Esoteric teachings often emphasize hardship as a necessary ingredient for transformation. A person might walk through life blindly until some crisis shakes their worldview. The crisis becomes a catalyst for some profound change. This can happen individually and collectively. A natural disaster or large scale act of violence will suddenly unite people that otherwise hardly greet each other.

Chaos and destruction is highly varied in its expression. It can be as extreme as war and as simple as a minor basement flooding. It is the shadow of the unexpected that permeates every moment of life. Yogi Bhajan has a great acronym for this aspect of reality, suggesting that “GOD” consists of Generating, Organizing, and Destroying attributes.

Every act of destruction carries within itself the seed of future creative possibility. Similarly, every act of creation carries within it some inevitable component of destruction.

Richard Branson, the famed British entrepreneur, shares a story about the inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic. The airplane’s engine exploded as it hit a flock of birds. The plane was able to land safely but the company’s insurance did not kick in until the following day. As a result, the airline was out £600,000, putting Richard into overdraft with his primary bank.

The situation was a disaster and the bank’s response threatened to bankrupt the airline before it even launched. However, the experience catalyzed Richard to reorganize his corporate infrastructure and ultimately, to take the Virgin Group of companies public – fundamentally transforming his financial position.

There is a deep nuance to be appreciated in the relationship between positive, negative, and neutral forces. The interplay is more obvious on a broad level, but equally present in the subtleties of everyday life. Bringing awareness to these subtle patterns and working with them consciously can be a vehicle for creative insight and innovation.

Today’s video definitely takes a turn for the more creative. Please enjoy a short spoken word poem exploring chaos, creativity, and a simple way to cultivate capacity.