First

By Bruce Webber
Posted 2020-07-24 in general

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As a child I was fascinated by blank paper—either individual sheets or sheets bound into a book, but definitely blank. An unmarked page has potential; anything is possible.

I usually had no idea what to write.

Recently I felt a strong desire to express myself, again not knowing what to say. This time, however, I have practices and perspectives to help reveal what I want to express.

Most mornings I meditate and I write in my journal. This writing is usually free form, an expression of whatever is alive in me at that time. After I’ve expressed what’s on the surface, deeper and dormant ideas sometimes emerge. This daily writing, even if brief, is a message to me. It signals my intention to listen to what’s important and capture and express it.

I also have an intention around how to be in the world. I intend to be present, responsive, and creative. This works well when facilitating meetings, especially when the goal is uncertain. This approach can be scary as hell while resulting in effective meetings and positive outcomes.

The approach also works with my writing. I don’t have to know the outcome in advance. I can get in touch with what is alive in the moment and trust my creative process.

My writing might not be good. It might not entertain or inform. It does, however, meet my needs for creativity and self-expression. Even so, I want to express myself authentically and publicly.

At this point, I’ve decided to write about interesting technology, share some of my humor, and reflect on the strange times we live in. Stay tuned!