New to the Party

Here’s another answer to the question, “Where do your ideas come from?” It’s not one of the normal answers, but I think it’s truth. It also addresses the “where” part of the question, which I know is usually not intended literally, except that we all know everything comes from something and somewhere, even our ideas, which we cannot see or touch but which have a life and energy of their own just the same. So where exactly is the source of these ideas?

The present moment, of course.

Given that there’s nowhere else I can ever physically be, you’d think I’d be flooded with bright new ideas constantly. The problem is that while my body is forever rooted in the here and now, my mind is an incessant, habitual, unrepentant time traveler. There are days it seems as though it would rather be anywhere but here and any time but now. The past and the future are positively clay-like in their malleability. Why, I can tell any story I want about them. What control. I’m like a god creating the world again and again in his mind, reality itself a blank page for my desire.

Then whatever dream I’m dreaming ends, and I’m back where the world and reality can actually be found. For a moment, I feel a bit like a stranger there. Fortunately, the present is an extremely friendly place to be if you let. Everyone’s welcome. It’s like a party, and all the ideas are wandering around waiting to be mingled with. To be allowed in to this party, I can’t complain about it or want it to be different; I have to just accept it, accept all of it, including that part of it called Me. I have to accept what I’m actually interested in, what I care about and don’t care about. A lot of the stories I tell myself about the past and future are about what I think I want or should want. To be present with myself is to learn the truth, whatever it is.

I’ve been afraid of this party. I know once I’m there I won’t be able to avoid who I actually am. What if I’m disappointed? I’ve been disappointed plenty in my life. It’s a fair concern, I guess, but all the running necessary to avoid it is exhausting. Eventually, I come to rest, and there I am, there is everything, and all there’s left to do is accept what has always been.

If you like the ideas and perspectives expressed here, feel free to contact me about individual coaching and group workshops.

Fearless Writing: How to Create Boldly and Write With Confidence.
You can find William at: williamkenower.com