What if being alive is simply […] ?

Collage: Justine Anweiler, Constantly Responding Peacock, 2024.

What if being alive is simply about expressing how we constantly respond to our environment(s)?

I am ever curious about how one can live a life fully expressed – and more so, how it can exist within a career.

So after being in a prolonged meditative state, I came to understand the following:

The only way to really find YOUR people, your job, your place in the world is to peacock — express yourself out in the world.

Resilience comes from responding to external feedback from our expressions. We can’t build resilience if we aren’t in the world, expressing our truths.

Then I realized (as I sometimes do) that this is also part of the Taylor Swift phenomenon. If she stopped making music her life would be so much easier. Her love life wouldn’t be judged, and maybe she’d be “happy” — BUT some part of her is curious about reaching her fullest expression even though it inevitably comes with public backlash.

As a creator she is constantly responding to her experience — AND her listeners, haters, and fans are continually responding to her. This will always invite magnetism. Both the positive and the negative. Attraction and repulsion.

I believe resilience is built when we encounter repulsion. It reignites the creation cycle because we now have something to respond to. Thus begins a new expression, birthed from response, and created for response.

If Taylor needs haters, broken hearts, and the Kim K. dramas of the world — so do we. It may even be the purpose of life here on Earth and the soundtrack for human evolution 🦚🎶

P.S. Shoutout to Zil Ricker for first sharing the concept of “constant responding” and Alice Hahn for being the best sounding board for wild ideas.

P.S.S. Thank you to Emilie Mazurek for inspiring me to share a post from my maybe-one-day vault, following her talk today at Platform Calgary with adplist.org 🙏

Article FAQs generated by AI
1. How can I apply the concept of "peacocking" to find my people, job, and place in the world without fear of negative feedback or public backlash?
Peacocking involves boldly expressing your true self to attract opportunities and like-minded individuals. To apply this concept effectively, start by expressing yourself authentically in safe environments. Focus on your values and passions, seeking constructive feedback from supportive sources. As you gain confidence, gradually expand your expression to larger audiences, understanding that negative feedback is part of the growth process.

2. What strategies can I use to build resilience when facing repulsion or negative feedback from others?
Building resilience in the face of negativity involves reframing feedback as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who offer constructive criticism, and engage in regular self-reflection to process your emotions. Cultivate a growth mindset, viewing challenges as learning experiences, and practice mindfulness to manage stress effectively. By embracing setbacks as part of your journey, you can develop resilience and bounce back stronger from adversity.

3. How does public backlash contribute to the creative process and personal growth, and how can I harness this in my own life?
Public backlash can fuel creativity and personal growth by pushing you to refine your ideas and strengthen your identity. Use criticism as motivation to improve your work and prove doubters wrong. Analyze feedback for validity, adapt your approach if necessary, and stay true to your vision and values. Engage with your audience to understand their perspectives and incorporate valuable insights into your work. By embracing public feedback as an opportunity for growth, you can harness criticism to enhance your creativity and resilience.