The potential space of creativity and play.

There's something that occurs when ever we work on a creative endeavor; we go someplace else without going anywhere. Whether it's painting, writing, sketching, sculpting, dance, music, crafts, or physical play, there is a suspension of time, place, and awareness.

As an art student in high school and college, it happened whenever I worked on a project. I'd begin painting in the morning and "suddenly" become aware I was feeling lightheaded. I'd look at the clock to find it was late afternoon. I was so focused upon a painting or sculpture that I lost track of time, forgot to eat, forgot about everything. This still happens today when I'm writing something of particular interest, listening to music, and the odd occasion when I pick up a paintbrush.

It wasn't until I was in my doctoral program that I learned there's a name for this phenomenon. Object relations theorist D.W. Winnicott calls it "potential space," which relates to play and religious and aesthetic experiences. It is "potential" because there, the imagination can give birth to anything and everything.

There's nothing quite like becoming lost in a project about which you're passionate. The air crackles and I go into a flow state. I would like to find a way to visit there more often. It's creative, productive, fantastical, and energizing.