Pausing to Breathe
[audio mp3="http://www.stantonlanier.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Breathe-Single.mp3"][/audio]
Click above to listen to the brand new song Breathe as you read (releasing 10/27/15 on iTunes worldwide, and all other download and streaming services).
How can pausing to "breathe" help you go from better to best?
Last week I put aside my "to do" list to film a new music video in the mountains of western North Carolina. My original idea was to go deep into an old forest with huge trees, since trees help us breathe by producing oxygen. After some hiking and scouting, the plan shifted. It was a little unsettling at first, but taking time to pause, to breathe in this moment, led to an amazing discovery...
Back at the entrance to the historic forest, there were two signs. The first indicated the mileage to a lookout point. The second said "No Outlet." My friend (and camera man) agreed we should go exploring, to see if we might discover an even better (perhaps even the best) music video location. We were blown away, and couldn't wait to start filming at sunrise the next morning.
The image above is just a glimpse of the beauty and wonder we experienced, and I cannot wait to share the new Breathe music video with you soon. Here are a few points of reflection from this story, which may be helpful with your creativity today:
- Having a creative vision and dream to make a positive difference in people's lives is a great first step.
- Pausing to breathe (being flexible, waiting to see what is revealed) can take you from good, to better, to best.
- Taking calculated risks (seeing what is down a "no outlet" road) is part of experiencing awe and wonder.
- "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
- "I bless God every chance I get...I live and breathe God..." Psalm 34:1-2 (MSG)
What are you working on that could move from better to best by pausing to "breathe" in a new creative direction?