This quote is great because it gets at the essence of how working within constraints can be very positive.
“Wings are a constraint that make it possible to fly.” - Robert Bringhurst
I’ve never thought of it as a constraint to have wings. Have you? I’ve always thought of it as a positive thing that allows more freedom. That’s why we have a whole host of mythological beasts with wings on them, right? To us, we tend to see having wings as a superpower.
But here, this creative, Robert Bringhurst, is saying that wings are a constraint, a limitation. I found this really fascinating. It points out the contradiction in my usual response that constraints normally bring negative results, not positive ones.
Wings are an unchangeable condition that happen as a result of a set of evolutionary constraints that we usually view as a sign of freedom. In other words, we view it as a positive outcome.
I mention this because it’s our thought about wings that decides if they mean freedom or not.
What if we took the same view of our current shelter-in-place situation? What if we were all unfurling our “wings” (aka: the results of working within our current constraints) and seeing them as our superpowers? What if we found we could do all kinds of amazing, badassery as a result of living through the limitations of this COVID-19 time?
Could there be some silver linings to the coronavirus situation?
After reading this quote, I see how wings are a constraint of sorts. Albeit a really cool one.
What feels like a negative constraint right now that might have an interesting or even positive outcome for you?
Similar to the constraints of wings that make it possible to fly, can you find a way to see how some of the actions you’re taking right now, might have positive results?
This thought process is a helpful exercise to stay positive in your work, even if you're currently feeling squeezed by the situation. I’m curious what you think about this. Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments.
Cheers,
Kate