Sometimes it feels like the divides between groups of thought are getting wider, conversations devolving into people shouting opposing views at each other and getting nowhere. In such a situation, how can we move towards healing the deep emotional/psychological/social/environmental/systematic/political wounds and traumas which we all face? On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David … Continue reading "Episode #25: Us versus them, and the middle way"...
Mar 12, 2018
For those who have something important to say and are earnestly seeking to find their audience, how can they stand out amidst all of the competing noise out there? On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses life as an introvert in an extroverted world and how to balance self-care with stretching … Continue reading "Episode #24: An introvert in an extroverted world"...
Nov 24, 2017•20 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In grief we can catch a rare, clear glimpse of the bigger picture and what really matters in life. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses dealing with the death of a leader and answering the question that silently echoes after their final death throe that is, “What now?” If you found … Continue reading "Episode #23: The loss of a leader"
Sep 08, 2017•15 min•Season 1Ep. 23
The world we live in is an infinitely large place and, when we consider its scale, our individual existences within it are minuscule and we can only witness small bits of the whole. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the lifelong process of refining our subjective and limited perspectives through … Continue reading "Episode #22: Cultivating perspective"...
Jul 28, 2017•18 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Do more of what makes you forget to check your phone. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the importance of finding meaning in our actions and how we might discover our own passions by following the curious path of curiosity. If you found that this discussion resonated with you and would … Continue reading "Episode #21: The curious path of curiosity"...
Jun 23, 2017•16 min•Season 1Ep. 21
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the traditional Zen Night Chant and how it can be a useful tool in challenging each of us to live up to our potential. Life has an expiry date, and we don’t want to only realize this when it is already too late. If … Continue reading "Episode #20: Embracing your potential"
Apr 21, 2017•12 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Waves of creativity come and go, but if we look closely there is a pattern to the cycle. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring poses his working theory on the source of creativity. The question in question: where do original ideas come from and how can we work with that understanding to avoid getting … Continue reading "Episode #19: The ebb and flow of creativity"...
Mar 26, 2017•19 min•Season 1Ep. 19
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the classic psychology question with regards to our individual traits, “Nature or nurture?” With recent advancements in the fields of genetics and neuroscience, we are finally able to look at specific innate qualities and begin to formulate clear answers as to where they arose from, … Continue reading "Episode #18: Overcoming our biology"...
Feb 17, 2017•21 min•Season 1Ep. 18
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the despair that can arise when we consider world issues with such wide scopes that we feel powerless to change them. Wary of the danger of slipping into paralysis and inaction, David brings the focus back to what we can actually do in our unique individual … Continue reading "Episode #17: The circle of influence"...
Jan 20, 2017•17 min•Season 1Ep. 17
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the benefits of the reflective thought process and some pitfalls around it to be wary of. This is a particularly timely discussion at a time of year where the age old question, “What is your New Year’s resolution?” is unavoidable. If you found that this discussion resonated with … Continue reading "Episode #16: Healthy reflection"...
Dec 30, 2016
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses how every time you spend a dollar, you cast a vote for what you would like to see more of in the world. Also, check out our brand new PayPal donation page – a new way we’ve made available for you donate once or regularly. … Continue reading "Episode #15: Voting with your dollar"
Dec 09, 2016•14 min•Season 1Ep. 15
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the necessity of retreat in a world that idealizes busyness.
Nov 25, 2016•19 min•Season 1Ep. 14
On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses kaizen: the Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement. Check out our new goods in the “Words to Live By” series available exclusively on Society6. Design #1 is based on the philosophy presented in this episode of the podcast and is now available inscribed on a mug, tote bag, … Continue reading "Episode #13: The philosophy of kaizen"...
Nov 11, 2016•19 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Quality over quantity in all ways. Always. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the important consideration of quality in creation and consumption within a society that can sometimes seem fixated on quantity. Check out our new schwag in the “Words to Live By” series available exclusively on Society6. Design #1 is based on … Continue reading "Episode #12: Quality over quantity"...
Oct 28, 2016•19 min•Season 1Ep. 12
The value of an object is deeper than simply the price tag it fetches. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses an alternative measure of valuation beyond the monetary system: that of intrinsic value.
Oct 04, 2016•16 min•Season 1Ep. 11
The mind is a mystery, but we’re closer to understanding it than ever before. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses neuroplasticity: a term from modern neuroscience that refers to the malleability of the human brain.
Sep 20, 2016•15 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Professionals are always sought after, but these days they are getting harder to distinguish. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the term professional and its shifting definition in a world of modern learning.
Sep 06, 2016•18 min•Season 1Ep. 9
You are not special, in that we are all special. You are just not more special than others. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses acting out of respect, both at career peaks and in the midst of struggles along the path.
Aug 23, 2016•17 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Street smarts: understanding of what’s going on in the world and one’s place amidst it all. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses individual responsibility with regards to the consequences of our actions within different ecosystems.
Aug 02, 2016•17 min•Season 1Ep. 7
There is no getting around the fact that so much in our lives is dictated by chance, but that doesn’t mean we can’t grab ahold of the steering wheel of life and live strategically. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses the importance of weaving where you’ve been, where you are, … Continue reading "Episode #6: Living strategically"
Jul 19, 2016•11 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Take a moment and think about the great teachers that have impacted your life, and you will probably agree that knowledge does not necessarily equate wisdom. There is a subtle difference between knowledge and wisdom, and in it lies all the difference. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring tries to put … Continue reading "Episode #5: Knowledge versus wisdom"
Jul 05, 2016•12 min•Season 1Ep. 5
These days, with the increasingly tight margins of the economy, we are expected to operate in a lean manner; which translates to doing a lot of stuff peripheral to our craft ourselves. On this episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast, host David Quiring discusses what we need to consider, beyond the usual measure of money, when … Continue reading "Episode #4: When to DIY and when to ask for help"...
Jun 21, 2016•14 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Be wary of the intermediate mindset: where you have acquired a bit of knowledge and begin to think you know better. This mentality creates a plateau in the learning curve, stopping growth and true creativity. The expert, just as the beginner, approaches everything with an open mind; confident in what they know, but also always … Continue reading "Episode #3: The intermediate gap"
Jun 07, 2016•14 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In artistic work, simplicity does not equate simplistic. In this episode, David Quiring discusses the unseen effort that goes into masterfully creating art that is deceptively simple. Additional resources: As alluded to in the podcast, here is a portrait that host David Quiring made many years ago followed by a behind the scenes view of what went in … Continue reading "Episode #2: The illusion of simplicity"...
May 24, 2016•13 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Introductions are in order for the inaugural episode of the Contemplative Creative podcast – both of the host, David Quiring, and the vision of the podcast itself. Then, we take a quick dive into the topic of rationalized procrastination and how to get out of your own way in the creative process.
May 10, 2016•10 min•Season 1Ep. 1
