The intensity of this past year has created deep uncertainty and profound transformation for many of us. It has been a year of shedding and letting go. Many of our social systems have been breaking down in dramatic and violent ways. And, what has been suppressed, hidden, or overlooked has come clearly into light.

For me, this year has brought big shifts. I left a steady job of almost eight years, launched a film production company, and am pursuing my final thesis film for my MFA. Of course, all of this has happened during a global pandemic that has slowed film production. It’s also forced many of us to find safe, creative ways to tell stories in new ways as we shift timelines and expectations.

This year has given us time to pause, to see more clearly, and to reflect on what we want to build anew. This past year, I have learned some deep life lessons that can be applied to filmmaking and experienced lots of unexpected beauty and magic too.

Key Lessons From This Wild Year

Our attention and energy is gold

As the saying goes: where attention goes, energy flows. It’s important to disconnect from the constant cycle of news updates and social media notices and put our attention on what we really value and want to create.

I recently watched the documentary “The Social Dilemma,” which explores the dangerous human impact of social networking. In the film, tech experts describe how our online “realities” only show us certain tailored content designed to keep us connected. As we all know, such networks have also led to dangerous polarization.

This year, I’ve been more aware of where I’m placing my attention. I’ve also been tapping into more subtle energies – the inner knowing of my body, the creative impulse, an intuitive thought that guides me to a bigger project.

Connection and community is power

This past year, I’ve felt more connected to my own self, body, and nature. I’ve also been able to connect to an incredible community of creative and visionary people across the world through technology.

Being more physically isolated has shown us how truly precious community is. Now is the time to reimagine how we create community online and in person. It’s also the time to envision how we create films in partnership with communities and co-create together.

“The Social Dilemma” ends with a call to action to reimagine the role of social networking technology in our lives. Such bold visioning is critical as we strive to create new forms of community and connection while also trying to tackle pressing social issues from global health to environmental destruction, systematic racism, and economic disruption.

Nature is the greatest healer and creative force

This year, I’ve spent more time in nature and more time looking up at the night sky, noticing the orange sparkle of Mars and the increasing proximity of Jupiter and Saturn. It’s healing to marvel at the subtle celestial shifts that are always at play. It also gives incredible perspective.

Nature holds so many lessons and models. She teaches us how there is a season to everything and how connected we all are. As we reimagine the future, we would be wise to get back to the wisdom of nature.

So, what do we want to create?

As filmmakers and storytellers, we bear witness and document transformative times. But, we also show what’s possible. We envision the future.

We can use storytelling to challenge a culture of individualism and apathy. We can amplify voices and distinct perspectives, connecting people and showing our shared humanity.

Above all, this year has shown us that stories matter. I’m interested in more stories about people doing wild and noble things. I’m interested in stories about people who are making their visions a reality.

For the past nine months, we have been in the midst of massive change. So, what do we want to give birth to?

Times of great disruption and darkness inevitably lead to creative rebirths. What do we want to create in the certain renaissance that will follow the pandemic?

If you have a story you want told, contact me here.