. It’s expansive, connecting, alive with the world around you. Imagine stepping onto a stage, lights blazing, and feeling the crowd’s pulse sync with yours.

! Asking if introversion beats extroversion is like asking if inhaling beats exhaling. You need both. Without one, you’re not just out of balance—you’re out of breath. Creativity thrives when these energies flow together, like a dance you get to choreograph.

Too much extroversion? You’re that uncle at the family reunion, yammering away, chasing claps and laughs but losing touch with your own heart. You’re all output, no depth, tethered to everyone else’s reactions. It’s exhausting, like shouting into a void hoping for an echo.

Too much introversion? That’s you, locked in your head, spinning in circles. You’re so deep in your own thoughts you forget there’s a world out there. It’s the dinner guest who just nods—“Fine, fine”—while the conversation sails by. Your energy’s stuck, bottled up.

The sweet spot? It’s not about picking a side—it’s about having both on speed dial. You want to inhale to recharge, exhale to connect, and switch between them like a pro. That’s what it means to direct your energy at will.

What does this look like?

• Control: You pick the direction—introverted focus or extroverted fire—without second-guessing.
• Adaptability: You shift gears on the fly. Quiet reflection in a library? Got it. Rowdy banter in an Irish pub? Bring it.
• Stamina: You keep the flow going without burning out, like a marathon runner pacing their stride.

This is where you read the room—not just noticing the vibe, but joining it, shaping it. Walk into a hushed library, and your energy dials down, matching the soft rustle of pages. Stroll into a lively bar, and you’re laughing, clinking glasses, fully in the mix. It’s not about faking it; it’s about syncing up, staying true to yourself while meeting the moment.

1. Check In with Yourself
   Two or three times a day, pause. Where’s your energy at? Are you inhaling—lost in your thoughts—or exhaling, chatting up a storm? Is it balanced, or are you stuck in one gear? Ask: Am I choosing this, or is it choosing me? If you’re retreating to recharge, cool. If you’re hiding out of fear, nudge yourself back into the world.
2. 
   

Creating Your Body Of Work: Embracing Vertical Time

This work is for anyone who wished to enter the realm of the Conscious Creator - and go deep into the well of "All That Is" and make their work impactful and universal.

Creativity is a river that runs through our lives, sometimes rushing, sometimes meandering, but always present. It's not confined to the moments we sit down to write, paint, or perform—it's woven into the fabric of our existence.

Let's dig into this and explore the idea of having breathtaking clarity, inviting us to define and redefine our "body of work." How? By stepping into the timeless flow of vertical time. This isn't just about finishing projects; it's about living creatively, deeply, and consciously. Let's dive into how this perspective illuminates our creative lives' fleeting sparks and enduring currents.

Your Body of Work: A Living, Breathing Tapestry

Picture a painter's portfolio or a writer's shelf of novels. That's a body of work, right? Sure—but it's only part of the story. What if your *life* is the canvas? Every brushstroke counts: the way you arrange your living room, the laughter shared over a spontaneous road trip, the unfinished poem crumpled in a drawer. These aren't side notes to your creativity—they're the heartbeat.

Your body of work isn't just the polished pieces you show the world. It's the roles you've embodied, the relationships you've nurtured, the dreams you've chased (even the ones that slipped away). It's the quiet moments of reflection and the loud, messy failures that taught you more than success ever could. Short-term bursts—like a sudden inspiration for a scene or a melody—feed into the long-term arc of who you're becoming. Zooming out, you'll spot the threads: recurring themes, unspoken questions, and a signature uniquely yours.

The Roots Beneath the Bloom

Creativity doesn't spring from nowhere. Is "that" project tugging at your soul today? It's not random. It's a flower blooming from roots that stretch deep—sometimes years, sometimes generations, into the past. Maybe the story you're writing echoes your mother's unspoken ambitions. Perhaps the film you're directing carries your grandfather's resilience or your culture's quiet ache. These aren't just ideas; they're inheritances.

