The Noise from Protest Central

Having settled into my second day of life at the Capitol, it seems that noise levels can act as an excellerent for the crowd. Or is it just group think? Midday inside the Capitol the decibels were toward the top of the charts according to my iPhone voice memo app (the debut on this tool for me; this will be an excellent device next time I need to break up a dull workplace meeting). Place yourself here, listen for drums, chanting, metal whistles, the occasional harmonica. It feels so good, but without the mud and stink of Woodstock.

We had a quick discussion with a gentleman who had been an activist at the Pentagon protests in Washington in the 60's. He recalled his anti-war stance at the time but expressed well formed concerns about being swept up by the fever pitch (literally the sound levels) in this instance. As my ribcage pounded with the reverb from a 6 story, fully marble clad rotunda with the hint of a tear headed toward my eyes, I could see his point. It's like the movies! But I didn't feel quite as stirred about standing in the sleet outside the Capitol minutes later. Guess I'm not so tough now.

Noontime special:

In one of many rallies that purport to continue into Monday, local firefighters joined state workers in a march inside the Capitol building beginning on the ground floor rotunda and heading up to the second and third floor balconies. Fire fighting gear ran the gamut from '90's gear to looks from the 60's (much the best looking in terms of the toughness factor, but probably not great protection post 9/11). I admit television ads for insurance feature better equipment bling (okay, helmuts with clear visors), but the firefighters were exempt from Gov W's cuts...gotta' give 'em credit for coming out and the crowd LOVED them, as did I. what is with the emotion thing?

Check out the picture.

Heard around town:

List of things to bring to a rally (strait from a rally supporter)
- Posters
- Markers
- A fifth of whiskey (ok, not really, but those teachers like to feel hip)
- Wet scarves (great for tear gas protection, but not required here in the Heartland)
- Lipgloss, because it is oh so dry in February in the hinterlands

Signage at the UW bookstore has new meaning
- "Special on markers, big and small"
- Printed "Kill the Bill" posters (free, which is great when you have used up your markers)
- "Rally sandwich special (includes a handmade chocolate truffle)

As much as I try to summon up my inner curmudgeon, the events this weekend in Wisconsin's Capitol are considerably more stirring than anything I have read or seen as distilled through secondary sources. Speaking for a passive generation, this has thrilled me like nothing else and I'd like to think those nice Midwestern folks might open the door to some talking or at least a reasonable chat rather than the usual snarkiness which just leaves me wishing I still drank coffee. I always think of the best response at 2am.

Protest Central

I'm here in Madison, WI early Sunday after a very stimulating day in the Capitol with what was purported to be 65,000 protesters (and 150 police professionals). The demonstrators outside the capitol building appeared to be slightly more in favor of the governor, with the stroller brigade bringing in the union position and support for collective bargaining. We met friends who reported being jostled, but otherwise everything was very civil and reasonable. Yes, they are 'nice' in Wisconsin.

Wave after wave of new protesters arrived at Capitol Square throughout the afternoon, but the crowds really thinned out by 5:30 when darkness revealed a large moon and we went in search of dinner in what felt more like apres-ski crowds. Life on the square continued to get quiet, but not entirely empty, so at 8:30 we headed over to the Capitol building to check out what a third day of action 24/7 might look like indoors.

It was astonishingly powerful. Inside the capitol building were three floors of mostly young and middle-aged protesters, generally against support of the bill. There were students with sleeping bags, families, pizza and lots and lots of drums. The beat made the marble vault hum with power and dignity. Gallery after small gallery tucked away in this beautiful building was full of people who clearly planned to stay the night. At one point the Star Spangled Banner broke out and for the first time in my recent experience liberals were unapologetically providing at least the appearance of patriotism without being self-conscious.

What's with the pizza reference? In one interesting twist, the State Journal reported that Ian's Pizza on State has suspended in-store operations to concentrate on taking orders for the protesters. "Donations have come in from 30 states and 5 countries including Egypt, Korea and Canada." Later when I tried to check the reference, I was without creditable citations. I am wondering if this means Egyptian UW students were behind this effort? (an internet search queried "did you mean egyptians?" when my vain search for egypt + pizza failed to deliver)

Pictures include viewing the rotunda from above and signs posted by protesters as reminders of civil behavior.

Instructions for keeping it cool with Teapartyers

What Is the Purpose of Habits

In trying to describe a habit I think of anything that I lean to naturally, any behaviors that lead to known quantities or expected outcomes. In doing any sort of body work (yoga, deep breathing, anything related to singing are examples) the efficiencies provided by our physical systems are meant to assist in ease of completion, yet over time, they provide negative benefits. Even habits of discipline can aid lack of mindfulness, blinkered thinking or stuffiness when looking at new material.

