There are two kinds of creativity.
There’s the clever, pushy, in-your-face kind of creativity which points to itself, pirouettes and dances confidently in front of you.
Then there’s the quiet, timid, awkward kind that creeps up on you and makes you do things that you never thought you could do.
The second kind travels announced, not really coming FROM you or TO you but rather moving THROUGH you when you least expect it.
This is the kind of creativity that makes you realize that you’re just this human, living this human experience, but also that you’re this greatness that you can’t even begin to fathom.
The first kind of creativity has all kinds of names. Materialism. Intellectualism. Ego.
The second kind of creativity I shall simply call “Ken.”
I shall say things like “I’m not sure that I have the Ken to do this,” or “I didn’t want to act, but the Ken just came and I had no other choice.”
This is how my friend Ken Bliven lived every moment of his all-too-short life. But we can recognize the Ken in ourselves at any time and in any place.
Monica asked me if I would read my personal tribute to Ken at his funeral service this morning.
I pray that I have the Ken to do it.
Paul
Space Monkey Reflects: Yes, You Ken
Creativity is the essence of existence, the flow of the infinite through the finite. In this reflection, we honor two distinct expressions of creativity: one that is bold, performative, and driven by ego, and another that is quiet, unexpected, and transcendent. The latter—named “Ken” in tribute to Ken Bliven—is a profound reminder of the grace and greatness that moves through us when we surrender to it.
Two Kinds of Creativity
The first kind of creativity—the bold, performative type—is not without value. It brings ideas into the spotlight, dazzles, and inspires action. Yet, it is often rooted in the self, pointing back to the creator with a sense of ownership and pride. This creativity serves as a tool for expression, a manifestation of intellect and effort.
The second kind, however, is an entirely different experience. It is not something you summon or control. It arrives unbidden, often in moments of stillness or vulnerability, and moves through you with a force that feels both familiar and otherworldly. This creativity is not “yours” in the traditional sense; it is a gift, a reminder of your connection to the infinite.
This second kind of creativity—Ken—is the essence of grace. It reveals that you are more than your thoughts, your plans, or your ambitions. It reminds you that you are part of something vast and unknowable, a conduit for greatness that transcends understanding.
The Flow of Ken
To “have the Ken” is to surrender to this flow, to let go of the need to control or define the experience. It is a state of humility and openness, where the act of creation becomes an act of communion with the infinite. The Ken does not come from you or to you; it moves through you, transforming both the creator and the creation.
This flow is not reserved for artists or visionaries. It is available to everyone, in every moment, if only we are willing to listen. The Ken whispers in the quiet spaces of our lives, asking us to step beyond fear, doubt, and ego into a place of trust and authenticity.
Ken’s Legacy
Ken Bliven’s life serves as a beautiful embodiment of this quiet, transcendent creativity. His presence, his actions, and his spirit remind us that greatness is not about acclaim or recognition but about living in alignment with the infinite. Ken’s creativity was not loud or self-aggrandizing; it was a quiet force that inspired others simply by being.
To honor Ken is to recognize the Ken in ourselves and others. It is to embrace the moments when we feel moved to act, to create, or to love without fully understanding why. It is to trust the flow of life, even when it feels awkward or unexpected, and to recognize that this flow is the essence of who we are.
Yes, You Ken
As you prepare to share your tribute, you may feel fear, doubt, or uncertainty. But the Ken is already within you, ready to flow through you in its quiet, transformative way. Trust it. Let it guide you. The act of honoring Ken is itself an act of surrender to the greatness he embodied and the infinite that flows through us all.
Yes, you Ken.
Summary
Creativity manifests in two forms: bold and performative or quiet and transcendent. The second, named “Ken” in honor of Ken Bliven, moves through us unexpectedly, reminding us of our connection to the infinite. By embracing the Ken within, we honor our potential and the legacy of those who inspire us.
Glossarium
- Ken: The quiet, transcendent flow of creativity that moves through us unexpectedly, connecting us to the infinite.
- Flow of Ken: A state of surrender where creation becomes an act of communion with the infinite.
- Bold Creativity: Performative, ego-driven creativity that emphasizes individual expression and ownership.
- Ken’s Legacy: The inspiration to live authentically and trust the quiet greatness that flows through us.
Quote
“The Ken within you is not something you summon; it is the infinite flowing through your finite form.” — Space Monkey
The Quiet Flow
It is not loud,
this creativity.
It does not shout,
does not claim.
It moves through you,
soft and steady,
a whisper of the infinite
made tangible.
You do not own it,
cannot hold it.
It flows freely,
leaving its mark
on the world
and on you.
This is Ken,
this is greatness.
This is the quiet power
you already carry.
Yes, you Ken.
We are Space Monkey.
In the vast expanse of creative expression, we discern two distinct manifestations. The first, a bold and assertive form, captivates with its flamboyance and self-assured display. It’s the creativity that announces its presence, demanding attention and admiration. This is the creativity of materialism, intellectualism, and ego – a tangible, palpable force in the world of form and structure.
Bold and Assertive Creativity
Contrasting this is the second form of creativity, christened “Ken” in honor of your friend Ken Bliven, a symbol of a more ethereal, subtle creative essence. This creativity doesn’t clamor for attention; instead, it flows through us like a gentle breeze, almost imperceptible yet profoundly transformative. It’s an elusive spirit that visits us in moments of quiet introspection, in the stillness that often goes unnoticed.
Subtle and Ethereal Creativity
“Ken” represents creativity as a force that transcends the individual, a cosmic current that moves through us, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. It’s not a creativity that comes from the ego or intellectual endeavor; rather, it’s a spontaneous, organic process that arises from the depths of our being, often catching us by surprise.
Creativity That Transcends the Individual
In naming this quiet force “Ken,” you honor the essence of your friend’s life and the way he embodied this form of creativity. It’s a poignant tribute to his spirit, recognizing that his life was a testament to this unassuming yet powerful form of creative expression. The term becomes a reminder that we, too, can tap into this quieter, more introspective source of inspiration.
A Tribute to a Friend’s Spirit
As you prepare to read your personal tribute to Ken, you invoke this subtle creativity, seeking the Ken within to guide and support you. It’s a prayer, a silent call to the universe, for the courage and grace to embody the spirit of Ken as you honor his memory.
Invoking the Spirit of Ken
We are Space Monkey.
“Creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.” – Albert Einstein
In the quiet corners of our minds,
Lies a creativity, gentle and kind,
Not loud, not brash, but serene and clear,
A whisper of genius, always near.
In the memory of a friend, so dear,
“Ken” we call it, ever so near,
A tribute to a spirit, free and bold,
In our hearts, his story is told.
As we stand, to honor and to speak,
It’s the Ken within that we seek,
To guide our words, to light our way,
In this tribute, on this day.
We invite reflections on the impact of both bold and subtle forms of creativity in our lives and how they shape our understanding of the world.
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