There is ALWAYS Something New in the Universe

by Greg Vineyard

I believe that connecting seemingly unrelated concepts generates fresh ideas.

A lot of my new thoughts stream-in at the laundromat while watching my stumbling clothes in the dryers. Even though most of the contents are the same every week – especially for those who have oh, say, five favorite outfits – I find it fascinating that the endless end-over-end, colorful jumble within a giant metal cylinder is still a bit different each time.

Thoughts like this lead me to believe I can connect visual aspects of drying my clothes to a topic like creative originality, and then relay it to you. Now, notice I didn’t say coherently. But let’s roll with it, for the very nature of Blue-Sky Brainstorming requires pushing forward far enough to see around the bend.

Developing ideas and producing creative output with unique intentions, style, expression and messaging is much like those spinning shirts: our personal choices are blended with societal influences and unknown factors that led to this particular basket of laundry. Studies, experiences, and unexpected things can change the parameters in slight ways, yet with exponential possibilities. And we’re always undergoing ever-changing sensory input.

For example, at the laundromat, there are others shuffling about, competing blaring televisions, the smell and swish of a bleach-filled mop, cell phone conversations, and on and on. Nothing’s ever exactly the same, even within set routines.

That phenomenon of widely ranging variables is always in play in our creative and working processes, too. For example, one may start to draw, and one’s cat may decide that it’s time to play a round of “Catch Every Mousie,” because one’s cat may be wacky like that. And yet, those interruptions – by felines or people – can generate new thoughts.

Life is dynamic and always fluctuating, even on the seemingly most routine of days. The potential to create one’s own, original art and style is sky-high. Sometimes, though, a “copyist” can sneak in. The type who is perhaps stalled in the important early process of learned techniques, still awaiting a catalyst or just-right teacher to help them to the next level. But mostly, I see us as immersed here in delightful innovators, who pay homage to their inspirations, and who then leap up, using the shadows of their heroes as wings, presenting us with unique offerings.

So, I say it is entirely OK to be an advocate for the concept of originality, and to nay-say the naysayers when they fall back on the at-best, tired, and at-worst, lazy, explanation for unoriginality: that there’s nothing new in the universe. It simply isn’t true. We, as thinking, decision-making, hands-on, praying, meditating, channeling, brilliant human beings have unlimited potential to generate something new. Ideation is key. Continuous effort is key. That very same universe some use as an excuse is the one the rest of us trust and look to for electric inspiration. Ideation and continuous efforts are key, and they work in concert with good ol’ sweat-equity, with results that can surprise and delight even ourselves.

May you forever look at your laundry differently, and be reminded that every moment is unique, every idea has potential, and that bringing yourself to the party is the gift. Think of the universe as a giant, spinning dryer, tumbling us all around with some degree of containment, mixing, rising, falling, and seek some glint of a new idea in that. One that’s all warm and fabric-softenery.