Short-term creativity—like a burst of energy to sketch or brainstorm—often feels immediate, but it's tethered to something bigger. Ask yourself: *Why now? What's this really about?* The answers might surprise you. That quick doodle could be a seedling of a lifelong passion. That half-formed script might be wrestling with a question you've carried since childhood. Long-term creativity emerges when we honor these roots, letting them guide us deeper.

Vertical Time: Where Art Breathes

We're conditioned to see time as a straight line—horizontal, predictable, marching from start to finish. You begin a project, you push through, you wrap it up. Done. But creativity doesn't obey that rhythm. It thrives in *vertical time*—a space of depth, presence, and immersion.

Think of the last time you lost yourself in a film or a song. Time didn't just stop; it expanded. You weren't racing toward an end—you were *in it*, fully alive. That's vertical time: not a checklist, but a plunge into the moment. Horizontal time drives us forward with deadlines and goals; vertical time pulls us downward, into meaning and connection.

Short-term creativity sparkles here—a flash of insight, a sudden line of dialogue. But we build something enduring in the long-term dance with vertical time. It's the difference between skimming five blocks on a bike and digging five blocks deep into the earth. One's a breeze; the other's a feat of courage and craft.

The Beautiful Cost of Depth

Going deep isn't easy. It's not a casual stroll—it's an excavation. You're working against the gravity of distraction, doubt, and the urge to rush. But oh, the reward.

Today, we'll explore how moving from the ordinary to the non-ordinary can unlock new creative possibilities.

From Patterns to Chaos to Growth

We all live in patterns. As creatives, we have routines, habits, and ways of approaching our craft. These patterns are essential—they help us navigate the complexities of storytelling, character development, and the creative process. However, staying too long in the same pattern can limit growth. That's where the magic of breaking patterns comes into play.

When we consciously break a pattern, whether it's a habitual way of thinking, creating, or even something as simple as breathing or moving, we enter a period of chaos. And chaos, while destabilizing, is where true transformation happens. It's the space between the old and the new. As artists, that in-between place, filled with openness and possibility, is where creativity flourishes.

Embracing Chaos with Excitement

I recently talked with someone who asked, "Don't you feel anxious or destabilized when you break these patterns?" My answer was simple: I enjoy it. I embrace those moments of uncertainty and excitement. It's a process I've come to love because it leads to creative and personal breakthroughs.

There was one exception, though. I once pushed myself a bit too far with a breathing exercise—going beyond my limits in pranayama (a yogic breathing technique)—and had to take half a day to re-center. But even then, the experience taught me the importance of boundaries, limits, and knowing when to rest. That's part of the creative process, too.

The Power of Non-Ordinary Actions

Lately, I've been reflecting on some simple ways I break patterns in my life. It doesn't have to be dramatic—sometimes, it's as simple as breathing differently. On average, we take in 6 to 12 breaths per minute. But what happens when you slow that down to just one breath per minute? You step into the non-ordinary, creating space for new awareness and perception.

Or take walking. Most of us naturally walk forward, so I asked myself, "What if I walked backward?" By doing this consistently, I'm not just reversing my movement—I'm opening up new sensory experiences, expanding my perception, and breaking out of the ordinary.

Even something as small as which leg you use to step up onto a curb can be a place to experiment. I noticed that I always used my right leg, so I started consciously using my left leg. These small, non-ordinary actions are ways to cultivate awareness, and in turn, they open up creative possibilities.

40 Days of Exploring Place and Presence

Now, I'm taking this concept of breaking patterns even further. Starting on the Fall Equinox, I'm embarking on a 40-day challenge. Each day, I'll go to a new location—a place I've never been before—or, if it's somewhere I've visited, I'll treat it as if it's entirely new.

The goal? Experience each place with a fresh perspective and a heightened sense of presence. Places hold history, resonance, and energy. By being present in a space, we can tap into those vibrations and connect more deeply with our surroundings.

The Random Journey: Using the Randonautica App

One tool I'll be using during this 40-day journey is the Randonautica app. This app uses a random number generator to provide coordinates for new locations. I spoke with one of the app's creators and am excited to experiment with it by visiting five different places in a single day. It's a chance to layer experiences, challenge perceptions, and explore the concept of place as a character.

