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Embracing Presence: The Dance of Polarity in Narrative

Welcome to the sixth and final episode in our series on presence!

Today, we're exploring the law of polarity, the dynamic dance between expansion and contraction, positive and negative, light and dark, masculine and feminine, and more. Understanding and utilizing this polarity is essential for creating compelling narratives that captivate creators and audiences.

The Dance of Polarity

Polarity is everywhere. It's about expansion and contraction, light and dark, positive and negative. In narratives, this concept is crucial. The cycles of expansion and contraction create undulation and change, driving the story forward. These cycles can be short or long, depending on the genre and the narrative arc.

For instance, in a romantic comedy, you often see an upward spiral—characters grow, evolve, and end up in a better place than where they started. Conversely, a tragedy usually follows a downward spiral, with characters descending into a worse state. Sometimes, narratives take a cyclical approach, reminiscent of purgatory, where characters don't fundamentally change but continue to cycle through the same patterns, which can be used effectively in comedies, dramas, and other genres.

Expansion and Contraction in Practice

Let's break down how expansion and contraction work within a narrative.

Imagine your character's presence is constantly shifting between these two states:

Expansion: When the character is open, engaging, and experiencing positive outcomes.

Contraction: When the character feels closed off, defensive, or faces negative experiences.

This undulation keeps both the character and the audience engaged. This ebb and flow creates tension and release, making the narrative compelling. Think of any great courtroom drama. One side appears to be winning, only for a surprising twist to shift the balance. This constant back-and-forth keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The Impact on Behavior

Ultimately, narratives are about behavior—how characters think and feel at any given moment, informed by their state of being. This state of being is constantly between expansion and contraction, positive and negative. Watching this behavior unfold is what keeps audiences hooked.

Consider a sporting event where one team dominates from start to finish. If the outcome is predictable, the excitement fades. In contrast, a closely contested game with frequent lead changes keeps viewers engaged until the very end. The same principle applies to narratives. Characters must experience wins and losses, ups and downs, to keep the story interesting.

Avoiding Predictability

One of the pitfalls in storytelling is predictability. When narratives become too predictable, they lose their impact. This can often be seen in films with heavy agendas or overly formulaic plots. For example, some films with a solid ideological bent or certain Hallmark movies can become predictable as characters play out expected roles without real depth or change.

However, predictability is sometimes good. Knowing the outcome can sometimes be comforting, like in a beloved soap opera or a nostalgic film. The key is to balance familiarity with enough unexpected elements to keep the audience engaged.

Practicing Presence

So, how do you practice this dance of polarity in your creative work? It starts with being present. Embrace expansion and contraction in your presence and let that flow into your work. Whether you're writing, acting, directing, or producing, stay aware of the undulation in your narrative.

Stay engaged and keep creating!

Thank you for joining me on this journey through presence and polarity.

Keep practicing these principles in your daily life and creative work.

Remember, it's this dynamic dance that keeps both you and your audience engaged. Share your experiences, insights, and questions with me. Let's continue to explore and deepen our understanding of the creative process together.

Keep creating, stay present, and embrace the dance of polarity in your narratives.

Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and approaches to the work.

Thanking you

Joshua

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Embracing Presence: Expanding Your Creative Space - Part 5

Working with presence is about opening and filling the space with your entire being. It's about awareness—fully aware allows you to fill the creative space, giving you more resources to draw from in your creative endeavors. Let's dive into how this works and how you can practice it in your daily life.

Opening the Space

The more aware you are, the more you can fill the space. Imagine your awareness expanding to fill the entire room. You can pull from a broader range of creative resources when you're fully present. Specifically, in creative work, you want to:

Create an open space: Be aware of your surroundings and the space you occupy.

Fill the open space: Allow your presence to permeate the space.

Maintain a point of view: Understand how your character thinks and feels and allow that point of view to fill the space.

Your character’s point of view will inform their state of being or how they carry themselves in their environment. This baseline will influence their actions and reactions.\

Example: The Art Gallery

Let’s illustrate this with a narrative example. Imagine your character is attending an art gallery opening filled with elite, affluent, and somewhat snobby art enthusiasts. Here’s how you can apply presence and point of view:

Create an open space: Your character enters the gallery, aware of the people and the atmosphere.

Fill the open space: Your character’s presence fills the room.

Establish a point of view: Your character thinks and feels a certain way about this event. Perhaps they feel out of place or disinterested.

Your character’s state of being reflects this point of view. They might want to get through the event quickly, or perhaps they might want to engage with the attendees playfully. The point of view remains the same, but the state of being can vary.

