D3 - Sparks and Reflection

I'm on the train to Schiphol airport, my head buzzing with ideas, reflections, sparks, neurons travelling too fast to capture. My main thoughts around making it to the airport with the track maintenance that's cropped up. Heading out early doesn't feel so crazy now. I couldn't sleep anyway. Keen to tackle the reams of notes that I've taken over the last couple of days. A knowledge share from like-minded minds in one way, in another diverse and multifaceted.

A community that strives to improve their thinking and their thinking about thinking.

I'm on the sunny side of the train that runs along the canal between Utrecht and Amsterdam. The light is low at this time in the morning and for this time of year, barely above freezing. Beams of light bouncing on the water with the trees create a flickering effect reminiscent of the early animation machines.

I feel there is a metaphor in there somewhere for having seen so many glimpses of people’s thoughts, experience and guidance in the space of twenty-four hours. My brain trying to catch those moments when an idea struck. Idea after idea and now it's down to me to make my image, to translate that flow of light into something tangible. Two days, thirty-plus sessions—how does one even begin to navigate the ebb and flow of what needs to be covered. During lunch, by coincidence the Italian I sit with has been to the same two sessions. The Belgium guy besides me asks what we learned and he is then frustrated with his choice! The FOMO factor is running deep through the crowd, especially as each session has the potential to change minds, thoughts and the way we see things.

I nearly get out a stop early and then realise I need to pass through Amsterdam, like I need to go beyond my notes and work on the practice. Although the train journey ends and I make the airport in plenty of time, the intellectual one continues. Time to transform these flickering ideas into something that will illuminate both my work and my thinking for months to come.