Today, we’ll explore how moving from the ordinary to the non-ordinary can unlock new creative possibilities.

We all live in patterns. As creatives, we have routines, habits, and ways of approaching our craft. These patterns are essential—they help us navigate the complexities of storytelling, character development, and the creative process. However, staying too long in the same pattern can limit growth. That’s where the magic of breaking patterns comes into play.

When we consciously break a pattern, whether it’s a habitual way of thinking, creating, or even something as simple as breathing or moving, we enter a period of chaos. And chaos, while destabilizing, is where true transformation happens. It’s the space between the old and the new. As artists, that in-between place, filled with openness and possibility, is where creativity flourishes.

I recently talked with someone who asked, “Don’t you feel anxious or destabilized when you break these patterns?” My answer was simple: I enjoy it. I embrace those moments of uncertainty and excitement. It’s a process I’ve come to love because it leads to creative and personal breakthroughs.

There was one exception, though. I once pushed myself a bit too far with a breathing exercise—going beyond my limits in pranayama (a yogic breathing technique)—and had to take half a day to re-center. But even then, the experience taught me the importance of boundaries, limits, and knowing when to rest. That’s part of the creative process, too.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on some simple ways I break patterns in my life. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—sometimes, it’s as simple as breathing differently. On average, we take in 6 to 12 breaths per minute. But what happens when you slow that down to just one breath per minute? You step into the non-ordinary, creating space for new awareness and perception.

Or take walking. Most of us naturally walk forward, so I asked myself, “What if I walked backward?” By doing this consistently, I’m not just reversing my movement—I’m opening up new sensory experiences, expanding my perception, and breaking out of the ordinary.

Even something as small as which leg you use to step up onto a curb can be a place to experiment. I noticed that I always used my right leg, so I started consciously using my left leg. These small, non-ordinary actions are ways to cultivate awareness, and in turn, they open up creative possibilities.

Now, I’m taking this concept of breaking patterns even further. Starting on the Fall Equinox, I’m embarking on a 40-day challenge. Each day, I’ll go to a new location—a place I’ve never been before—or, if it’s somewhere I’ve visited, I’ll treat it as if it’s entirely new.

The goal? Experience each place with a fresh perspective and a heightened sense of presence. Places hold history, resonance, and energy. By being present in a space, we can tap into those vibrations and connect more deeply with our surroundings.

One tool I’ll be using during this 40-day journey is the Randonautica app. This app uses a random number generator to provide coordinates for new locations. I spoke with one of the app’s creators and am excited to experiment with it by visiting five different places in a single day. It’s a chance to layer experiences, challenge perceptions, and explore the concept of place as a character.

There’s an old saying that “place is character, and character is place.” We often overlook the history and resonance of places, especially in our fast-paced, modern lives. Indigenous cultures have long recognized the sacredness of place, and I think there’s something powerful we can learn from that.

For instance, we memorialize the event when a tragedy happens by marking the place. Even if a building is torn down, its energy and history remain. We must honor that, both in life and in our creative work. The place profoundly impacts character, story, and the creative process.

Every time you cross a threshold, something shifts—stepping through a door or transitioning into a new creative phase. These moments of crossing over bring change, not only externally but internally. Our thoughts, feelings, and breathing patterns adjust to our new space.

As we move through the Equinox, a time of balance and change, I encourage you to embrace these shifts. Explore new places, break old patterns, and allow yourself to move beyond the ordinary.

Thank you for joining me in exploring breaking patterns, embracing chaos, and deepening your creative process. If you’re inspired by what you’ve heard, I invite you to take up one of these approaches to support your creative life.

Together, we can continue to explore the unknown, expand our creative possibilities, and grow beyond the ordinary.

Let’s see what new discoveries await.

Stay curious, stay creative.