Now, imagine your character meets the artist—a charming, passionate individual—and they fall in love. This new experience changes their state of being, but their point of view about the snobby attendees might remain unchanged. This shift is potent and adds depth to your narrative.

Practicing Presence

You can practice this awareness and presence anywhere. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your daily life:

At the market: Cross the threshold of the market and begin your improv practice. Focus on your point of view and state of being as you navigate the aisles.

At the post office: Use the time in line to observe and expand your awareness.

At the mall: Engage with the environment and the people around you, practicing different points of view and states of being.

These exercises are excellent ways to develop creative skills outside formal classes or sessions. Incorporating these practices into your everyday life enriches your creative process and brings more authenticity to your work.

Your Turn Now!

Try it out! Next time you step into a new space, consciously create an open space, fill it with your presence, and explore different points of view and states of being. Share your experiences with me—what did you discover? How did it impact your creative process? Let’s continue this journey together, making discoveries, mistakes, and successes in real time.

Personal Stories

Feel free to share your own stories of practicing presence in everyday situations. How did it influence your perception and creativity? Let me know how you are doing, so we learn and grow together, constantly pushing the boundaries of our creative spaces.

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The Direction of Focus: Harnessing Creative Impulses with Intention

The Power of Focus and Intention in Creativity

Focus and intention are key in the realm of creativity. Let's explore how to take a creative impulse and direct it with intention, creating a more impactful and coherent artistic expression.

Setting the Baseline of Intention

Every creative endeavor should start with a clear baseline of intention. This could be a theme, a goal, or even the name of a scene. For instance, naming scenes helps anchor your focus and provides a reference point for your creative process. Sometimes, it can be helpful to name your scenes. Giving them directional titles akin to the apparent event can be beneficial. Names like "The Breakup," "The First Date," or "The Big Fight." These title/labels can give direction and infuse your work with purpose.

Understanding Creative Impulses

Creative impulses are spontaneous, emerging from a state of being rather than premeditated ideas. Unlike ideas, which are cerebral and planned, creative impulses are grounded in the present moment and lived experiences. They are raw, unfiltered bursts of creativity that need direction to shape them into coherent expressions.

Let's explore this with an example. Imagine you're working on a scene called "The First Date." Your intention is to create a scenario that leads to a second date. As you improvise, you notice your partner's subtle actions – perhaps she spins a ring on her finger or plays with her bracelet. These observations spark a creative impulse.

Directing Creative Impulses

To direct your creative impulses, you need to align them with your baseline of intention. Here's how you can do it:

1. Observe and Respond: Pay close attention to the details in the moment. Notice your partner's actions, expressions, and any subtle cues. These observations are the raw material for your creative impulses.
2. Conscious and Unconscious Responses: Recognize your immediate, unconscious reactions to these observations. Bring these reactions into your conscious awareness. For instance, if you feel intrigued by your partner's actions, acknowledge that feeling.
3. Shape the Impulse: To mold and direct the impulse, use your conscious awareness. If you intend to create a positive connection, steer the conversation or action toward that goal. For example, if you notice your partner spinning her ring, you might say, "That ring is beautiful. Does it have a special story?" This response is rooted in the present observation and directed towards building a connection.

Balancing Conscious and Unconscious Creativity

Creativity thrives when there is a balance between conscious direction and unconscious spontaneity. By becoming aware of your unconscious responses, you can harness them to serve your conscious intentions. This interplay between the conscious and unconscious enriches your creative process.

Practical Application: Creative Exercises

To further illustrate how to direct creative impulses, let's explore a few practical exercises:

Exercise 1: Scene Naming and Intention Setting

• Choose a Scene Name: Title the scene with a name that encapsulates the scene's essence. For example, "The Job Interview."
• Set Your Intention: Define what you want to achieve in this scene. Perhaps your intention is to showcase the character's confidence.
• Improvise with Focus: Keep your intention in mind as you improvise the scene. Notice any spontaneous actions or reactions and direct them toward your goal.

Exercise 2: Sensory Observation and Response

• Sensory Awareness: Choose a setting and focus on your sensory inputs – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
• Document Observations: Write down your observations in detail. For example, the sound of birds chirping, the texture of the chair you're sitting on, or the smell of coffee.
• Creative Impulse: Reflect on your observations and note any creative impulses they spark. Direct these impulses into a piece of writing, a scene, or any other medium you choose.

Takeaways: Embracing Your Creative Flow

Directing creative impulses with intention will transform your artistic process.