Place as Character, Character as Place

There's an old saying that "place is character, and character is place." We often overlook the history and resonance of places, especially in our fast-paced, modern lives. Indigenous cultures have long recognized the sacredness of place, and I think there's something powerful we can learn from that.

For instance, we memorialize the event when a tragedy happens by marking the place. Even if a building is torn down, its energy and history remain. We must honor that, both in life and in our creative work. The place profoundly impacts character, story, and the creative process.

Crossing Thresholds: Embracing Change

Every time you cross a threshold, something shifts—stepping through a door or transitioning into a new creative phase. These moments of crossing over bring change, not only externally but internally. Our thoughts, feelings, and breathing patterns adjust to our new space.

As we move through the Equinox, a time of balance and change, I encourage you to embrace these shifts. Explore new places, break old patterns, and allow yourself to move beyond the ordinary.

Join Me on the Journey

Thank you for joining me in exploring breaking patterns, embracing chaos, and deepening your creative process. If you're inspired by what you've heard, I invite you to take up one of these approaches to support your creative life. 

Together, we can continue to explore the unknown, expand our creative possibilities, and grow beyond the ordinary.

Let's see what new discoveries await.

Stay curious, stay creative.

Welcome to The Creative Present! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many creatives—breaking free from patterns. Whether you're an artist, actor, writer, or just someone looking to explore your own narrative, understanding and expanding beyond repetitive patterns is crucial. It’s about giving space to your space, allowing spaciousness in your work, and going beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Patterns: More Than You Think

We all have patterns. They can be patterns of behavior, We all have patterns. They can be patterns of behavior, thought, or even feeling. Think of a loop—patterns are like loops that repeat over time. In creative work, these patterns can have a huge impact on how we perceive a character or a narrative. If we break down these loops and explore them, we can discover new layers that lie within the pattern. This opens up a whole world of possibilities.

But how do we break these patterns? That’s what I’m here to explore with you.

Breaking the Loop

Imagine your favorite character in a video game. There’s a term called NPC, or non-playing character, in gaming. These characters are designed with limited behaviors—they can only do a few specific things like taking your order or crossing their arms impatiently. You’ll see them repeating the same small loop of behavior over and over. They are limited by design.

Now, let’s consider how this concept applies to characters in film, theater, or even our personal lives. While the loop might be bigger for the main character, it still exists. Patterns of behavior or traits are often repeated, limiting the character’s possibilities. But what if we could break that loop?

Let’s say you’re writing or playing a very buttoned-up, uptight accountant. The natural instinct is to keep that character rigid, defined by their job. But what if you introduced something unexpected? Maybe this accountant wears playful, colorful socks—grounded in reality, but it adds dimension. It’s these small details that break the pattern and offer more depth. Suddenly, the character becomes more than their loop, more real, more human.

Iconic Examples of Pattern Breaking

In the movie Apocalypse Now, we see a general step outside the expected loop when he says, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” It’s unexpected, but it’s one of the most memorable lines in cinema. Similarly, Dennis Hopper’s character in Blue Velvet uses an oxygen mask mid-conversation. These moments aren’t arbitrary—they’re grounded in the character’s reality—but they expand what we thought the character was capable of.

Breaking patterns can be transformative, both for the character and the audience.

The Loop Within Us

It’s not just characters—people, too, have loops. We repeat the same emotional cycles—whether it’s anger, frustration, or sadness—because something in that loop isn’t being completed. It’s like a record skipping over the same part. As creatives, we can dig into these loops, exploring and amplifying them in our narratives to create breakthroughs.

When we break these loops, chaos often follows, and in that chaos is the opportunity for growth and realignment. This is where transformation happens, both for our characters and for ourselves.

Key Takeaways for Your Creative Journey:

By breaking patterns and allowing spaciousness, we open up our creative work to new levels of discovery. Whether you’re working on a character in a story or exploring your own inner loops, this process brings transformation. So, next time you find yourself or your character stuck in a loop, remember: there’s always room to break free and discover what’s beyond.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! Let’s continue to explore, create, and expand beyond our limitations together.

