Start Small
Time Frame
30-60 min
Group size
10-40
Facilitation lvl
beginner
Comfort zone
safe
The futurist and writer Kevin Kelly argues that in a world of constant technological evolution none of us are experts for long and as a result a Newbie mindset is essential in today’s world. So whether you are a Tech fan or a Buddhist devotee it may be good to realise that you begin; every day, every moment. In a beginner's mind there is possibility, openness, curiosity: all qualities that are useful for an exploration of creativity. This simple activity can be used individually or in groups to start a workshop or project or when you are feeling a creative block.
Materials
Step 1
Grab a pen and paper.
Step 2
Find a quiet space and take a deep breath.
Step 3
As you exhale, write on the page, not in a fixed way, but attempting to be uncontrolled, fluid.
Note down words: adjectives, colours, feelings. Write until you reach the point when you need to take a breath.
Focus on something immediate and small, using the obvious facts of what is close to you.
Michael Avatar says that It can be something as simple as:
- The view from a window
- Your shadow
- A mark on a wall
- The dimensions of a room
Step 4
Stop and Reflect.
What did you discover?
Don't worry if you can't make sense of what you have written (this is often our fear; that it has to be something straight away).
The main thing is that you have begun!
Step 5
Congratulate yourself!
This first step succeeds because it limits you to something small and achievable ~ breath.
It doesn't overwhelm you with too much material; it is eminently doable. This is an important part of beginning.
Sometimes we don't succeed because we begin with an agenda that is too vast, too enormous.
Don’t be afraid to start small!