By setting a clear baseline of intention, observing and responding to sensory inputs, and balancing conscious and unconscious creativity, you can create more impactful and coherent works of art.

Remember, creativity is not just about spontaneous bursts of inspiration. It's about channeling those bursts with purpose and focus. Embrace the dance of conscious direction and unconscious spontaneity, and let your creativity flourish.

Thank you for joining me in exploring the direction of focus in creativity. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with fellow creatives and subscribe for more insights and inspiration.

And remember, stay present, stay aware, and keep creating.

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Embodying Creativity: Thoughts, Feelings, and Sensory Inputs in Your Art

Thoughts and Feelings: From a Somatic Experience Point Of View.

Let's dive into the fascinating interplay between thoughts and feelings.

Imagine your thoughts and feelings as a two-way street, where one influences the other. It's a bit like a dance – sometimes it's a waltz, other times it's a cha-cha. The key element here is to see & feel the relationship between thoughts and feelings in a somatic way, meaning it's a full-body experience.

You can harness this dance to fuel your creativity when fully present and aware. Imagine focusing on a thought – it could be anything from "I'm excited about this new project" to "Why does my cat always stare at me like that?" That thought generates a feeling, and you're suddenly in motion. You're embodying your art.

Sensory Input: The Building Blocks of Your Creativity

Now, let's talk about sensory input. Our sensory apparatus – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch – are the channels through which we experience the world. Each of us has a unique sensory profile, and understanding yours can unlock new levels of creative expression.

Focus of Attention

First, you need to be present.

Being present means fully engaging with your sensory inputs, thoughts, and feelings. This heightened awareness allows you to filter and interpret the sensory signals in a way that resonates with your artistic vision.

For example, some people are highly sensitive to sound. The hum of a city street, the rustle of leaves, or the song's melody can evoke powerful thoughts and feelings. Visual stimuli like colors, shapes, and movements are more impactful for others. Seeing a sunset, a piece of art, or even a cluttered desk can spark a creative surge.

Personal Sensory Preferences

Let's look at how personal sensory preferences shape our experiences and, consequently, our art.

Imagine you're choosing a restaurant. For some, the deciding factor is the visual appeal – the ambiance, lighting, and decor –. They want a place that feels romantic or cozy. For others, taste is paramount. They choose based on the quality of the food, the flavors, and the culinary experience. Then others will prioritize sound – the music, the chatter, the noise level. Each sensory input carries its own weight.

Applying Sensory Awareness to Your Creative Process

As artists, we must recognize which sensory inputs we favor and how they influence our work. Once we are aware of our preferences, we can begin to layer in other sensory elements to create a richer, more immersive experience for our audience.

For instance, if you're primarily visually oriented, start paying more attention to sounds. How do different sounds enhance or change your perception of a scene? Or, if taste is your go-to sense, experiment with integrating touch and texture into your creative process.

Thoughts and Feelings: The Narrative Engine

Thoughts and feelings are not just abstract concepts; they are the narrative engine driving your creative process.

Think of your characters – their thoughts and feelings are the heartbeat of your stories. They add depth, dimension, and authenticity.

You create a more compelling narrative when you can fully embody your characters' thoughts and feelings. This embodiment extends beyond mere intellectual understanding. It's about feeling your characters' feelings, thinking what they think, and expressing it somatically.

Sensory Inputs in Character Development

Now, let's integrate sensory inputs into character development.

Each character can have a distinct sensory profile that shapes their experiences and actions. One character might be visually driven, noticing every detail in their environment. Another might be more attuned to sounds, reacting to the subtlest changes in tone.

Varying the sensory inputs you focus on for different characters can create more nuanced and engaging stories. This approach enhances your storytelling and broadens your work's appeal to a diverse audience.

Expanding Your Creative Horizons

You'll find new dimensions to your creativity as you explore the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and sensory inputs. The goal is to create a more holistic and immersive artistic experience. Being present and fully aware allows you to tap into a more bottomless well of inspiration and bring your unique vision to life.

So, the next time you sit down to create, take a moment to center yourself. Tune into your thoughts and feelings, engage your sensory apparatus, and let the dance begin. Remember, creativity is not just about what you produce; it's about the journey of self-expression and discovery.

For your next Creative Session: Embrace the Dance

Embracing the dance of thoughts, feelings, and sensory inputs can transform your creative process.

By being present and aware, you can fully embody your art and create works that resonate deeply with your audience. So go ahead, dive in, and let your creativity flow.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of creativity.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with fellow creatives and follow my YouTube channel for more insights and inspiration.

