Clarity Through Chaos

Few experiences rival moments of inspiration -- where clouded in a state of confusion and uncertainty, a moment of awe-inspiring clarity emerges. In a flash a divine light shines directly on your head with an “ahhhhhhhhhhh” chanting sound echoing through the room. You’ve got it. The answer. The solution. A brilliant idea that changes everything. Then, before you can say “Impossible Journeys,” the moment vanishes. Back to everyday living.

Unfortunately, epiphanies, or moments of pristine clarity, discovery or illumination, don’t come around often. In fact, sometimes it feels like the planets all have to be aligned and gravity must reverse itself in order to find a single moment of true clarity.

Chaos theory maintains that life, in its intricate detail, is essentially chaotic and without order. When we back away from details we find patterns. Meaning: Beneath our random behaviors and actions exists a treasure chest of patterns for producing specific results -- a few of which might yield an epiphany.

As a writer I find myself thirsting for epiphanies. I use to sit at my computer late into the night, waiting in anticipation for that big breakthrough idea or prolonged state of “flow,” allowing me to produce something unique, something brilliant, something meaningful. Patience, it turns out, was never one of my strongest attributes.

Here are a few simple yet powerful strategies to help you “manufacture” an epiphany:

First, create a state of discovery. Think about a time when you had a moment of clarity and curiosity. Where were you? What were you doing? How were you breathing? What was on your mind? Duplicate the physical and mental state of a past inspirational moment -- find your pattern. If you have trouble doing this, think about when you’re generally most creative and then answer the above questions. (Examples: late at night, early mornings, in the shower, driving in the car)

Second, play epiphany-provoking music. What music moves you to think creatively, to explore and to dream? Some of my favorites include Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D, the overture to the Robin Hood soundtrack (John Williams), Great Governing Dynamics from “A Beautiful Mind” soundtrack (James Horner), and Pure Shores from “The Beach” soundtrack (All Saints).

Third, give into the moment. Breathe. Let go of all your worries, concerns, inhibitions, and problems -- at least temporarily. Trust in something bigger than yourself. You can conjure up a brilliant idea. You will find the answer. But first you must wipe your mental slate clean of all the tumultuous chaos that weaves its way through your daily life.

We tend to make life more complicated then it need be. Many of us live in a state of confusion and uncertainty derived from our fears of success and failure. Arguably, sparks of inspirations are made possible because of the flavor and texture of life’s chaotic nature. Epiphanies flow freely, when we learn to let go, find our patterns and embrace the Simple.

Find clarity through chaos and discover electrifying epiphanies along your adventure.

Happy Journeys!
Scott Jeffrey