Welcome back to The Creative Present! I’m Joshua Townshend, your host, and today we’re diving into something essential for all creatives: the subordinate image. Whether you’re an actor, writer, or artist of any kind, this concept can transform your work in profound ways. Let’s explore how!

What Is a Subordinate Image?

A subordinate image is the image behind the image—it's the underlying emotion, experience, or thought that breathes life into your art. Think of it as the unseen force that gives depth to the words you speak or write.

Words alone are neutral. They only take on meaning when charged with emotion and experience. For instance:

The subordinate image makes the difference between words that are flat and words that resonate.

Why Subordinate Images Matter

Subordinate images allow you to:

Real-World Example: A Voice Actor’s Journey

Recently, I worked with a talented voice actor who’s been in the game for years. He’s a true pro—impeccable delivery, great voice, and highly sought after. In one of our sessions, I introduced him to the concept of the subordinate image.

Here’s what happened:

A Quick Breakdown: How to Use Subordinate Images

Here’s how you can start applying subordinate images to your creative process, whether you're acting, writing, or anything in between:

Why This Matters for Every Creative

This technique isn’t just for voice actors. Writers, filmmakers, and stage actors can all benefit from connecting with subordinate images. The more you can tap into these deeper emotional layers, the more authentic and compelling your work will be.

By using subordinate images, you’re not just telling a story—you’re living it, and you’re inviting your audience to live it with you.

Takeaways:

Let’s keep exploring these ideas, and remember: It’s not just about what’s on the surface—it’s about the layers of emotion and experience beneath.

Thanks for joining me on this journey into the creative process! Stay present, stay creative, and I’ll see you next time.

The Power of One-Minute Breathing: A Practice for Creatives

Every morning, I begin with a simple yet profound practice that grounds me for the day: one-minute breathing. This technique is precisely what it sounds like—slowing the breath down to one complete breath cycle per minute. It's a practice of intentional breathing that goes like this: a 20-second inhale, a 20-second suspension, and a 20-second exhale.

In that minute lies so much potential. It's a space where everything quiets down and slows down, allowing me to connect deeper with myself and the creative process. I highly recommend developing some form of morning breathwork—whether it's this practice or another that resonates with you. If this one intrigues you, reach out, and I'll gladly share more details.

The Benefits of Long, Slow, Deep Breathing

When you breathe long, slow, and deep—without counting or measuring your breaths—something transformative happens. Your mind quiets, your body relaxes, and your awareness sharpens.

This kind of breathing creates space for stillness. It invites a sense of ease that can otherwise be elusive in our fast-paced, goal-oriented world. And when you add intentional timing to your breath—like 10-second or even 20-second cycles—you may notice resistance creep in.Resistance often shows up in subtle ways. It could be a tone indicating it's time to switch your breath pattern. If you perceive that tone as something external telling you what to do, you might find yourself resisting—feeling like it's an interruption, a restriction, or a demand. And this resistance is not just in the breathwork—it mirrors a deeper pattern in life and creativity.

Change and Resistance in Creative Practice

As artists and creatives, we are no strangers to change. In fact, adapting to change quickly and fluidly is key to staying inspired and keeping our projects alive. Yet change often carries an emotional charge. When asked to shift direction—whether in life, breathwork, or a creative project—there's a natural pull to resist.

So, how do we navigate that resistance?

It starts with perspective. If you feel that the tone, the bell, or even external feedback is telling you what to do—restricting or forcing you to breathe or create in a way that doesn't feel right—resistance builds. It can manifest as frustration, disinterest, or even resentment. But everything changes if you can reframe that tone or signal as a guide, a reminder, or an ally there to support you.

And here's the most important part: this isn't just a mental shift. It's something you need to feel. You can't merely think the tone is supportive if, deep down, you feel it's a nuisance or a constraint. The shift has to be authentic. Your relationship tothe process transforms when you truly feel supported by the breath cycle, a bell, or feedback on your creative work.

A Shift in Perspective: From Resistance to Flow

Everything opens up when you start to see those signals—whether from your breath practice or your creative projects—as helpers rather than obstacles. The world around you begins to change. Or, more accurately, your perception of the world changes. And as creatives, that change in perception is everything.