And remember, stay present, stay aware, and keep creating.

Yours Truly

Joshua

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Being More Present: Focus of Attention

This is part two of our six-part series about being present and everything that comes with it.

Focus of Attention

Today, we're zooming in on the focus of attention.

To be a true creative force, your focus of attention needs to be on point and accessible. The ability to focus on anything at any time, at your choosing—when and where to direct your attention—is genuinely a superpower for any creative.

Ultimately, it's up to you. Imagine this: We are engaged in a deep telephone conversation, and suddenly, there's a loud siren in the background. I could focus all my attention on that siren or let it be part of my soundscape and keep my attention on what we are talking about. See the difference? Where you place your focus of attention can profoundly alter any experience in your life.

Now, here's a game-changer.

There are only three Circles of Attention. Just three. Understanding and mastering these will elevate your creative game to new heights.

The Three Circles of Attention

1. Skin In
   This is all about how you think and feel, your internal sensory input. When you focus on yourself—your thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences—that's the first circle. In the film world, it's like a close-up shot. In literature, it's the interior life of the character. Picture a close-up of someone's eyes or hands preparing a meal. This is going deep into the character's personal experience, taking the world in via the senses, and having authentic thoughts and feelings arise from what you are sensing in this first circle of attention. You are not concerned about the other or how you look.
2. Focus on Others
   This circle is about what you, as the main character, place your focus of attention on. It could be another person, a place, or a thing. For instance, if you're admiring a brand-new red Ferrari, that car is your second circle of attention. You're focusing on it, putting your energy into it, and wanting to impact or change it somehow. In narratives, this would be a person or an object the character interacts with. By putting your attention on the second circle of attention, we understand how the character thinks and feels about whatever is taking his/her attention and how they feel about it.
3. The Bigger Picture
   The third circle encompasses everything else in your immediate environment. Think of walking down a beach. The ocean, the horizon, the seagulls—all make up the third circle of attention. In film terms, this is the master shot. It provides context and sets the scene without focusing too intensely on any element. The third circle of attention provides important content but is larger in scope, creating an overarching feeling or atmosphere.

Bouncing Between Circles

Great storytelling involves bouncing or transitioning between these three circles of attention. You move from one to the other to keep the narrative dynamic and engaging. Sometimes, you might focus on the intimate details of a character's life (first circle), then shift to their interaction with another character (second circle), and finally zoom out to show the broader context of their world (third circle). The faster we bounce from one circle to the other, the less time we have to experience the moment and the possible nuances that may ensue.

Suppose you want the character and the audience to go deeper into the moment. In that case, this is usually created by allowing more time (breathing room) for each circle of attention that is being presented. For example, music videos generally have quick cuts between these three circles. Art house or European-style films that tend to linger on the human experience will usually spend a longer time in each circle—slowing down the pace but increasing the depth of entry.

Practical Application

As an artist, a creative, or just a human being, where you place your focus of attention matters. Consider which circle you focus on in your creative work and how you transition between them. This awareness enhances your ability to engage deeply with your work and audience.

Remember, all of this hinges on being present. When fully present, you can navigate these circles of attention with ease and intention.

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Being More Present Part 1 of 6

The Game of Creativity: The Power of Presence

In the creative world, the game of creativity begins once you are very present and grounded in the here (hear) and now. Ideally, you are immersed in the moment to work authentically and organically, creatively with your process.

Yes, you can have fragmented attention—bits and pieces scattered all around—and still get work done. But to harness your full creative potential, you need to be present. Nothing starts to gel until you're "in the room," by this, I mean potently aware.

The Art of Awareness

Awareness is the cornerstone of creativity.

It begins with the breath, the essence of our being.

To be aware means feeling the air around you, seeing the people and environment in front of you, smelling the smells, feeling the feelings, and hearing the sounds. It's about engaging all five physical senses—and more.

Then there are the subtle senses, like equilibrium and other nuanced sensations. Being present, in its fullest sense, is the number one task of a creative artist or human being.

Of course, it is possible to do creative work without being fully present. But you'll notice that it lacks the depth and authenticity it could have. For example, as an actor, if I'm fully present in a scene, everything aligns. There's no self-consciousness, no turning inward, no distractions from the environment. The by-product of this is that I will have more awareness to work with and more presence to immerse myself in, which ultimately translates into a richer performance.

The State of Being
At the core of being present is your state of being, which I call your State Of Being. Awareness of your state of being is crucial for navigating your creative journey and producing your best work.

