Expanding Self-Expression Through Embracing the Ordinary and Non-Ordinary | EP.035

Today, we'll explore how moving from the ordinary to the non-ordinary can unlock new creative possibilities.

From Patterns to Chaos to Growth

We all live in patterns. As creatives, we have routines, habits, and ways of approaching our craft. These patterns are essential—they help us navigate the complexities of storytelling, character development, and the creative process. However, staying too long in the same pattern can limit growth. That's where the magic of breaking patterns comes into play.

When we consciously break a pattern, whether it's a habitual way of thinking, creating, or even something as simple as breathing or moving, we enter a period of chaos. And chaos, while destabilizing, is where true transformation happens. It's the space between the old and the new. As artists, that in-between place, filled with openness and possibility, is where creativity flourishes.

Embracing Chaos with Excitement

I recently talked with someone who asked, "Don't you feel anxious or destabilized when you break these patterns?" My answer was simple: I enjoy it. I embrace those moments of uncertainty and excitement. It's a process I've come to love because it leads to creative and personal breakthroughs.

There was one exception, though. I once pushed myself a bit too far with a breathing exercise—going beyond my limits in pranayama (a yogic breathing technique)—and had to take half a day to re-center. But even then, the experience taught me the importance of boundaries, limits, and knowing when to rest. That's part of the creative process, too.

The Power of Non-Ordinary Actions

Lately, I've been reflecting on some simple ways I break patterns in my life. It doesn't have to be dramatic—sometimes, it's as simple as breathing differently. On average, we take in 6 to 12 breaths per minute. But what happens when you slow that down to just one breath per minute? You step into the non-ordinary, creating space for new awareness and perception.

Or take walking. Most of us naturally walk forward, so I asked myself, "What if I walked backward?" By doing this consistently, I'm not just reversing my movement—I'm opening up new sensory experiences, expanding my perception, and breaking out of the ordinary.

Even something as small as which leg you use to step up onto a curb can be a place to experiment. I noticed that I always used my right leg, so I started consciously using my left leg. These small, non-ordinary actions are ways to cultivate awareness, and in turn, they open up creative possibilities.

40 Days of Exploring Place and Presence

Now, I'm taking this concept of breaking patterns even further. Starting on the Fall Equinox, I'm embarking on a 40-day challenge. Each day, I'll go to a new location—a place I've never been before—or, if it's somewhere I've visited, I'll treat it as if it's entirely new.

The goal? Experience each place with a fresh perspective and a heightened sense of presence. Places hold history, resonance, and energy. By being present in a space, we can tap into those vibrations and connect more deeply with our surroundings.

The Random Journey: Using the Randonautica App

One tool I'll be using during this 40-day journey is the Randonautica app. This app uses a random number generator to provide coordinates for new locations. I spoke with one of the app's creators and am excited to experiment with it by visiting five different places in a single day. It's a chance to layer experiences, challenge perceptions, and explore the concept of place as a character.

Place as Character, Character as Place

There's an old saying that "place is character, and character is place." We often overlook the histor