The 3Bs of Creativity

I can't remember exactly how I was introduced the three Bs of creativity but it's a simple idea that stuck. It was explained to me that most of our creative thought happens either in the bed, the bath or the bus.

I was never presented with any evidence for this theory but it seems intuitively correct. They are what's left of our rapidly disappearing contemplative moments. They are moments of stillness, disconnection, isolation. They are (at least for me) all places of transportation: from wakefulness to sleep, from sleep back to wakefulness, from where I am to where I need to go.

Recognizing these moments as powerful and unique does more than name a phenomenon, it has empowered me to push the boundaries of my own creativity. By considering the character of these moments in my life in such a concrete way I am able to imagine recreating them in a new context.

I've also noticed that even these moments are endangered. I forgot my iPhone on the way to the toilet. A quite panic began to sink in as I sat on the porcelain throne. "What am I going to do?" I thought, "I'm going to be so bored."

My iPhone has invaded the bath, podcasts fill my ears on the bus (or in my car as the case may be), and my time from wakefulness to staring at a device has been reduced to a negative number.

Mobile technology is wonderful, empowering, and connective. Having access to all the world's information anywhere, anytime has no-doubt enabled my creativity in countless ways. Mobile technology is also reducing the contemplative space in my life. Being always-on has lead to fewer moments of metaphysical transportation.

In the end it seems so obvious. I need quiet moments of contemplation. So, I must learn how to create and protect them.