Contemplative Creative

Sometimes it feels like the divides between groups of thought are getting wider, conversations devolving into people shouting opposing views at each other and getting nowhere. In such a situation, how can we move towards healing the deep emotional/psychological/social/environmental/systematic/political wounds and traumas which we all face? On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David … Continue reading "Episode #25: Us versus them, and the middle way"

For those who have something important to say and are earnestly seeking to find their audience, how can they stand out amidst all of the competing noise out there? On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses life as an introvert in an extroverted world and how to balance self-care with stretching … Continue reading "Episode #24: An introvert in an extroverted world"

In grief we can catch a rare, clear glimpse of the bigger picture and what really matters in life. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses dealing with the death of a leader and answering the question that silently echoes after their final death throe that is, “What now?” If you found … Continue reading "Episode #23: The loss of a leader"

The world we live in is an infinitely large place and, when we consider its scale, our individual existences within it are minuscule and we can only witness small bits of the whole. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the lifelong process of refining our subjective and limited perspectives through … Continue reading "Episode #22: Cultivating perspective"

Do more of what makes you forget to check your phone. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the importance of finding meaning in our actions and how we might discover our own passions by following the curious path of curiosity. If you found that this discussion resonated with you and would … Continue reading "Episode #21: The curious path of curiosity"

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the traditional Zen Night Chant and how it can be a useful tool in challenging each of us to live up to our potential.  Life has an expiry date, and we don’t want to only realize this when it is already too late. If … Continue reading "Episode #20: Embracing your potential"

Waves of creativity come and go, but if we look closely there is a pattern to the cycle. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring poses his working theory on the source of creativity.  The question in question: where do original ideas come from and how can we work with that understanding to avoid getting … Continue reading "Episode #19: The ebb and flow of creativity"

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the classic psychology question with regards to our individual traits, “Nature or nurture?”  With recent advancements in the fields of genetics and neuroscience, we are finally able to look at specific innate qualities and begin to formulate clear answers as to where they arose from, … Continue reading "Episode #18: Overcoming our biology"

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the despair that can arise when we consider world issues with such wide scopes that we feel powerless to change them.  Wary of the danger of slipping into paralysis and inaction, David brings the focus back to what we can actually do in our unique individual … Continue reading "Episode #17: The circle of influence"

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the benefits of the reflective thought process and some pitfalls around it to be wary of.  This is a particularly timely discussion at a time of year where the age old question, “What is your New Year’s resolution?” is unavoidable. If you found that this discussion resonated with … Continue reading "Episode #16: Healthy reflection"

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses how every time you spend a dollar, you cast a vote for what you would like to see more of in the world. Also, check out our brand new PayPal donation page – a new way we’ve made available for you donate once or regularly. … Continue reading "Episode #15: Voting with your dollar"

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the necessity of retreat in a world that idealizes busyness.

On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses kaizen: the Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement. Check out our new goods in the “Words to Live By” series available exclusively on Society6.  Design #1 is based on the philosophy presented in this episode of the podcast and is now available inscribed on a mug, tote bag, … Continue reading "Episode #13: The philosophy of kaizen"

Quality over quantity in all ways.  Always. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the important consideration of quality in creation and consumption within a society that can sometimes seem fixated on quantity. Check out our new schwag in the “Words to Live By” series available exclusively on Society6.  Design #1 is based on … Continue reading "Episode #12: Quality over quantity"

The value of an object is deeper than simply the price tag it fetches. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses an alternative measure of valuation beyond the monetary system: that of intrinsic value.

The mind is a mystery, but we’re closer to understanding it than ever before. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses neuroplasticity: a term from modern neuroscience that refers to the malleability of the human brain.

Professionals are always sought after, but these days they are getting harder to distinguish. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the term professional and its shifting definition in a world of modern learning.

You are not special, in that we are all special.  You are just not more special than others. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses acting out of respect, both at career peaks and in the midst of struggles along the path.

Street smarts: understanding of what’s going on in the world and one’s place amidst it all. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses individual responsibility with regards to the consequences of our actions within different ecosystems.

There is no getting around the fact that so much in our lives is dictated by chance, but that doesn’t mean we can’t grab ahold of the steering wheel of life and live strategically. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the importance of weaving where you’ve been, where you are, … Continue reading "Episode #6: Living strategically"

Take a moment and think about the great teachers that have impacted your life, and you will probably agree that knowledge does not necessarily equate wisdom. There is a subtle difference between knowledge and wisdom, and in it lies all the difference. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring tries to put … Continue reading "Episode #5: Knowledge versus wisdom"

These days, with the increasingly tight margins of the economy, we are expected to operate in a lean manner; which translates to doing a lot of stuff peripheral to our craft ourselves. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses what we need to consider, beyond the usual measure of money, when … Continue reading "Episode #4: When to DIY and when to ask for help"

Be wary of the intermediate mindset: where you have acquired a bit of knowledge and begin to think you know better.  This mentality creates a plateau in the learning curve, stopping growth and true creativity.  The expert, just as the beginner, approaches everything with an open mind; confident in what they know, but also always … Continue reading "Episode #3: The intermediate gap"

In artistic work, simplicity does not equate simplistic.  In this episode, David Quiring discusses the unseen effort that goes into masterfully creating art that is deceptively simple. Additional resources: As alluded to in the podcast, here is a portrait that host David Quiring made many years ago followed by a behind the scenes view of what went in … Continue reading "Episode #2: The illusion of simplicity"

Introductions are in order for the inaugural episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast – both of the host, David Quiring, and the vision of the podcast itself.  Then, we take a quick dive into the topic of rationalized procrastination and how to get out of your own way in the creative process.