We can resist the tools and structures meant to guide us or lean into them, letting them help us grow. The key is to feel that support and trust the process. When you shift your perspective and open up to the possibility that these external guides are there to assist, not restrict, you'll find a new sense of flow—both in your breathwork and in your creative life.

Embracing Awareness and Presence

Thank you for being open to these ideas about breathwork, change, and resistance. As creatives, artists, and storytellers, we are constantly in a state of evolution. Our task is to become more aware, present, and conscious in our process. Something as simple as breathing can unlock more profound levels of creativity and self-awareness.

I invite you to join me on this journey—to explore your breath, resistance, and creative flow. Together, we can expand into a more present and conscious state of being.

Let's continue showing up fully, embracing change, and creating from a place of authenticity and presence.

—Joshua Townshend

Welcome to The Creative Present, where we delve into expanding your creative self-expression while getting your projects done. 

The creative process is like an endless game full of possibilities, joy, and discovery. It’s not just about understanding ourselves and our projects; it's about understanding the world around us and how we relate to it. My daily practice revolves around finding these moments of awareness in the mundane.

As creatives, our job is to transform what’s unconscious into something that’s fully conscious and then share it through our art. Imagine being under a brilliant blue sky with fluffy white clouds. While many might overlook this beauty, an artist becomes conscious of it, feels its influence, and then channels it into their work. Think of Andy Warhol turning a can of Campbell's Tomato Soup into an icon or Marilyn Monroe amplifying her own iconic status. They saw beauty in the every day and made it extraordinary.

Yet, the journey from being self-conscious to self-aware isn’t always smooth. Many actors and writers struggle with self-consciousness, which can make them feel small or inhibited. It’s a common experience to feel tighter and more constrained when aware of something new. This self-consciousness can be a step toward greater self-awareness, where you can consciously navigate and use your awareness as a tool rather than letting it control you.

To illustrate this, let me share a personal experience. I noticed a pattern during my daily walks: I always stepped up onto the sidewalk with my right foot first. Once I became aware of this, I wanted to change it to my left foot. Conscious effort and practice are required to alter this ingrained habit. Over time, with repeated attempts, I was able to switch my stride seamlessly. This exercise in awareness and adjustment mirrored the process of altering thought patterns.

Just as it took the effort to change my walking stride, altering thoughts, which are more subtle and lack external feedback, requires a similar process. You move from being unconscious of thought to becoming self-conscious and, eventually, self-awareness. This awareness allows you to easily choose and implement new thoughts or behaviors.

Consider children learning to walk. They stumble, fall, and get back up, supported by encouragement rather than harsh judgment. Similarly, we need to give ourselves the space and support to make and integrate changes in our creative and personal lives.

For instance, I also pay attention to how I step out of the shower or rise from the floor during my breathing exercises. By consciously choosing to alter these mundane actions, I expand my range of expression and awareness. This practice helps me in my work as an actor or writer, where embodying different characters or perspectives involves similar conscious choice and integration processes.

In summary, the journey from self-consciousness to self-awareness involves becoming aware of the unconscious, working through initial awkwardness, and eventually integrating new patterns seamlessly into our lives. This process is crucial not only for personal growth but also for creative expression.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the creative present. Let's continue to transform the mundane into the extraordinary and embrace the journey from self-conscious to self-aware together.

I developed the Three Circles of Attention framework in my work with actors, writers, and other creatives. This framework is a tool for navigating the myriad possibilities in any given scene, allowing you to consciously choose where to focus your creative energy.

First Circle of Attention: The Internal World

- This is where everything begins—within the character. It includes their thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensory experiences. When a character is in this circle, they're fully immersed in their own inner world. This is the space where introspection happens, past traumas resurface, and the quiet hope of a kiss lives. In film, this is the close-up shot, capturing the subtleties of emotion that flicker across a face or the way hands tremble slightly when nervous.

- As a writer or actor, when you focus on the first circle, you're diving deep into the character's psyche. You're exploring what it's like to live in their skin and experience the world through their unique lens. This is where a character's most intimate and personal aspects come to life.

