Heerdink's EdD Journey

For the purpose of this blog post, I have gone through the creative prompts given by the author Michael J. Gelb in his book “How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci,” pages 154-155. In this reading, the author writes about the concept of “Creative Confusion Endurance” which in my review talks about embracing dualities in life to help foster creativity. It is suggested that one can develop greater creative insight by acknowledging and wrestling with life’s paradoxes. I believe that the engagement prompts from the text are not about resolving any tension or issues but that enduring the process can be a creative source. Below, I break down the seven prompts into bit-size portions based on my own life experiences.

Joy and Sorrow:

Reflecting on joy and sorrow, I’ve found that they are two sides of the same coin. It is through experiencing sorrow that we can truly appreciate joy. When I think back to the saddest moments of my life, they often give me context and depth to the happy ones. Joy feels more profound when it has to drag itself out of the muck of doom and sorrow, like sunlight breaking through the dark clouds of a rainy day.

Intimacy and Independence:

Intimacy and independence seem contradictory, but when I think of my relationship with my wife, I’ve noticed that one really tends to fuel the other. Over the past years of my marriage, I have learned that intimacy isn’t so much about losing oneself to another but rather bringing one’s whole self into the relationship. Independence does not mean detachment, but it means having the freedom to be one’s self while being intimately connected with someone else.

Strength and Weakness:

Considering my own personal strengths and weaknesses, I’ve come to see them not as opposites but as complements. My ability to empathize, which others see as a strength, can also leave me emotionally drained, which some might view as a weakness. Yet this weakness can deepen my compassion, which I believe to be a core strength. Embracing both is when I have grown the most, in my opinion.

Good and Evil:

The contemplation of good and evil has led me to understand that they are not always external forces but internal battles. Recognizing my own potential for both good and evil has been humbling. It’s a recognition that to strive for goodness means acknowledging and managing the potential for evil.

Change and Constancy:

Reflecting on change and consistency in my life, I’ve found that while the world around me shifts, there are core values and principles that remain steadfast. These constants provide an anchor in the seas of change.

Humility and Pride:

I see humility and pride in my life as necessary counterparts. My proudest achievements have been followed by moments that humble me, reminding me that there is always more to learn and ways to improve. It, in a way, keeps me grounded and drives me to move forward without losing sight of my own fallibility.

Goals and Process:

Thinking about the goals I’ve reached and the process behind them, I’ve realized that the journey is as important as the destination. *Cue Music “The Climb” by Hannah Montana* There have been times when the goal that I have achieved did not bring me that sense of fulfillment that I expected, but the knowledge and growth I gained along the way were invaluable.

Life and Death:

Finally, contemplating life and death has underscored the value of each moment. Recognizing the impermanence of life can be a powerful motivator to live genuinely and make a positive impact. It’s about finding meaning in the journey of life (see Goals and Process above), amidst the awareness of its inevitable end.

“Everybody is going to be dead one day, just give them time.”

  - Neil Gaiman