Donna asks, "what are helpful habits and what are not, and what makes up the difference? Where do these habits come from...what kind of habits are actually going on inside and/or are characteristic of "the big middle?" Does one have to identify habits in order to bust out of them...." (see her comments attached to the transformation post for the full monte).

The big middle is the ideal 'location' to challenge habits because getting those pesky bad habits exposed to sunlight and examination reduces the likelihood they can do lasting damage. However some habits are of a friendly nature and need nurturing. Which are the weeds and which the flowers?

One place to start is where I am now, what exactly is the big middle?
- of the country
- my possible existence
- a transitional spot or the main event
- is my big middle full of the same artifacts and milestones as it is for others (hunting for universality)

Examination of habits invites a review of roles. A feature of the big middle is where there is room for pre-defined roles to be set aside for more rewarding, dimensional and bespoke behaviors and processes. Recent writings on mass behavior suggest that American men returning from the horrors of WWII sought structure and predictability and laid out the suburban landscape that directs family life in this country since the 1950's up to today (see this week's Economist magainze). Well defined roles do enable hard work, stability and goal setting. They also occasionally stifle creativity, hinder innovation and at worst provide the backdrop for atrocity as smothered individuals thrash about.

As we assume a role, we acquire habits to suit. This is where danger lurks, definition becomes hardened and the imposition of external expectation leaves us in a strait jacket. Stieg Larsson's thoughts on girls with dragon tattoos exemplifies the unpleasantness of society that imposes views on individuals without flexibility or attention to room for individuality.

So dump all habits and bust out of our roles? Like all of creative conundrums, it's never that easy.

Transformation

To bring 2010 to a close I signed up for transformation. Really? Yup, I made a plan, I told a couple of people, I set off. That's a big word, what's the idea here?

I wanted to know if it is possible to pursue real change actively, alone or with assistance. Within the big middle does change only arrive as a kick in the head or on the crest of some unwonted disaster? I have defined 'the big middle' as a time for semi-affluent types that spans 30-65 (the Heartland says 38-70, so I'm in the ball park; Jonathan Franzen also has ideas on this topic). The idea is to explore how we behave when we step outside what is required and play in the space known as what is possible with a bit of extra effort.

I have become increasingly averse to risk taking, hesitating to state a sketchy goal that might require inconvenient follow up. I find I never get after myself in ways that hold me fully accountable or skirt the possibility of humiliation, can I share my privacy if it means later awkwardness. How can I unload this behemoth of mindset, behavior pattern and limiting construct? Is this a safe haven or a nice box with what looks like a control panel painted in pastels that drip down the wall when it rains?

With only a few days left in the calendar, I headed off to the Midwestern hinterland, literally the Heartland (which is a place, not a concept; check the reference using: Illinois, Gilman). I had a few stated goals, mostly less well conceived, hazy hopes. Sounds like my favorite bad dream on the day before school starts.

Since this is just a lighthearted post, I feel the need to post disclaimers. This isn't a recipe for anyone else, I can't repeat it, there is no pattern for good luck or happiness. It's just a reminder to myself not to be so lacking in initiative or, better yet, in courage. Lots of help is out there but a small request is the first order of the day. It turns out that the instant I ask for assistance help is at hand.

The purpose of creativity

A general point of agreement amongst highly productive creative artists is that inspiration is for amateurs. To be disciplined, to be available for the next big thought requires a routine and a willingness to get down to work. Underneath that means that a certain amount of work is not going to lead to a new creative output.

What is the purpose of creativity? I know that I sustain higher energy levels when I am tapping in to my creative work stream or pool or whatever it is that gives me new thoughts or the desire to express something in a new format. I simply feel I'm a whole being when my creative thoughts come together into realized work. I also feel more successful when I have chances for collaboration.

Recently there has been a lot of writing about collaboration in the business press. For many years mercantile processes involved either highly hierarchical (read uncreative) productivity or downright poor labor conditions to produce commodity related products. Are we now in an era where new concepts and services might only be possible if collaboration in support of creativity and innovation is the way forward? I hope so.

I would like to think that a framework of process that supports artistic creativity. Think of it as scaffolding when working on the construction of a new form. New forms are the products of creativity. I have found that a framework I developed for being able to dance and later to sing (starting with learning) has worked also for learning and producing in less traditional creative environments. I believe this is born out if we look at highly productive artists who switch media (check out performers who produce wonderful drawings or paintings). How does productivity in the plastic arts produce fine chefs? Does craftmanship play a role?

Craftmanship is only a part of the creative process, but beginning with that basis can be freeing when proper constraints are in place. Knowing how to produce a fine work, as a craftsman, provides keys for when to continue burnishing a piece and when to let the work stand. This relates back to the big middle where constraints can provide wonderful opportunities for new outlets.