Second Circle of Attention: The Interpersonal Space

- This circle extends outward, encompassing the interactions between characters. Here, attention shifts to action and reaction, to the dance of communication. It's about how one character's words or actions impact another and how that impact circles back. In film, this is often represented by the two-shot, where the dynamic between characters is front and center.

- When you operate in the second circle, you're crafting the push and pull of relationships. You're exploring how characters influence each other, how they push each other's buttons, or how they unexpectedly find common ground. This is the realm of dialogue, of meaningful glances, of the subtle shifts in power dynamics that define human interaction.

Third Circle of Attention: The External Environment

- The third circle expands even further, taking in the broader environment or setting where the scene occurs. This includes everything from the physical surroundings to the broader context of the narrative. In film, this is the master shot, capturing the full scope of the scene—the beach where the couple meets, the looming cityscape that frames a conversation, the endless desert that challenges a character's endurance.

- Focusing on the third circle allows you to ground your scenes in a specific time and place, creating a sense of context that is vital for the audience's understanding. It's about recognizing how the environment impacts the characters and their interactions and how it can symbolize larger themes within your work.

The Dance Between Circles: Shifting Focus to Enhance the Scene

A powerful scene often involves a dynamic shift between these three circles of attention. As a creator, your ability to fluidly move between these levels of focus can elevate your work from ordinary to extraordinary. Let's consider a scene in a café where two characters are having a difficult conversation.

You create a rich, layered scene with multiple realities by consciously shifting between these circles. The audience is not just watching a story unfold; they are experiencing the depth of the characters' inner lives, the complexities of their relationships, and the context that surrounds them.

Today, we’re diving deep into a concept that can transform the way you approach every scene you write or perform: alternative realities.

The Nature of Alternative Realities

Every scene you write or perform exists within a web of alternative realities. These are not just theoretical possibilities; they are the rich, textured pathways that characters often navigate subconsciously as they move through their stories. The awareness level of your characters—how attuned they are to their desires, fears, and inner conflicts—shapes these realities. This is why tapping into your characters' hopes, dreams, fears, and secrets is essential.

Consider this: a character's hopes and dreams aren't just background noise; they are the fabric of their reality. Their fears and secrets are the shadows that shape their actions and decisions. And their ideal future, the outcome they long for at the end of a scene, is the lighthouse guiding them through the fog of uncertainty.

The Cascading Effect of Desires

Imagine a cascade—a waterfall of desires and possibilities. At the top, you have the character's most vivid hopes, dreams, and fears. As the water flows down, it branches out into smaller streams, each representing an alternative reality within the scene. These streams are the possible outcomes, ranging from the ideal to the disastrous.

Take, for instance, a romantic scene. The ideal future for one character might be to hold hands and share a first kiss—a tender, chaste moment that symbolizes connection and trust. For the other character, the ideal future might be entirely different—perhaps securing a second date because they’ve never made it that far.

These differing ideal futures create tension, and multiple scenarios can unfold within that tension. What if one character misreads a cue, and the moment passes awkwardly? What if the kiss happens too soon or not at all? Each of these scenarios is an alternative reality that the characters, consciously or not, navigate.

Navigating Ideal Futures and Their Alternatives

As a writer or actor, it’s crucial to understand that every character drives toward their version of an ideal future. This drive isn’t straightforward; it’s filled with detours, obstacles, and unexpected turns. And within these twists and turns lie the richness of the scene.

Let’s revisit our romantic scene. Perhaps the ideal future for one character is as simple as holding hands while the other seeks the assurance of a second date. These desires, while seemingly aligned, can create a multitude of alternative realities.

Imagine the subtle shifts that occur when one character reaches out to hold hands, but the other hesitates. In that hesitation lies a world of possibilities—what is the character thinking? Are they afraid of moving too fast, or perhaps they’re already thinking about the second date?

Now, what if the first character senses the hesitation and pulls back? Suddenly, the scene takes on a different tone. The characters are now navigating a reality where the simple act of holding hands has become a complex dance of intentions and fears.

The Importance of Choice Points

Every scene is filled with choice points—moments where characters consciously or subconsciously decide how to respond to the situation at hand. These choices are the gateways to alternative realities. The more aware your characters are of their desires and fears, the richer these choice points become.

