Paying it Forward: 'Kitchen of the Mind' builds creativity
But I'm not creative! Try harder, start with Michael Vance and his 'Kitchen of the Mind,' "Creativity is the making of the new and rearranging of the old in a new way."
From April 9, 2023 timely for reflections in advance of new year.
Remember the TV show -- McIver always had just the right handful of stuff to hack computers and solve problems? How creative are you? Do you believe you can become more creative?
Years ago, I attended a day of creativity training with Mike Vance, first Dean of Disney University. To Vance, creativity is "the making of the new and rearranging of the old in a new way."
While Mike consulted with Steve Jobs, they discussed the creation of a “Kitchen of the Mind” in your home or office as a regular place to “feed, grow and exercise” your creativity. Google “Disney Mike Vance” and watch a few of the YouTube videos, ’95 Speech part 1 and part 2 – well worth the time.
Vance suggests using the word “sensanation” in lieu of imagination highlighting the importance of connecting to all five senses. For my group Mike shared how Walt Disney visited the Pirates of the Caribbean adding fireflies and frogs to complete the sensory ambiance and best influence Disney’s guests. Vance shared, "Look at nature and discover. Be sensitive to the universe. The universe is creative and all people can be creative.”
Why not spend some time feeding your creativity, review you mission and reinterpret the data you have at hand – look for what data is missing that would excite other senses. Perhaps gain some volunteers or extra funding?
Think of complementary partners who give you a different reach, feel and set of connections. Connect co-sponsors to give your nonprofit greater awareness. Think about trying some new ideas before this fall’s Texoma Gives – the largest multi beneficiary organized annual fundraising event in our community. If you stretch your creativity with a few ideas, your creativeness will grow. With over 100 other nonprofits, creativity is a must to stand out.
Exercise your mind. Realize all your senses. And you will find that like exercise for your body, working on your creativity will inspire rich stories that gain new donors as well as engage and excite old friends who have long supported your causes.
My kitchen of the mind is by a fountain among flowers, not as elaborate as MSU Texas’s “Spirit of the Mustangs.”
May your creativity burst from the water with confidence like the senior horse.
How is your imagination "sensination”?
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Published Wichita Falls Times Record News, Trends section, Sunday April 9, 2023.
Jack Browne is a community volunteer and former engineer, who became a technology sales and marketing executive over 40 years at Motorola Austin, MIPS Technologies and other silicon valley companies. How are the children doing?