Slow Learner

The structure of our lives, our work, our love, is the structure that the world has given us. We sleep best over an 8-hour period corresponding to a median night’s length; over millions of years we’ve evolved to fit this diurnal cycle. We work in the day, play in the evening, and sleep in the deep night.

So too the structure of our creative life depends on a regular cycle; my day feels incomplete if I haven’t applied myself to some creative task on some level: showing up at the drafting table is the primary activity. If I have no ideas, I doodle until something breaks through. If nothing eventually breaks through I might do something else, like apply for an opportunity or send an email to someone that I need to remain connected to professionally. Sometimes packages need to be schlepped to the post office. Recordings of my music need editing—there’s always something that needs to be listened to and mixed.

The best days for me are when the creative energy flows productively in the morning and the business side is attended to in the afternoon. It’s all the work I’ve selected to do and the creative side often requires a clerical attention.

In college, I was encouraged to take a business course. I finally did, but paid just enough attention to get a C. I wish I’d taken it more seriously, but, at the time, I was an aspiring hippy with artistic intentions, though I didn’t yet realize how to go about developing my craft. Business seemed like such a useless occupation. Now, I wish I’d excelled both in the business course and in my practice. The latter didn’t come until somewhat later, and I didn’t understand the business aspect until I was gigging with a band and needed to sell the product. I learned eventually that the two go hand in hand - while one can create their work on a daily basis, an energy of sharing and personal well-being can grow out of placing your work in the world.

Slow learner.

Comments

[Donna Kramer]

Paul, I took some banjo lessons from you back in Wichita (C Major) back in the 80's. I never mastered the craft. Sold my banjo. Let me know when you are going to be playing in Wichita.

Donna Caywood Kramer