For instance, in our romantic scene, the choice point might be as subtle as whether or not to smile after the first awkward silence. A smile could signal reassurance, while a lack of one might heighten the tension. These small choices ripple out, creating new pathways within the scene, each with its own set of consequences.

Embracing Human Complexity in Characters

What separates a compelling character from a flat one is their ability to exist in these alternative realities. A character who is fully aware of their ideal future and the myriad ways it could go wrong or right feels alive. They are not just playing out a script; they are living, breathing humans with desires, fears, and complex emotions.

This is where the distinction between a character and a human being becomes crucial. A character merely performing a scene might hit all the right beats, but they will need more depth to fully present in reality. On the other hand, a human being within a scene, fully attuned to their desires and the alternative realities at play, brings a boldness, richness, and aliveness that resonates deeply with the audience.

When we watch a film or play and see a character who fully inhabits their reality—no matter how flawed, scared, or hopeful they are—we connect with them. We see ourselves in them, or perhaps we see aspects of ourselves we hadn’t recognized before. This connection is what makes storytelling so powerful.

The Power of Dropping Labels

One of the most limiting forces in creative work is the use of labels. When we label a character—or even ourselves—we confine them to a narrow pathway, cutting off the vast array of alternative realities they could inhabit. Labels like “narcissist,” “bipolar,” or “hero” are reductive. They compress the richness of a character’s humanity into a tight, limited channel.

In your creative life, I encourage you to drop these labels. Allow your characters to exist in the fullness of their humanity. When you do this, you open up a world of possibilities. You give your characters the freedom to surprise you, to show up in unexpected ways, and to navigate their realities with the same complexity and unpredictability that real people do.

Expanding Your Creative Practice

Now that we’ve explored the concept of alternative realities, how can you apply this to your creative practice? Here are a few exercises to help you deepen your understanding and implementation of these ideas:

Embracing Your Creative Process

As we conclude this exploration of alternative realities, remember that the creative process is not about finding the one “right” path. It’s about embracing the multitude of possibilities that exist in every moment. Whether you’re writing a scene, performing it, or simply living your life, alternative realities are always at play.

By tuning into these realities and allowing your characters—and yourself—the freedom to explore different pathways, you unlock a profound and expansive depth of creativity. You move beyond the limitations of labels and preconceptions, stepping into a space where anything is possible.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration. 

Until next time, keep exploring the alternative realities that make your creative life so rich and fulfilling.

Introduction: Seeking Surprises

As creatives, our constant quest is to discover the new and the unexpected. Whether we’re writers, actors, filmmakers, or any kind of storyteller, our work thrives on surprises—both for ourselves and for our audience. We don’t want to create the same old thing; we want to unearth something fresh, something that feels like an adventure happening in real-time.

But discovery isn’t always about grand revelations. Sometimes, it’s hidden in the most mundane aspects of our everyday lives. These small, seemingly insignificant moments can be where the deepest and most authentic parts of our narratives are found.

The Audience's Journey

When we create, we invite the audience to journey with us. We want them to feel like they’re right there with us, experiencing the highs and lows, the twists and turns. It’s that shared experience that draws them in and makes them care about our work.

So how do we achieve this? How do we make our creations feel alive and authentic? One of the most powerful ways is by allowing the unconscious mind to surface through ordinary, everyday events.

The Power of the Mundane: The Unconscious Revealed

The unconscious mind is a treasure trove of emotions, thoughts, and memories that often reveal themselves in unexpected ways—especially during mundane, everyday moments. It’s not in the big, dramatic scenes that these revelations typically occur, but in the quiet, ordinary experiences that we all go through.

For example, a few years ago, I had a conversation that changed everything for me. I was talking about family with someone, and they asked, “What’s up with your mom?” At that moment, I hesitated because my mom had passed away a couple of years before. I was caught between saying, “She is…” and “She was…” That hesitation, that small pause, brought a flood of emotion to the surface. It was a powerful moment where my inner life was unexpectedly revealed.

