A few months ago, a co-worker made a trip to Costa Rica. While there, she discovered that they were enduring a, what they call, “Golden Season.” This is the time of year when the inevitable drought dries out the vegetation, leaving the land looking golden brown. It seems to be a token of gratitude, to be thankful for all parts of the cycle. From life to death.
This idea has been on my heart the last few weeks. I am currently going through a similar drought in creative thought. I have projects I want to accomplish, ideas I want to get on paper, but recently there seems to be something missing. Something that inevitably dries up my ideas and, in turn, my motivation. I stay awake at night while ideas unfold in front of me; ideas that collapse as soon as they’ve gained traction.
I will blame part of this on change. At this point, I’m not sure if there is anything consistent in my existence, which does not help my creative process. To be honest, the stress of impending circumstances has thrown a wrench in my brain-gears. It’s like when you go to the eye doctor and he/she clicks different lenses in front of you, each with a different number. But while you’re hearing numbers, you’re reading the letters in the distance. For my synesthesia, it looks like a Pollock.
It’s like I’m waiting for insanity to kick in.
I share this with you, dear reader, because I would like to assume I’m not the only one that goes though this tough part of the cycle. Hopefully this Costa Rican tradition will inspire you too, to be your crutches during that uphill climb. We must remember that on the other side is a green season, a downhill, a place where the sun feeds abundantly and water supply is ubiquitous. Until you get to that side, use the climb as a way to build your strength, and the time to build your ideas. Keep breathing, my friends. I’ll meet you on the other side.
The Poem Explorations of Mr. Creery 