Monday, October 20, 2008

"Genius is the recovery of childhood at will."

I heard this Arthur Rimbaud quote today on the radio and thought it quite lovely and true. I would never say I've come close to touching genius but I would say that my best work is done when I am in a child-like state.

The characteristics I identify as a childlike state that are vital to the creative process are:
-unwavering trust in oneself and one's place in the world
-belief that the world is there to support and love you
-curiousity
-excitement
-emotions close to the surface and easily triggered
-easily wounded
-easily pleased
-hungry (figuratively speaking)
-lack of anxiety about the future
-lack of remembrance of the past
-lots of energy
-a total lack of self-judgement
-a belief that that you are important, you matter, someone wants to hear what you have to say
-a high tolerance for "ickyness" or really any uncomfortable situation
-lots of time (needed for contemplation, growth, rest..)
-life necessites provided for (adaquate food and shelter)

I think the list could go on much longer.
Do you have any you'd like to add?