After 3+ months, today we are leaving the US to head to Mexico for our next adventure. We are looking forward to a few months of new writing projects, expanding our Spanish, and immersing ourselves into the culture. In addition, we’re excited about a new endeavor to create our own modern day version of the salons of old, which is intended to provide “informal gatherings where people talk big talk, talk meant to be listened to and perhaps passionately acted upon.”
Surrounding yourself with people who share your passion and interests will help to spur your own creativity and help keep you motivated and on track as you follow your dream. In today’s video we provide a bit more insight into the value of regularly getting together with others to exchange ideas and talk passionately about what you care about most.
About Warren
So true! One of the elements of university that I miss so much. Sitting with a diverse group and chatting, pontificating, exploring in a different way.
You can’t help but walk away invigorated and full of ideas and while you may not agree with those in your group, you will find you’ve changed, ever so slightly, afterward.
Maria, disagreements are the best! (At least respectful ones.) We’ve learned so much from other people in our travels by debating the issues in a sane, reasonable way. It’s a mind-expander (and not too shabby in developing better communication skills, either).
Love it! I’ve been feeling this pull, too. I have lots of folks informally sitting at that table in my mind, but I’m more and more wanting the support of an in-person community. I used to have this in Biznik. I think it’s time to assemble my new intentional tribe!
Rachel, you are a great organizer, so I can see you creating this tribe for yourself. Maybe you can become your own kind of social networking group to support your creativity?
Thanks, Betsy! Yes, I do tend to gather people together. I have a “moon circle” group that meets monthly to work on deeper issues and offer support to each other. Now what I want in addition is a mastermind that challenges me to a new level. I’ve seen a few I’d like to be a part of, but they’re pay-to-play and spendier than I can do right now. Percolating and watching the signs….
When we were budgeting and saving for our trip, we found becoming the host to be the best answer. You get to create what you want at the budget you want, and other people are usually just glad you’ve taken charge. Maybe you’re the organizer of your ideal mastermind group, Rachel?
Marvelous. It is exceedingly tiresome to keep talking to people about the weather and their pets. I agree with Maria on the point of having that university cauldron of ideas. Why should this ever stop? Tammy and I often wish our home were one of these salons where frequent soirees are held brimming with intellectual conversation and laughter.
Hi, CJ. You can try what we are trying - create your own salon! Stay tuned as we work through the details on ours. We’re trying to keep it as free-flowing as possible since we don’t want to overcomplicate (and stifle) the creativity.
Great advice and thank you. We’ll have to do it online, methinks. Do you see any possibility of that happening?
I think an online salon is a real possibility, especially now with the ease of Google Plus Hangouts. Maybe a virtual salon is in the future…
It is so crucial to “pull” the creativity out of each other. I feel so invigorated after having conversations with creative folk. Great post!
Tony, this is what makes really great relationships so rewarding. I love the “delicious/exhausted/energized” feeling after a really great conversation with a fully engaged person. I like your statement about “pulling” the creativity out of each other. I never thought of it that way before - something new to consider. Thank you!
Several years ago I started a Sunday salon series for women in Portland called Flourish. It was a space to connect, break bread/drink wine, share our stories, support brilliant ideas and learn from great speakers. From a tiny group of ten in my living room, the group eventually grew to over 500 on the mailing list. I believe that creativity blossoms when someone holds the space for it. Another great post! Thank you.
Nancy, what a fantastic story! We’d love to hear more about it. Maybe you’d like to write how you did it and what you learned for others who don’t know how to start? Please email me if you’re interested - because I’m interested to read it!