Trees that Encourage Bystanders

The artist of these trees sat behind me in a workshop I recently attended. This was his first attempt at making trees with Sumi ink and watercolor. Once he put the ink on paper, he then spritzed it with a water bottle and added the green tree tops. I think it is amazing for a first attempt. What I also found amazing is that this was his first workshop and the fact that he could let go and was willing to try new things was inspiring.

All too often we get set in our ways, revel in our skills and find it hard to break out of our self imposed boundaries. We know what we know, we know what we are good at, we know where we exceed and as a result we continue down that path towards ‘success’. In our careers we spend years honing our skills to be the best at our chosen profession. We work towards continually learning what we can to get better and better. Does that drive for expertise allow us the freedom to experiment without fear of failure? Are we willing to try new things even if they have nothing to do with what we are doing now? Does our expertise in one thing prevent us from a willingness to fail, learn and experiment in other things?

These trees remind me that experimentation is good. Giving up control and trying new things is good. They remind me that jumping head first over the edge of our self imposed limitations not only challenges us, it encourages others to do the same. When we step out of the boundaries we have set for ourselves we give license and courage to those around us to do the same. Not only do we grow and expand we serve as an example to others that they can grow and expand. Our courage sparks energy and courage in the bystanders of our lives. Which means we have to get over the fear of looking foolish or failing, the conformity, the desire to do all things well all the time, and the need to be accepted because we are good at what we do. It means we lead by being courageous and choosing not to conform to our own expertise.

I ask you to try something completely different than what you do professionally. Jump over the edge of your own safety net and learn something you have never done before. Maybe it is a bucket list item. Maybe it is an art form you have always wanted to try. Maybe it is learning to play an instrument or sing in public. Maybe it is just using a new tool in your current line of work. Give it a chance. Step out and swing freely from the trees trapped in your creativity. Someone is watching and will follow your lead…so climb your creative trees with gusto.