Imagine you're exploring a new creative concept. You'd want an open, relaxed, receptive state of being, without an agenda. If you're in a scene where you need to be agitated or frustrated, you will need to be able to access your current state of being and then tune into the desired state to fulfill the needs of the narrative. All of this work will circle back to being more and more present.

Practical Takeaways
So, how do you cultivate presence? Here are some practical takeaways:

• Engage Your Senses: Use your five physical senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—to ground yourself in the moment.
• Breathe: Focus on your breathing. It's the gateway to being a sentient, present being.
• Relax: Practice mental and physical relaxation techniques to reduce tension and increase awareness.

This is the first part of a six-part series on enhancing your creative process working directly on increasing your awareness.

Each part builds on the previous one, so read all six parts as soon as they get published.

The journey of creativity begins with being present. By mastering this, you can ensure your state of being supports whatever creative endeavor you're embarking on.

Watch out for part 2 of 6 in this series!

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When reading any kind of material for performance - scripts, texts, voice over work etc, we break down have vital it is to get off the "verbal line" and go for depth of entry.

And a lot of times I hear people read material to me and I can hear that they're reading material to me, which is not the point of communication, if you're going to be sharing it with someone through a medium other than yourself reading it. So, in other words, if I were to read something to myself and just get the information, then that's no different than someone else reading it to me just to get the information. This is really important when it comes to any kind of narrative, any kind of storytelling anytime of oral communication. Okay, so if we look at it from that perspective, now, how can I make it more real for you because otherwise you most likely have heard something like this before? I want to make it really real like so that you'll never forget this and you'll always want to infuse your work with something more. If I were to go to a recipe book and I looked at the recipe book and I see a recipe that includes lentils, onion and garlic. And it says parsley, right is one of the things Okay, and if I cut the word parsley out of that book, and I chop it up and I put it in the dish, I mean that's laughable, right? Because that's not parsley. That's the word on the page that that tells me I need to go and get parsley and have it in my kitchen in order to prepare this food. And then when I have parsley and it's next to basil or or chives or cilantro or whatever it is, how do I know it's parsley? Why pick it up? I look at it right? It's green as a certain feel. And then there's different kinds of parsley, there's flat, there's Italian, there's curly, I pick it up. I smell it maybe even tasted. Now I have parsley and now I can do whatever I need to do that parsley for that dish. But even that's not enough because I need to know in this context, is this parsley a part of the dish like is it in the dish like where I'm going to taste it? Or is it something that I'm just going to use to sprinkle on top as a garnish? It's the same thing when it comes to scripts. It's the same thing when it comes to a specially coded words like I love you or I hate you or get out of my house or I never want to see you again. Those kinds of word phrases those kinds of experiences are so emotionally loaded by what we have brought to it from our life experience or from what we've seen in other texts when we're reading stories. And by and large, we're going to be pulled so hard to go with the classic interpretation of whatever that is, when in reality just like parsley, parsley could be a garnish. Carnage could be part of the whole meal. We don't know yet because we don't have enough context. So in reality, those markings on those page, just like the word Parsley is a reminder to you that you need to have the experience of parsley at that moment, a thought and a feeling a point of view. And if you are saying well my character is a professional chef and they deal with this all day long. And this is just like a laundry list. Well, that's fair enough to there's always exceptions. always exceptions to the rule. And again, we went back to a literal a literal translation of Oh, parsley, well, that means that they could be a chef and then that's part of what they say every single day. But let's take it into context of someone who's ordering a dish at a restaurant and they want to make sure that the waitstaff gets it right. It's like I want to make sure that there's extra parsley because I love parsley, or I want to make sure that no parsley touches that table because it makes me crazy to have even a sprig of parsley on my dish.. If you love what you're listening to please subscribe and then share with fellow creatives. For more, go to JoshuaTownshend.com

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In this episode we go deep into how you keep your audience or reader on the edge of their seat. With suspension and letting go of holding.

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This is for EP.018

NAME: Attraction / Distraction

Show Notes:

Focus of attention is such an important component for any creative artist. In order to get a project done - we must be able to focus - at will - on whatever needs our attention next. At the same time - we need to be open enough in order to see what is in front of us and follow that - wherever it takes us as the creative being we are. Focus of attention. Open attention and so much more is required for the artist / creative who wishes to put projects out into the world.

So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation #attraction #distraction #FocusofAttention

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This is for EP.017

NAME: Listen To ...

