Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, America, Authenticity, Creativity, Culture
Recently I was in NYC and I absolutely loved being back.
There’s many reasons for that, of which one is crazy cities are where I feel I am able to breathe.
I know that’s a bit of an oxymoron given they’re full of pollution and people, but it’s true.
I feel free, alive, engaged and present there.
It’s like oxygen to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Auckland A LOT – much more than some of the other places I’ve lived – but its no comparisson to the busy, demanding, restless and relentless energy of the mega city.
It’s one of the reasons we won’t be here forever and one of the reasons why Shanghai remains my favourite place I’ve ever lived.
A place where anything could happen – and often did.
A place where anything could be seen – and often was.
A place where variety was on every corner – and never stopped.
A place of the good … bad … enthralling and exciting.
How can anyone not get intoxicated by that?
OK, I know not everyone does. For example where I feel the creativity, possibilitiy and energy of the place, they tend to feel the noise, mess and pressure … which is another reason I love the big cities, because it has variety of people, not conformity. And nothing kinda captured this than the cars I saw on the streets of Soho.
Look at that …
From shiny status to crafted shitbox. And Tesla truck wankers.
Yet they not all seemed to fit perfectly into the environment, they were also all perfectly accepted.
And that’s part of what I love … that the paradox creates the energy to enable new possibilities.
Something to compare and compete against. Revealing and opening doors that would otherwise stay hidden or closed.
It’s why I find creativity becomes a true force when it has something to push or fight against.
Something that demands it to elevate its game … and push against rules and conformity.
Rebellious inspiration, so to speak.
Because while creativity has no limits, it seems to go to more interesting places when it’s provoked by the fear of complicity, conformity or routine.
Maybe that’s something companies – and cities – could do with embracing a bit more.
Because while comfort and consistency is nice, the unknown and unexpected don’t just keep things moving … they make sure you never take confront and consistency for granted.