“It is so easy to give, so exquisitely rewarding. Receiving, on the other hand, if it be well done, requires a fine balance of self-knowledge and kindness. It requires humility and tact and great understanding of relationships. In receiving you cannot appear, even to yourself, better or stronger or wiser than the giver, although you must be wiser to do it well.” - John Steinbeck
When we think about our creativity, we expect to give, to share, and to leverage our ideas and resources to inspire and empower others.
We are most comfortable when we are giving the world a piece of ourselves.
But there’s an often-neglected flip side to creative practice: Gratitude.
While giving often comes naturally, receiving—and noticing what’s already being given to us—requires intention and openness.
Gratitude is the practice of appreciating those gifts, no matter how small or fleeting.
In this issue of Flux & Flow, we’ll dive into how a daily gratitude practice can transform your creative work and guide you to more clarity, inspiration, and joy.
Let’s explore three resources that reveal how this simple habit can unlock extraordinary results.
Flow Forward: Key Resources for Creative Growth
As If to Demonstrate an Eclipse: Billy Collins’s Delightful Ode to Gratitude
Maria Popova reflects on poet Billy Collins’ meditations on gratitude as a lens through which to view the world—and how this perspective nurtures creativity. Gratitude, he suggests, is not just an act of acknowledgment but a way of noticing, connecting, and making meaning.
How to enter ‘flow state’ on command | Steven Kotler for Big Think
Steven Kotler explains how flow—those moments of total immersion and effortless creativity—can be amplified by gratitude. Gratitude not only primes the brain for focus but also acts as a dopamine trigger, boosting motivation and enhancing your ability to enter and sustain flow.
Calm - Ease | Guided Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh guides us to deeply notice the present moment and intentionally “enjoy” it—a simple yet profound act of gratitude. By focusing on your breath and the beauty of the now, this practice helps you cultivate a sense of appreciation that naturally enhances clarity and creativity.
Inspiration and Action
Here are three simple ways to start integrating gratitude into your daily routine:
- Start a Daily Gratitude List: At the end of each day, write down three things—big or small—that you’re grateful for. Reflect on how they contributed to your day.
- Pause and Enjoy the Moment: Choose one task today—brewing coffee, walking outside, doing the dishes—and take a moment to pause and intentionally “enjoy” it. Notice the details and reflect on what makes it meaningful.
- Express Gratitude to Someone Else: Write a short note or text to someone you appreciate. Share a specific reason why they’ve made a difference in your life.
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice; it’s a powerful tool for fostering clarity, creativity, and flow.
By taking intentional moments to notice and appreciate the present, we can unlock motivation and deepen our connection to our creative work.
As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S., it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the power of gratitude.
I want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of this journey. Your presence and engagement mean the world to me.
I hope these reflections on gratitude inspire your creative practice this week—and beyond.
See you in the next issue!
With gratitude,
Jeff
Share the Gratitude
If you found value in this issue, consider sharing it with a friend or fellow creative who could use a little more gratitude and flow in their life. A quick forward might be the spark they need to reignite their creativity!
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