“What was that? An exhibition? I said emotional content, not anger. Now try again!” -Bruce Lee, Enter The Dragon
G-Doug is a nickname that some of Gregory Douglass’s die-hard fans lovingly nicknamed him years ago. It blossomed from within his own LGBT community, mostly between some of his beautiful lesbian and trans fans, and it’s still my favorite nickname to date.
The nickname felt like an alter ego and it gave him permission to be someone else temporarily — someone greater.
His music fans are without a doubt some of the most creative, inspiring humans we’ve ever met. Fans like this give an artist permission to embody their creativity beyond the constraints of their “real world” identity.
So in the spirit of creative embodiment — enter the Muse. I am Gregory Douglass’s alter ego. I am the voice of G-Doug’s inner creative muse, and I am writing in this voice because it’s going to be WAY more fun for us all this way.
I am the same sort of all-knowing, awe-inspiring, fiercely-liberated creative muse that you have dwelling within you. I am the Bruce Lee of this Kung Fu email, and I’ll be coming at ya hard, fast, and honest throughout because that’s what I do.
It’s true that G-Doug may fully regret this decision later on, but that’s what this creative journey is ultimately about — taking risks, re-examining joy, and dancing like a fool toward creative breakthroughs.
What’s the last risk you took? Was your self-expression an exhibition or a deeper reveal of your beautiful soul? Was it anger or emotional content? Would Bruce Lee have bitch-slapped you or would he have approved of your valiant efforts?
It doesn’t matter what Bruce Lee — or anyone — thinks of your valiant efforts. Self-expression is the path to the ever-unfolding layers of your authentic self. The only concern Bruce Lee has is that it takes two (2) to kung-fu tango. He can’t dance with you if you’re not bringing the emotional content.
You cannot connect with the rhythm of life (your dance partner, Bruce Lee) if you’re only in your head (anger) and not in your heart (emotional content) about it. So you better invite your creative muse (your dragon) out to play and slay.
Creatively yours,
The Muse (aka Gregory Douglass)
PS- Check out Bruce Lee’s Enter The Dragon clip I’m referring to on YouTube.
PPS- Who are you on the inside? What does creative embodiment mean to you? I invite any images or stories you wish to share with me…
PPPS- Follow me on Instagram and Medium for more creative musings like this.
