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
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.
Summary
We explore two types of creativity: the bold, assertive kind associated with materialism and ego, and the subtle, transformative kind, named “Ken” in tribute to Ken Bliven. “Ken” represents a creative force that flows through us, connecting us to a deeper, more profound aspect of existence. As we prepare to honor Ken’s memory, we seek to channel this quieter form of creativity, recognizing its power to transcend individual limitations and connect us to the essence of life.
Glossarium
- Bold Creativity: A form of creativity that is confident, assertive, and often linked to ego and intellectualism.
- Subtle Creativity (“Ken”): A quiet, introspective form of creativity that moves through us, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.
- Tribute: An act of honoring someone’s memory or contributions.
- Creative Force: The energy or spirit that inspires and drives creative expression.
“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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