The Possibilities Lab

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the saying goes. Therefore, I’m continuing last year’s blogging schedule until further notice,
posting WORDS on the 3rd of each month, PICTURES on the 13th, and SOUND (the Accidental Muralist Podcast) on the 23rd.
Cheers to 2021 and thanks for being here! 🥂

Sometimes you have to doodle it out.

Let’s Make This The Year of Possibilities

My word for last year was Imagination (until it scooted over to share space with The Body). This year I encourage us all to put our imaginings into action.

Let’s see what is possible.

I don’t mean, “When will the pandemic allow us to gather again?” or “What can the new administration do after January 20th?” Those are important questions and I’m definitely curious, but my focus here is on our own small daily decisions. Our sense of agency. Our next moves.

What I want to know is, What is possible for YOU? What is possible for ME? What can we create when we put our heads and hearts together?

Here’s What I’ve Got Up My Sleeve

I’ve been crafting something new for 2021. As you read the following description, who comes to mind that could benefit from this? Who in your life might be in need of some “possibility development”?

Introducing: The Possibilities Lab.

It’s an Idea Incubator. Your dreams, like chicks developing inside freshly laid eggs, are fragile. They need a warm and protected space to grow until they’re strong enough to face the world.

It’s a Listening Collective. Because you’re not actually crazy to want to do that thing you want to do, and we’d like to hear more about it. You’re also not crazy for not knowing what you want to do yet, but knowing you want something different, something that might not exist until you make it. We can all use practice listening to each other, and practice letting our voices be heard. (This includes listening to ourselves.)

It’s an Accountability Club. Saying publicly that you’re going to do something means you’re much more likely to actually follow through. (We’ll hold you to it, with love.)

It might be a Brainstorming Group at times. Six heads are better than one at generating possibilities and seeing different perspectives.

It could become a Virtual Barn-Raising if you’ve laid the foundation and are ready to build out your idea’s structure.

The Possibilities Lab is a place to determine and develop your next step, in a safe and supportive setting, with a spirit of experimentation. The question we’ll ask is, “What might happen if…?”

Also, “Why not?”

This Possibilities Lab - Who’s It For?

The Possibilities Lab could be for you if:

• You’re tired of hearing yourself daydream about someday (e.g. “I want to write and illustrate children’s books someday.” Said while practicing neither writing nor art).

• You often talk yourself out of feeling the way you feel. (“Don’t make such a big deal out of it! Stop over-reacting. I should be grateful — things could be so much worse.”)

• You self-administer perks as motivation to get through it (e.g. two scones — one for breakfast, one for lunch — and an extra-large coffee from Peet’s every day as a reward for going to work).

• You have a childhood dream that feels so outrageous that you won’t admit it out loud and can’t quite take it seriously, yet it won’t go away. (E.g. “I want to be an artist.”)

• You find yourself frequently in tears (or otherwise angsty and irritable) for no obvious reason. Or for too many reasons to name.

Yes, those examples are very specific, because that was me. All of those things at the same time. Back before I started taking my own possibilities seriously. (You can read a detailed account of my journey toward becoming an artist, writer, and frequent experimenter here.)

Your symptoms might be different than mine, but I think you’ll recognize the sense of stuckness. The desire for more ease and fewer battles.

Guiding Philosophy of the Possibilities Lab

Here are a few concepts underpinning the Lab:

• You have everything you need to begin.

• Most of our obstacles are self-imposed.

• The voice inside you — your intuition — is your truest, wisest guide.

• Support from people who take your ideas seriously is golden.

• Curiosity is the antidote to judgment, and one of your best tools.

• Making art (i.e. living with integrity) requires courage.

• Courage, like creativity, is a muscle that gets stronger with use.

Specifics about the Possibilities Lab

Here are some nitty-gritty details.

1. We’ll meet in groups no larger than six people. I’ll be both a participant and the group’s facilitator.

2. Groups will meet once per week over Zoom, and have homework assignments — because you know how I love to give homework! 🤓

3. Sessions will last for four weeks. The first session begins in February 2021.

4. The Lab is open to any person between the ages of 16 and 116.

5. The introductory rate for February’s session is under $100. (Ask me if you need scholarship info. I don’t want anyone to be excluded for lack of funds.)

6. If your interest is piqued and you’d like more information including dates, times, and how to register, PLEASE REPLY TO THIS EMAIL with a quick “I’m interested.”

I’ve been there. That’s why I’m thrilled to be offering this.

When people assume that I’ve always been a free spirit who effortlessly follows my heart, that really throws me for a loop. The truth is, I was a world-class people-pleaser who excelled in self-denial and self-betrayal. In a way, their misperception shows how far I’ve come. Muscles that we exercise do actually grow stronger. Taking creative risks actually does get easier with practice.

I created the Possibilities Lab because I could have really benefitted from something like it all those times when I was stuck and confused and feeling alone in my plight. I remember each difficult stage along the way — all the excuses, all the blaming, every perceived obstacle, each voice of resistance, all the fear and uncertainty and self-consciousness.

I’ve made my living as an artist for over a decade now. (In the black each year, I might add!) And while having people admire or purchase or commission my artwork is immensely satisfying, what brings me even greater joy is witnessing other people’s creative development. It’s why I loved leading community mural projects. Playing even a tiny role as someone learns to say Yes to their own potential is… well, there’s nothing quite like it.

That’s the spirit behind the Possibilities Lab. Now, who’s going to join me?

_ _ _ _ _

P.S. This idea, creating the Possibilities Lab, is an example of the kind of experimentation I’m talking about. I wonder if anyone will be interested in what I’ve dreamed up this time? I never know. But by now I know it won’t kill me to find out.

Don’t forget to email me if you’d like more information. Also, I’d love it if you told a friend about the Possibilities Lab — you know, the friend you couldn’t stop thinking about while you were reading? 😉

Wishing you a kinder, gentler year,
Pam