Mastering Your Creative Flow: The Art of Directing Energy
Ever feel like you’re riding a wave of inspiration one minute, then stuck in a creative rut the next? That’s your energy talking, and it’s got a lot to say. In the latest episode of The Creative Present podcast, Joshua Townshend dives into the secret sauce of creativity: directing your energy flow at will. Whether you’re an actor commanding a stage, a writer scribbling in a quiet corner, or just navigating the chaos of everyday life, this is about taking the reins of your inner spark. Let’s unpack how to make your energy dance—on cue, on purpose, and with a whole lot of flair.
The Two Faces of Creative Energy
Energy isn’t just one thing—it’s a conversation between two directions: introversion and extroversion. Picture them as your breath, the inhale and exhale of your creative soul.
- Introverted Energy: The Inhale
This is your quiet, inward pull. It’s the writer hunched over a desk, lost in thought, or the actor pausing to feel the weight of a line before it lands. It’s reflective, focused, a deep dive into your own sensations, emotions, and ideas. Think of it as curling up with a good book in your mind—cozy, intimate, all about you. - Extroverted Energy: The Exhale
This is the outward burst, the moment you let it rip. It’s the opera singer filling a theater with sound or the director rallying a crew on a bustling set. It’s expansive, connecting, alive with the world around you. Imagine stepping onto a stage, lights blazing, and feeling the crowd’s pulse sync with yours.
Here’s the million-dollar question: which one’s better? Trick question! Asking if introversion beats extroversion is like asking if inhaling beats exhaling. You need both. Without one, you’re not just out of balance—you’re out of breath. Creativity thrives when these energies flow together, like a dance you get to choreograph.
The Trap of Too Much (or Too Little)
Lean too hard one way, and things get wobbly. Too much extroversion? You’re that uncle at the family reunion, yammering away, chasing claps and laughs but losing touch with your own heart. You’re all output, no depth, tethered to everyone else’s reactions. It’s exhausting, like shouting into a void hoping for an echo.
Too much introversion? That’s you, locked in your head, spinning in circles. You’re so deep in your own thoughts you forget there’s a world out there. It’s the dinner guest who just nods—“Fine, fine”—while the conversation sails by. Your energy’s stuck, bottled up, and nothing’s getting out.
The sweet spot? It’s not about picking a side—it’s about having both on speed dial. You want to inhale to recharge, exhale to connect, and switch between them like a pro. That’s what it means to direct your energy at will.
At Will: Your Creative Superpower
“At will” sounds like a magic trick, and honestly, it kind of is. It’s choosing where your energy goes, no matter what’s happening around you. Deadlines piling up? Heartbreak knocking? Doesn’t matter. You decide: inward to reflect, outward to express, or a little of both. It’s like being the DJ of your own vibe, spinning tracks that fit the moment.
What does this look like?
- Control: You pick the direction—introverted focus or extroverted fire—without second-guessing.
- Adaptability: You shift gears on the fly. Quiet reflection in a library? Got it. Rowdy banter in an Irish pub? Bring it.
- Stamina: You keep the flow going without burning out, like a marathon runner pacing their stride.
This is where you read the room—not just noticing the vibe, but joining it, shaping it. Walk into a hushed library, and your energy dials down, matching the soft rustle of pages. Stroll into a lively bar, and you’re laughing, clinking glasses, fully in the mix. It’s not about faking it; it’s about syncing up, staying true to yourself while meeting the moment.
