Desk Companion: Day 98
I got another plant for my work desk, it dried and died over a weekend.
I brought it back home, and suddenly, it has leaves growing again.
Book Review #001
<Impro: Improvisation and The Theatre> by Keith Johnstone
We all have our own unique creativity within us, but often fear holds us back from unleashing it. We worry about being judged as lunatic or too edgy, and even doubt ourselves for not coming up with something groundbreaking enough. Do not deny your thoughts. Everyone has interesting weird thoughts. You don't need become lunatic and edgy to be creative, but don't try to suppress those ideas or pretend they don't exist. Accept your thoughts for what they are and let yourself be creative without fear of judgment. That's how you become creative.
This review was written while I wasn't focusing too much. If you are reading this, just take the message and don't dig too much.
I read this book in Korean.
I'm not familiar with the author nor the book. I was given this book by my "사수" or "SenPai" at work. He was a person who likes to gift books. He wrote a short letter on a blank page at the front of the book that he don't remember much of the content, but the concept of "Exchange of status", the fact that there always is difference of status between any group of more than two people, has left a strong impression on him. It's something that he would often think about at work.
Well, that's him. I also agree it's an interesting thought and it's a good tool to have in my pocket for social interaction, but thinking in such way is tiring, isn't it? I prefer to think of human interactions as "intention" and "desire" based. In my model of human interactions, good communication can reach the optimal result for both. It is not about who is higher or lower, and is about understanding each other's needs, and sometimes even one's own needs too.
My favorite part of this book was on creative thoughts, but let me correct my coworker's view on the "status" that the author was talking about. The way I took it is: "It is easier to make interesting human interactions if you keep in mind about the mechanics of the actors or the characters." After all, this book is about improvisational theatre. And I see that how it can help actors to put themselves in character with this approach.
In my favorite part when the author talks about how he was discouraged about his imaginations. There were mainly three reasons on why. The first thing that popped up in his mind felt either: - lunatic - edgy - or not creative enough I have been suffering about this for a long time too. Intrusive thoughts, curiosity and genuinely new thoughts have been punished by others but mostly by myself. The fear of being judged and ridiculed couldn't overcome my desire to explore anything.
The author continues to blame the schooling system for growing us as these "socially acceptable" and restrictive people. I can understand why he might think so, but I do not agree completely. Those intrusive thoughts should also learn to cope with the society and to be considerate and helpful to others too. I would agree that the school systems do too much to restrict us, but you shouldn't let them kill your thoughts.
The reason why I like about this part is because I felt understood and I felt I found solution. We all have unacceptable thoughts, and although we try our best to not show them, we sometimes actually like to see the ideas released. We don't have to embrace the edgy thoughts, but shouldn't shy away from it. Just accept your thoughts. And you don't have to try too hard to become "creative" your thoughts are already unique, even if they look plain on the surface.
Music Practice #001
I've always wondered how music can create such vivid emotions. I watched music theory videos and read some about it, and tried to get down and create my own.
There was a problem. I didn't know how to execute the theory. I had played flute for several years in my childhood, and I could read some sheets, but flute usually has only one line, and the keys and scales didn't really matter to me as a kid focusing on performing.
Now I am trying to learn the basics of piano and kets and scales, how to play and mix them.
I believe in repetition and practice, and I believe creativity can be acquired only when you stand on the mountain of practice and proficiency. My creativity in music will grow as I practice using them and listening to them when I want to, not after practicing my small bit for 3hours. That will significantly slow down my creative process.
My thoughts on religions
This is my story about how "God's love" can exist even when "God" does not exist in your world.
I am not an atheist nor a religious person. Maybe a bit closer to an atheist. I hope this post finds way to your heart or head, no matter what your belief is.
I grew up with a science-oriented social group that valued facts and logic over faith. Some people might argue about the correlation, but in my opinion, my environment was easier for me to dislike religious ideas.
Ironically, my logical thinking made me reconsider if my negative attitude toward religions was justified. I began to question the validity of the conflict between science and religion. I realized that I had been dismissing religion as illogical without really understanding its beliefs and values. I decided to adopt a more neutral and curious perspective. A novel that influenced me in this decision was "Life of Pi", which showed me the power of faith.
I tried to immerse myself to religion. I enjoyed the teachings of Buddhism and the meditations at temples. Their philosophy of meaninglessness and impermanence made sense and changed the way I think.
I joined various Christiaan events while serving in the Navy. I tried praying, learning the Bibles. I learned a lot about what the religions are and how the people in the group are like.
I wasn't able to fully immerse myself into it even through all that. But there was another milestone in my religious journey. Any atheist readers, please hear me out.