Show Notes:

Not all listening is the same. We have casual listening. We have deep listening. We have full body listening. We have all kinds of listening. For the artist / creative - there is so much to be brought forth by this kind of deep listening. We are not supported by our culture to listen at this level. No formal school or university offers a degree program let alone a class in listening. Our focus on a cultural level is speech and debate or on a good day, communication. Listen we do and listen we must.

Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation #Listento #listenfor #FullbodyListening #wholeBodyListening

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This is for EP.016

NAME: Tell Me More

Show Notes:

Tell me more. Such a simple phrase - and yet it can open up doors on so many levels. We need to have a spirit of inquiry and discovery. Genuine interest in the other - personal, circumstances, hopes and dreams and really take the time to dig for the gold. Turn over every rock. Going into deeper and deeper states of allowing in order to get to greater depth and truth. How do we do this ? Give a listen - and allow yourself the time and space to make some discoveries about your own process right now.

So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation #TellMeMore #Deeper #depthandwidth #creativeplay

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This is for EP.015

NAME: Perspective & Point Of View

Show Notes:

We all hold a certain PERSPECTIVE in life. And this perspective will lead us to a certain POINT OF VIEW. This point of view - whatever it is - will lead us to have a certain thought and feeling about all the persons, places and things in our life. And these points of views will then hold either a positive or a negative charge. And this tool is at the base of building a character's inner and outer life. So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation #Perspective #PointofView #character #characterdevelopment

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EP. 014
NAME: Show & Tell

Show & Tell. That is how we are raised. In grade school - we come in to share in front of the whole class. We either love it or hate it - but most of us have fear run up and down our spine. Then later - during notes in creative sessions we get this comment, "Show us, don't just tell us." But does that really mean? In this episode we take a deep dive as well as go over a real life example to bring this lesson home.

So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation #CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #space #ShowandTell

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This is for EP.013

NAME: Know Your Phase

Show Notes:

Knowing the phase of development you are in is a key component to helping yourself succeed. Each phase has its' own unique qualities. In brief: 1st phase is to generate the prime material. 2nd phase is to organize it, edit, shape and reshape it. The 3rd phase is to deliver it. That would look like the final polish - going over all the details before hitting the send button. There is an ultra fast overview - give a listen to this episode for all the details. All the **episodes here are to help you to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - in order to help you create more and more.

Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com**

HASHTAGS:

#CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing #knowyourphase #KnowYourCreativePhase #mooncycles "PhasesofCreativity

#FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

#TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

#CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

#writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation

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This is for EP.012

NAME: Not all writing is about storytelling

Show Notes:

Not all writing is about storytelling. Sometimes, when we are writing or creating our projects it is a good idea NOT to write about the story. During different phases of development we will need to dig into our story - with writing that has nothing (apparently) to do with our story or even our characters in our story. Sometimes we need to look at what has gone on before the timeline of our story. Sometimes we need know their past, their history, what their life use to look like so we can appreciate their journey. We can also use this as fodder for our story creation. And sometimes we explore layers of the work that might never be seen by our reader or audience member - but it sure will be felt. So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

#CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

#FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

#TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

#CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock

#writingtothestory #expansionbeyondstory #layeredwriting #creatinginlayers #ConsciousCreation

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EP.011

NAME: Creative Blocks & Other Lies

Show Notes:

There is no such things as a “Creative Block” or a “Writer’s Block”. That is right up there with “I am a starving artist ..” and other lies either society has hoisted upon the creative or the lies we unwittingly tell ourselves. In this episode we go into the reality of what is really operating when we say we have a block and what we as the creative beings that we are, can do about it. First though is to expose the lie, then we can get really real with ourselves. Stepping into our true power of being the creative we are - takes a lot of showing up and depth of awareness. But - we are here to do that as well as create awesome work. So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

#CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

#FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

#TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

#CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #CreativeBlock #WriterBlock #WritersBlock #CreativeFreedom #ConsciousCreation

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EP.010

NAME: The Role of Roles

Show Notes:

Characters are people too. That is first and foremost! And as a character in a narrative these characters will play roles - just like people do in real life. We all play different roles in our lives at different times. It is a vital part of who we are as people in our society. When we are creating these narratives it is of great importance to give your characters more character by allowing them to play out fully the roles they play in their day-to-day life. The cop is the cop at work - but at home she is a mother, a wife, a good sister a nosy neighbor and so forth. So, check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

HASHTAGS:

#CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

#FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

#TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

#CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #Therolesweplay #roleplay #TheroleofRoles #rolespeopleplay #cosplay #CreativePlay #creativeflow #CharactersArePeopleToo

