On creativity, for CJ

This here's for my bud, CJ, who's fightin' the artist's fight. Follow the link first, then come back and read. It'll be worth your time. Really. Yo, CJ. I reckon creativity isn't about drama or having your life in the toilet. See, that'd be reactive, and all the really great, creative things in the world are, almost by definition, proactive. Look at it this way: you always hear about a really great movie, but how often you hear about a really great movie review? I think that creativity can certainly tap into strong emotions (and what's stronger than chaos, the bedrock of the universe?), but that's kind of like beginning meditation. What I really want to get to is the advanced meditation kind of creativity where I've practiced my craft (whichever one I finally choose) enough that it's not about sitting down to do it, it's not about the words or the instrument or the brush. It's about diving into the depths of my soul and bringing back a streaming, muddy fistful of universe to share with my buddies. I guess I have a little recipie for creativity that's a little like sourdough starter (in that once you get it going, if you're a little careful, you'll never run out) that goes like this: Combine a few bushels of practice with an armful of love and a dollop of respect. Prod gently. Let sit over night. Repeat. Feeds as many as can wrap their minds about it. Best served chilled, with fire and passion. Dig it, CJ. See you for dinner!