Music (espeically when paired with words) has a unique power to implant ideas deep within us. Sometimes we can’t shake a song or refrain from our heads. Sometimes this can lead to an obsessive looking for something new, the next song fix. And we worship novelty over beauty. What ordinary things we may have to offer will seem plain and insignificant. Hang tight. You still have something to say.

The purpose of music is celebrated and expounded as we give away was has been freely given to us. As the artist becomes less aware of him or herself, and more aware of his own gift of freedom received by art (and in this case music) success is less and less about “merch” sales and more and more about a real connection with other human beings (aka an audience). An actual relationship is born.

Some think entrepreneuring is sheer will power, ultimate manifest-destiny.  While we tend to give credit to the people, we often forget the idea. There may be something special about the person, but it was the idea that carried them. And what is that something inherent in the idea that compelled the person so? The real magic of entrepreneuring, then, is having an idea that compels such action, and listening well to the One who gives such compelling ideas.

Perhaps we fight fire with fire. Be part of the system in order to clog the system may be our best option to re-introduce wonder and to disrupt urgency. Efficiency is simply less important than beauty. Please don’t miss the magnificent architecture the next time you are in a beautiful airport!

Imagination is time-travel to a preferred future.  It is the catalyst that gets us on that road. Pure imagination is a beautiful ride into the truest forms of reality. Everything that has been created came from someone’s imagination.  We, perhaps, were even born from imagination. Never underestimate its power.

Art sees a world without limits, one outside of what we narrowly call reality.  It allows us to actually experience other worlds, to transcend this world for a time. Though we know we can’t stay there, the freshness of its air does wonders for our outlook here.   We need art., est life becomes only about survival.

The greatest songs in history will someday be background music.  Masterpieces will be used to dress up the living room. Cherished works of art will be forgotten, or at least under-utilized.  Artists, in that sense, are not much different than a shoe-maker (or cobbler).  They make good, sturdy shoes that protect the feet and hopefully keep us comfortable (oh, and look good).  They provide a great service, but one that is completely taken for granted regularly. Perhaps that is an important thing for us artists to remember.

Survival is one thing. And yes there is definitely a hierarchy of needs. But sooner or later everyone has to deal with themselves. Our existence itself must be dealt with. Art is there to help us do just that. This week we dive into how the arts can be entrepreneurial, especially in the social sector.

Launching is not the end of the story.  It is the beginning of another chapter.  Certainly it took a great deal to get here.  Celebrate it!  But don’t stop.  Release. Let it go.  Let it grow. And don’t forget to enjoy each step of the ride!

If every end is a beginning there is always a loophole.  There is always a cliff-hanger at the end of every episode.  Our life is like that. Everything connects.  Everything unravels and ravels back.  But how? That is the great tragedy of life.  We can’t tie all the loose ends together.  Not yet. But you CAN do what you can do. Do that…for now.

As a plant starts to flower, it begins the process of reproduction.  It wants to multiply.  There is some deep impulse within it - Grow!  Reproduce!  Multiply!  But to do so means putting its best on display for the world. We have a lot to learn from plants. Hang ten this week for a little botany sabbatical as we pick up a few things about how to keep reaching for the sun.  Life will go on!

This last part [this was originally the third part of a 3-part series on showing up, see the the last two blog posts], may be the most essential. Showing up is not about your work ethic, it is not even about you. Showing up is about the people you will bless. Showing up is about knowing the power of your gift, and the grace of the One who gives it.

All the greats have one thing in common: when asked about their passion or process, they do not mention fame and fortune as the driving force.  Instead they have an incessant drive to get “it” right.  They hear a song in their head and know it when they hear it.  It is clear. That’s the real math of innovation, getting “it” right.

The character developed through trials is also good.  The result of the test is good.  Tests are not for our harm (though they can hurt, they are legitimate tests!).  There is simply no other way to grow certain muscles.  Only through the testing. Perseverance requires testing. There is no other way to acquire it.  And without character, there is no hope.  Not real hope. 

Without serious intention, we all become cogs in the transactional machine. Consume this.  Exchange that.  That becomes all there is. But that is NOT all there is. Real value is out there, maybe just not where you are used to looking.

We are more than our bodies.  Our physical bodies are good.  Certainly.  But not enough.  There is more!  Bearing this "more" can be heavy.  But it is the weight of existence  - the glory of the human be-ing that both roots us in our human identity AND uproots us from our immediate surrounding and context.  We are here!

But we are more than here. 

How do we create something of real value? Something that has transcendence. Built-in sustainability. Resonation. Something that compels and works to make things better. More endurable. More cohesive. More connective. Just think: we can create something that produces this sort of enduring value.

We are not limited to finding our worth or value in what we successfully produce.  Let go of that idea.  In fact, some of your best work will be found in your failures. Accept it. There, in that surrender, is the real meaning found.  Good surrendering.

Creatives are ultimately called to work for the common good. That is where our light comes.  When we shine it outside ourselves.  Into the dark.  If we insist on staying indoors - inside ourselves, our current worlds, our zone of comfort, we will miss it.  We will miss the thrill of shining our light.  Of focusing it out into the world.  Into the hearts of others.

Once we have made it through the dirty laundry of our past, once we have exposed our interests, our tendencies, our consistent themes, then we are ready - ready for the adventure - ready for the brand new phase - ready to let go of the steering wheel and head into certain uncertainty.