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EP. #009 .
Name: Taking up SPACE

Show Notes:

Taking up space is a key element for both your characters and for you the creative. How much space do I / my characters take up? Both physically and vocally / emotionally. We are entering the realm of making unconscious choices, conscious. And the creative / writer / actor / storyteller is the one to do this work first. In their creative life and their day-to-day life as well. When walking down the sidewalk or in a class room, do I tend to move to the edges or do I tend to go to the middle of the room / space. What is my relationship to open space? How do I feel about being close to a wall? In what spaces do I feel like I am take up a lot of space? In what spaces do I feel I need to make myself smaller to feel safe? Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

Key Words:

#CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing

#FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend

#TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative

#CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay #CreativeSpace #Taking Up Space, #Walls. #space

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NAME: How, Not What

**It is in the development of HOW your story rolls out is where another level of creativity is available. And while the WHAT of your story is a key component, that will only take you so far. HOW you tell your story, how you put all the elements together, how you reveal certain things and certain times is where the creative spirit can reach to new heights. Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative and unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

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**carve, creative, event, heavyweight champions, excitement, creative self expression, innate desire, long term payoff, creative writer, actor, create, scene, story, sparks, creativity, ways, culminating, super, fodder, idiosyncrasies

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Welcome to the creative presence, a show that's dedicated to expanding your creative self expression. And at the same time getting your projects done. And I'm your host, Joshua Townshend

There is this innate desire to be creative. And this desire, this lust, this passion, this excitement, this ferocity, to create is beyond time and space, it's, it's part of who we are. And because of that, we want to create something new, something different, that sparks someone alive, and, you know, makes them turn their head or makes them pick themselves up and notice things in a deeper, richer, more amazing way. I say yes to all of that, with the understanding that what we're really doing is how you tell your story, how the scene goes, how you play, or act, your part, etc, etc. It's always about how, and a lot of people spent a lot of time working on what, what is important. It's not to be minimized. What needs to be tended to what happens? What's going on? What's the event? What's the choice point? What are all these things, right? So the what happens, where our creativity really has an opportunity to surge up into carve new areas, is really in the How To give an example to make it concrete is in every story, there's always going to be an event. And I feel that people spend a lot of time trying to push away from the event trying to to do something new or something different. And that's not where you're going to get the best bang for your buck, you're not going to get the best return on your investment in terms of investing your your your creative energy, what you want to do is you want to focus on how so there's always going to be a wedding, there's always going to be a funeral, there's always going to be a milestone birthday, there's always going to be the first day or the last day of work, or the first date or the last date, or the day after the divorce. You know, the big breakup, there's always going to be the culminating fight between the two heavyweight champions, there's always going to be the beauty pageant, there's always going to be there's always going to be an event driving something or starting something ...

HASHTAGS: #CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing #FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend #TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative #CreativeFreedom #NotWhatHow #HowNotWhat #CreativeUniquePlay #CreativePlay

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Freedom is Death to the Creative !
Freedom is death is a provocation statement - and for the creative / artist it is vital to embrace parameters. It is one thing to say, “I want to travel more”. If you were to say - “Lets go to San Francisco for the weekend”, now a lot of specific and creative ideas begin to emerge. Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative unique - you ness - to help you create more. Make sure to take the free Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you. www.JoshuaTownshend.com

SUMMARY KEYWORDS

creative, project, flowers, Joshua Townshend, bride, characters, specific, creative self expression, fun, freedom, romantic comedy, give, storm, winter storm, drudgery, absolute, creativity, film, freedom

00:05

Welcome to the creative presence, a show that's dedicated to expanding your creative self expression. And at the same time getting your projects done. And I'm your host, Joshua Townshend.

Absolute freedom is the enemy of the creative. Wow, that's crazy talk. That's heresy that's like what is going on over there, Joshua. And I'm here to tell you, it's totally true. If you will live in a world of absolute freedom, like complete freedom, it is equally absolute death to the creative artist. If I were to say to you go, right, go sculpt something, make some music, go make a meal. The vastness the openness is is so huge. It's so overwhelming. It's just like World War Two, why Star Wars do I do it's like, it's like if someone says, go travel, go travel. It's like, okay, there's a big world out, there are lots of traveling to go to. It's like, go to San Francisco. Okay, that's something I can do. I know what to pack. I know how far away it is. All those things cut it, it's really healthy, for the creative to have parameters, to have a focus of intention. And ability to set something in motion towards something doesn't necessarily mean a defined result. But we need a jumping off place. Let's use the

#CreativeWriting #Writer #Story #StoryistheThing #WritingCommunity #Storytelling #StoryCreation #StorySharing #FeatureFilms #ScreenWriter #Actor #ActorsLife #Performer #WordSmith #AmWriting #SpokenWord #JoshuaTownshend #TheCreativePresent #CreateReleaseRelax #PodcastShow #CreativeAwareness #ConsciousCreation #ConsciousCreative #CreativeFreedom

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Write What You Know … they say.

