Fall Into Creativity

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Creativity is not limited by time and space; it lives in us and thrives throughout our natural environment.

Kuumba is Kiswahili for creativity. It is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa, necessary for innovative solutions to problems regardless of the season. In recognition of Kuumba, I give this offering.

Leaves on the ground  

We arrived at 6:45 PM. My family parked across the street from my coworker’s home. We crossed the street, found the address, and climbed the stairs to the apartment.

The door opened, and several of my coworkers sat on the couch. I smiled and introduced my family. We removed our coats and shoes.

The conversation flowed until it stopped. An awkward silence crept into the room.

I noticed an array of purple and black scars decorating the host’s elbow.

“What happened?”

“Huh?”

“Your elbow. The bruise. What happened?”

He explained how he slipped on leaves and fell.

I looked at another guest, and our faces said ouch without moving our lips. The conversation shifted, we ate, talked some more, and then left. My family and I returned home before 9 PM, but the memories from my coworker’s house stayed.

Early the next morning, I went for a run and pictured myself falling as I ran through a pile of leaves. Instead of falling, I stayed on my feet and found words.

I listened to the audiobook, A Runner’s High: My Life in Motion, as I ran along the sidewalks. “To cut is to heal. Suffering brings salvation,” said Dean Karnazes. Sometimes we must fall and hurt ourselves to learn.

The message circulated in my head. My legs moved, but I didn’t trip myself to test the theory.  

David Goggins shares similar advice in his book, Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. “Remembering that you’ve been through difficulties before and have always survived to fight again shifts the conversation in your head.” Ultramarathoners Dean Karnazes and David Goggins encourage finding answers to life's problems through the struggle.

You don’t avoid the pain. You listen, assess, and take strides toward progress.

If it’s God’s will, I will join thousands of runners in California’s International Marathon on Sunday. To compete and perform at my best, I will bring the necessary fuel, memories from the dinner party, and the strength gained during every training run.

What does this have to do with you?

There are creative remedies for stubborn challenges if we listen to the voice of struggle. Please don't ignore it. Raise the volume and respect the lesson.

Do you remember?

Last week, I discussed David Stovall’s book, Born out of Struggle, Critical Race Theory, School Creation, and the Politics of Interruption. The stories in the book provide evidence that something beautiful can follow dire circumstances. From a hunger strike and through political lies and various setbacks, the community created a social justice school.

The Chicago school operates through these values:

Like my coworker, plans for the Social Justice High School fell and failed before they stood on solid principles.

What does this mean to me and possibly you?

I have failed to meet the Boston Qualifying time for my age and gender six times, but I refuse to quit. Something in my core tells me Sunday will be different. I have followed an intense training regimen since my last marathon in March.  

My connection to running is different. The miles I put in not only support physical fitness. They serve as tools to sharpen my mind and spirit.

Through the combination of my feet touching the ground and the quiet space around, I find writing material. Like I’ve said before, I write, run, and repeat. Regardless of the results, I will finish Sunday’s race and take something home. 

You may miss Kuumba on leaves in Chicago or other parts of the US this week due to the snow, but it exists. For creative inspiration, examine the intricacy of a snowflake or wherever you find yourself today.

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