Shadows of the Present
Creative Block → 025
Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
My
got featured again on the discovery page and i gained new subscribers! so before I begin i just want to acknowledge all of you new subscribers! Hi! thanks for coming to CREATIVE BLOCK. Here I talk about creativity, design and life and provide a safe space for reflection and conversation. I want this to be a space where we can share our struggles, our successes, and lessons. I don’t consider myself a writer, but this has been therapeutic for me to process my thoughts and be vulnerable in hopes that what I write about can somehow relate to you in your creative / life journey. You can learn more about me and my newsletter here. Now that that’s out of the way, lets begin!Have you ever noticed how we often rush to grab our phones to capture a special moment, only for that moment to fade into the background shortly afterward? It's as if those memories end up in a dusty old box in the attic, rarely revisited. We're quick to record, but do we truly live in the moment?
Our society seems to have taught us that if it's not recorded or posted online, it didn't really happen. We've become accustomed to the idea that if there's no snapshot or video clip, the experience somehow loses its significance. But what happened to just being there, soaking in the emotions without worrying about filters or editing apps?
I've been there too, wondering why I feel the need to document every aspect of a trip, concert, or conversation. Those thoughts have taken me away from being present as I debate, "Will I regret not capturing this?" Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with snapping pictures or recording videos, but sometimes it feels like we're doing it just because everyone else is and not because we’re trying to capture the memory.
Think about it - going to a concert and recording the entire thing has become 'normal.' Sharing exciting news with family and friends and filming their reactions (sometimes without asking) to post online a mere 20 minutes later is now routine.
Have we lost sight of the simple pleasure of 'you had to be there'? Have our attention spans shrunk to the point where we need to record everything just to relive it later? Does watching it on a phone screen truly count as reliving it? These are the questions that have been on my mind lately.
I may not have all the answers, but as the holiday season approaches, let's make an effort to be more present. Feel free to record and take pictures, but also remember to be in the moment. Ask your cousin what brought them joy these last months, have a heart-to-heart conversation with your partner away from social media distractions, or chat with your 5-year-old niece or nephew about their day. Listen to their stories, share your own experiences from the year, and make memories that don't rely on a smartphone.
In our fast-paced lives, we often forget how sacred it is to just be present. It's a gift we can give ourselves and those around us. Being present means fully immersing ourselves in the now, without any distractions. It's about truly connecting with the reality of the moment, whether it's a deep conversation, a walk in nature, or savoring the taste of a delicious meal. When we embrace the present, we honor the beauty of life as it unfolds, finding peace in the simplicity of the here and now. Let's cherish the sacredness of being present, for in those moments, we discover the true richness of life.
→Artist to know
Joe Solomon | I’ve known Joe for about 10 years now and I’ve seen him grow in his craft. He’s an amazing singer, poet and visionary. I can 100% guarantee you’ll love his music. His voice is so unique. He writes his own songs and does an amazing job covering other artists song in a unique and refreshing way.
Lauren Scarlet | I met Lauren here through Substack and we actually did a newsletter collab together. She’s a phenomenal designer. I love her eye and minimalism approach to design. Also lately her writing has been so intriguing and refreshing. Be sure to check out her Substack →
you won’t be disappointed.Sydney Person | I was a high school teacher from 2015-2018 and Sydney was one of my first students and now she’s an amazing designer in college running her own design business and I’m so proud of her. Seeing your student learn from you and go on to find their own voice and style is one of the best unexplainable feelings in the world.
→Quote of the week
This was a great read, Temi. as someone who captures moments on a very regular basis, i’ve caught myself in a space of being more mindful of my why. But as someone who is a digital creator (and even a tech gowrl as a whole) i genuinely find joy in not only creating small montages of these memories but also looking back and watching them. Now when it comes to concerts, i’ve learned that being in the moment > recording. Overall I think this is a valuable topic for everyone to consider as it relates to our individual relationships with our phones and social media. Everyone’s answer is going to be different, but as long as we’re welcoming present moment awareness into our doings then all is well 🫶🏿
This post is so fitting as I’m currently taking a social media break and desperately trying to get my screen time down. I’ve become obsessed with my phone this year, really struggling to stay present, so thank you for the reminder!
Thank you so much for the kind words too 🫶