**There is an old saying, “Write what you know.”  And that is true - kind of.  Just don’t take that advice literally.  Write to the underlying emotionally life that you know - but feel free to put that emotional truth into any circumstance you wish.  We break this down fairly quickly in this super fast podcast episode.    Make sure to take the free  Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you.  JoshuaTownshend.com 

Creative podcast, Creative writing, Alchemy, Transformation, Water, Air, Earth, Fire, Acting, Writing, film making, film writer, screenplay, play, theatre, healing words, creative life, creativity, creative times**

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**Fire. 

This is part 2 of a 4 part series on the Creative Elements. Fire must express itself.  What makes Fire unique is that to even exist it must consume two different fuel sources.  One is air and the other is a fuel source of their choosing.  If you have a fire in the natural world, the fire will burn whatever is in its path and will also need air / oxygen in order to live.  As a Fire in the creative world - we will need air and we will need to pick our other primary fuel source.   Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative element to help you create more.     Make sure to take the free  Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you.  www.JoshuaTownshend.com**

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**Creative Element.  WATER.  

This is part 1 of a 4 part series on the Creative Elements.  Water is all about going with the flow and at the same time Water needs to have a container in order to even exist as water  Water is also the only element that as the ability to be in 3 different states.  Ice / Frozen.  Steam / Vapor.  And water.  Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative element to help you create more.     Make sure to take the free  Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you.  www.JoshuaTownshend.com**

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**CREATIVE ELEMENT:  EARTH

This is part 3 of a 4 part series on the Creative Elements.  Earth is all about being ground in the physical world - a fully alive and sentient being that loves structure.  Connecting to the 5 physical senses, eating, enjoying lovely scents, walking in nature - anything and everything that is grounding is key for Earth Element creatives  As well as being super patient with themselves and others.   Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative element to help you create more.     Make sure to take the free  Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you.  www.JoshuaTownshend.com

Where Creatives go to get more creative. 
Bring more creativity to your creativity. 
You know how to focus - now - just focus on what you want to create !!!  
Or create MORE of.  MAS  !!**

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Creative Element: AIR 

AIR ELEMENT.  This is part 4 of a 4 part series on the Creative Elements.     Check out this episode to find how you can harness your creative element to help you create more.     Make sure to take the free  Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you.  www.JoshuaTownshend.com

SUMMARY KEYWORDS

air, element, ideas, multitude, creative, creative self expression, fire, impact, joshua Townshend, communication, space, creative process, settle, low ceilings, appreciated, radio signals, dust storms, water, connect, feel

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Awareness is one of the main tools creatives work with - no matter what you are developing.  Can be awareness of yourself, the outside world through the 5 physical senses or Self Awareness.  This episode has a quick and fun exercise that will help you to grow your awareness on all levels.  Make sure to take the free  Creative Elements Quiz on his website to find out what your Creative Element is and how it can work for you.  JoshuaTownshend.com

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Welcome to The Creative Present. This show is about expanding your creative self-expression. And, at the same time getting your projects done.

We start the work by being present. Present to yourself, your process, your current creative project. As well as your inner/outer worlds. The first step is always to be present, so you can do the most potent, powerful, impactful work. To do this you will want to deepen the following; yourself, your senses, your inner space, your atmosphere, your thoughts, your feelings, and your impeccable intention. All while being present to your own creative impulse in the here and now moment.

I work with customized techniques to help your creative development and process. Every creative artist is so different. You have so many skill sets that were born with and talents that are innate to you. We need to capitalize on these traits first. After that, then you can stretch yourselves as a creative. Develop more layers and facets to your work, your projects, and yourself.

On a project level, the main work is about the story. Story creating, storytelling, and story sharing. As an actor, writer, director, producer, or anyone involved with any storytelling medium, this work will resonate with you. Because the story is always at the heart of what we do. In art and in life.

Think of this podcast as your re-fueling station. Your destination to get re-inspired, re-charged, re-newed, so that you can get back to your creative project at hand. And all while having upward spiraling energy for the true artist you are.