How To Concentrate

DAILY MUSE | Feeling a little low today, and lacking inspiration, I decided to Google “creativity” and clicked on the video listings. I came across a link that brought me to several videos by Tony Buzan, apparent creator of the mind-mapping technique. These were a series short and very basic videos, but they offer something of a positive value, because after watching a few I felt noticeably brighter, clearer and more upbeat. Here is on “How to Concentrate”. After watching it, I’m no longer a creative problem solver. I’m now a creative solution finder.

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How To Concentrate, posted with vodpod

TODAY’S MUSE: The Faith Middleton Show

DAILY MUSE | One of my favorite radio programs broadcast locally here in Connecticut is fortunately available over the internet and through podcasts– it’s ‘The Faith Middleton Show’, a constant breathe of fresh air in my day. Whether it be her ‘Food Schmooze’ show, made famous by it’s Saturday Night Live parody, or her Book Show, or her general shows on the richness of life, I always look forward to listening in– it helps me make it though my 3 o’clock slump in the afternoons. She has a special knack for interviews as well. Check her show out.

Listen via internet stream…

Podcast link via iTunes

UPDATE 1/11/11: Including new links because they’ve changed.
Here’s a link to the show website.And the link to free iTunes podcasts.

TODAY’S MUSE: Keep a Sketchbook

DAILY MUSE | If you don’t already, start keeping a sketchbook.

I’m a firm believer that creativity is a gift from God/ the creator/ the universe (whichever way one looks at it) and that ideas are gifted spontaneously. They come in spurts and streams. One has to be ready at anytime to receive them (capture them) when they come. And it’s the responsible and courteous thing to do when bestowed with such wonderful gifts. Consider your sketchbook entries as thank you notes to the universe acknowledging the creative source for the generous gifts.

I have kept sketchbooks all my adult life. I think the count is up to thirty. I fill them with whatever comes my way in inspiration: words, drawings, concepts, diagrams, poems, lyrics, inventions, to do lists, solutions to problems, etc. It’s quite interesting going through my collection of acquired ideas ever know and then. There are some real gems in there.

If you are and active person a good one is made by Moleskine— and they come in all sizes from small pocket-sized ones on up.

Pieces of Bob

DAILY MUSE | My bosses daughter, Nicole, lives in Philadelphia and works with a creative group that does film, print, advertising etc. They participated this year in the 48 Hour Film Project— a national contest in which teams have only 48 hours to write, produce, film and edit a 5 minute short film. Each team has to incorporate two of the same things: a particular character (this year it was home inspector, Kevin Oman- or something like that) and a particular prop (this year it was lotion).

This is their entry. It’s very clever, funny and well done. I’m amazed that they can pull this entire thing off in 48 hours– must have involved some all nighters. Watch for the lotion and the “K Man”. Nicole did the graphics at the beginning (pretty nifty) and end credits.

VIEWER ALERT | This film is for mature audiences only. It contains Strong Language and (Really Funny) Nudity.

TODAY’S MUSE: Martha Graham

DAILY MUSE | Today I offer an inspiring and powerful quote from dancer/choreographer Martha Graham. Use it today– and everyday– to champion your creativity.

There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening
that is translated through you into action
and because there is only one of you in all of time,
this expression is unique.
And if you block it, it will never exist
through any other medium and be lost.

Photograph by Barbara Morgan.

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