The Two States of Being for the Creative Artist: A Path to Expanding Your Creative Self-Expression | EP.027

Welcome to The Creative Present, a space I created to support all of us in expanding our creative self-expression while—here’s the kicker—actually getting our projects done. Yes, you can have both! I’m Joshua Townshend, your guide on this wild journey.

Now, I’ve been thinking a lot about two very different yet essential states of being that form the foundation of your creative process. If you aren’t actively working with these states of being, you could be leaving untapped creativity on the table. And that, my friends, would be a shame. So let’s dive into these two critical states and why they’re so important for your creative work.

The Two States of Being

These states of being are fundamentally different and yet interconnected. Here’s the breakdown:

State of the Artist (The “I Am” State):

This is the state where you—the creative, the artist, the writer, the performer—center yourself. It’s the “I am” state: “I am that I am.” In this state, you’re present, relaxed, and open to everything around you. This is where you cultivate spaciousness, grounding, and a heightened awareness that expands your creative potential. It’s almost like you’re standing in the middle of a 360-degree creative arena, able to pull from all dimensions, aware of all impulses, and relaxed enough to channel them effectively.

State of the Character/Project:

Then, there’s the state of the character or project you’re working on. This is an entirely separate state of being. For example, if you’re acting, the character might be experiencing deep regret and remorse. You need to be able to embody that emotion fully, exploring every nuance. This state requires focus, but it also needs you to be flexible enough to exit and enter that emotional state at will.

Think about it: you have to go from being deeply immersed in your character’s regret to suddenly stepping out of it to adjust a light or respond to a director’s note. Then, just as quickly, you jump back in.

Why Is This Important?

If you can master the ability to shift between these two states, you’ll have more freedom and depth in your creative work. You’ll trust yourself more. You’ll be able to take risks. And—here’s the best part—you’ll be able to truly collaborate with your creative team without losing the integrity of your work.

So how do you develop these two states of being?

Step 1: Cultivate the “I Am” state. Practice being present, relaxed, and expansive.

Step 2: Once you’ve established that foundation, create and explore the state of being specific to your project or character.

Step 3: Learn to move fluidly between these two states. Master the art of entering and exiting them at will. This is key to handling the unpredictability of creative work, whether you’re in rehearsals, on set, or in the studio.

How to Apply This Today

Whether you’re an actor, writer, dancer, filmmaker, or some hybrid of it all (we’ve all got a little something going on, don’t we?), these states of being are fundamental. It’s not just about the project itself; it’s about who you are when you’re creating it.

I invite you to start working with these states consciously. Reflect on your creative practice:

Key Takeaways:

The "I Am" State: Be present, relaxed, and fully open to creative impulses.

The Project/Character State: Deeply embody the emotions and experiences of your character or project.

Fluid Transitions: Master the ability to shift between these states as needed for your creative work.

Trust the Process: As you