Create like Leonardo
I’ve just completed the first day of a 4-day Visionary Leadership Workshop, birthing in the middle of a mini hurricane here in San Francisco. How perfect for the creative process that births inside each of us. Day 1… Create like Leonardo da Vinci with Michael Gelb. Fascinating men… both Leonardo and Michael.
My first gem of the workshop? A sticker for my journal handed to me by the artsy guy who sat beside me. On it were the words…
Be more strange.
Yup, I am meant to be here…
My second gem… Michael responding to a question of mine about writing by saying, “My wish for you is that you find your true voice.”
Music to my ears. Yup, I’m completely thrilled to be here. Sometimes when I’m back in my everyday life. I forget how important it is that I take time to attend Marcia Wieder’s workshops. When I’m here, I know.
Today’s gem for you… generate first, organize second. Whatever you are creating, don’t start with the “neat” outline. Outpour first. Mind map, mind map, mind map. Get yourself OUT OF THE BOX. Let ideas flow from all angles, however wild and wacky.
P.S. Did I tell you that one of the things birthing in me is a workshop on creativity and innovation? I declared that to my friend Shala back in December. Little did I know that this week’s workshop is perfect training ground. Today I learned to juggle.
WOWEEEEEE!
Tomorrow’s topic is innovate like Edison. Can’t wait….
Wow, Paula! As a longtime fan of both Leonardo da Vinci and Michael Gelb (I’ve read Gelb’s, “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci” more than once!), I know that you are in a very inspiring place right now! (Be careful - you may have me tagging along to the next Marcia Wieder workshop!) Like many others, sometimes I question my own out-of-the-box thinking when I get caught up in letting the reins of “conventional wisdom” take over. This was a great, gentle reminder to let our own capacities for thought be more of a guide…(and last night, I dug Michael Gelb’s book out of my archives for a refresher…).
…can’t wait to hear about “innovating like Edison”…!
Heh Ann-Michele,
Well, I’d be delighted for my friends to attend a workshop with me. In fact, so often when I’m sitting in her workshops, I have these flashes of inspiration… “Oh, I wish this person or that person was here to hear this.”
Then it dawned on me… Bring Marcia to THEM.
And so, if there’s enough interest, I’ll be inviting Marcia to Calgary for a two-day workshop called “Create your Future Now” in May 2008.
Wanna come? Do you know anybody else who would? I leave a different person each and every time when I’ve studied with Marcia. And that’s why I love her. I want so many people on this side of the border to have this same opportunity.
I too got the book “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci”. Michael even signed it for me. Did you know he’s created a Creativity and Innovation Leadership Academy? He’s offering his first certification program in Sante Fe in April. Very cool indeed!
Hugs, my friend!
Well, well, well! You’ve certainly piqued my interest and curiosity with the thought of Marcia Wieder coming to our side of the 49th! I know all about her work, and realize that it would be a phenomenal opportunity!
I would have to know more details about the workshop before I could make a serious commitment to it. As for others who may be at that particular junction in their lives…I’ll start putting the word out and see what it generates! And of course, I’ll let you know if I get any potentially firm bites!
Congratulations on getting the book - signed and all! You will love it - I especially love da Vinci’s notion that parallels one of my own sort of personal philosophies…”question everything and believe nothing.” I’m sure that anything Michael Gelb offers will be amazing. Very stimulating individual. I’m looking forward to hearing what insights “Innovate Like Edison” brought out for you!
Hugs right back at ya!
Ann-Michele.