This is the kind of moment we should aim to create in our work. It’s in these small, everyday interactions that the unconscious mind can rise to the surface, creating a moment that deeply resonates with the audience.

Inner Life in Narrative: A Classic Example

This concept isn’t just a personal experience; it’s a technique used in some of the most powerful narratives. Take Citizen Kane for example. The film’s entire story revolves around the last word spoken by the protagonist: “Rosebud.” On the surface, it’s just a word, but it carries a deep, personal significance. The quest to understand this word drives the entire narrative and reveals the character’s inner life.

When we as creators place our characters in situations where their unconscious mind can surface, we create richer, more engaging stories. The audience is drawn in, wanting to understand the deeper layers of the narrative.

Practical Techniques for Creators

So, how can you bring this concept into your own work? How can you use mundane events to reveal the inner lives of your characters and create moments of discovery that resonate with your audience?

1. Notice the Mundane

Start by paying attention to the everyday moments in your life. These are the moments that often go unnoticed but can reveal deep truths about your characters. Whether it’s a conversation with a stranger, a routine task, or a quiet moment alone, these moments can unlock the inner life of your characters.

2. Layer in Subtext

When writing or performing a scene, think about what’s happening beneath the surface. What is your character really feeling or thinking? The subtext—the unspoken thoughts and emotions—adds depth and complexity to your story.

3. Trust Your Unconscious Mind

Let your unconscious mind guide you. Some of the most powerful moments in a story come from a place that you’re not fully aware of. Trust your instincts and allow yourself to be surprised by what comes up.

4. Use Everyday Objects and Actions as Symbols

Objects and actions that seem mundane can take on deeper meaning when used intentionally. For example, a character’s habitual action, like stirring a cup of coffee or adjusting their glasses, can become a window into their inner world.

5. Explore Moments of Transition

Transitions—whether they’re physical (like getting into a cab) or emotional (like the end of a conversation)—are rich with potential for discovery. These are moments when characters are often at their most vulnerable, allowing their true selves to emerge.

Examples in Literature and Film

Let’s look at a few examples where mundane events reveal deeper truths and lead to powerful moments of discovery.

Example 1: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s inner life is revealed through mundane interactions, like his conversations with strangers. His fixation on trivial things, like the ducks in Central Park, actually reflects his deeper fears and uncertainties.

Example 2: Lost in Translation by Sofia Coppola

In Lost in Translation, the relationship between Bob and Charlotte develops through quiet, mundane moments. These moments are rich with subtext, revealing their inner struggles and desires without the need for dramatic dialogue.

Example 3: The Sopranos (Television Series)

The Sopranos is a masterclass in using mundane events to reveal deeper character truths. Everyday situations, like Tony Soprano’s therapy sessions, peel back the layers of his psyche, revealing his vulnerabilities and internal conflicts.

Bringing Discovery into Your Creative Process

So how can you make discovery a central part of your creative process?

1. Cultivate Curiosity

As a creative, your curiosity is your greatest asset. Be open to new experiences and perspectives. Curiosity drives discovery and keeps your work fresh.

2. Embrace Vulnerability

Allowing the unconscious to surface requires vulnerability. Let go of control and allow yourself to be surprised by what emerges. This discomfort is where the most powerful moments in your work will come from.

3. Stay Present

Discovery happens in the present moment. Practice staying present in your work, and you’ll find that new ideas and insights come to you naturally.

4. Play with Perspective

Try looking at your work from a different angle. Experiment with different ways of seeing the world, and you’ll discover hidden layers in your work that you hadn’t noticed before.

5. Trust the Process

Trust that the discoveries will come when they’re meant to. Be patient with yourself as you explore new ideas and approaches.

Conclusion: The Joy of Discovery

Discovery is what makes the creative process so rewarding. It’s what keeps us coming back, eager to see what will emerge next. By embracing the mundane, allowing the unconscious to surface, and staying open to new experiences, we can create work that is authentic and deeply resonant.

As you go about your creative day, keep an eye out for those moments of discovery. Explore them, and let them guide you to new heights in your creative journey.

Here’s to the joy of discovery, and to the beautiful, unexpected moments that make our work come alive.