The Ancient Chinese were genius innovators, developing many technological advancements that shaped the world we live in. Not only did they invent gunpowder in order to subdue their enemies, they also had the inspiration to use it to create beautiful fireworks displays for celebrations. They were the first to build rudders into boats so that they could steer much larger ships. They invented the first magnetic compasses, iron casting, paper, wheelbarrows, matches and a lot more; the culture was full of masterful innovators.
What ignited imagination and creativity in such abundance? The answer may lie in their understanding of cognitive psychology, perhaps best illustrated by the phrase “empty your cup.” The phrase refers to a famous conversation that took place over 1200 years ago between a Zen master and a young scholar. Barbara O'Brien wrote the following synopsis:
Scholar Tokusan—who was full of knowledge and opinions about the [nature of reality]—came to [Master] Ryutan and asked about Zen. At one point Ryutan re-filled his guest's teacup but did not stop pouring when the cup was full. Tea spilled out and ran over the table. "Stop! The cup is full!" said Tokusan. "Exactly," said Master Ryutan. "You are like this cup; you are full of ideas. You come and ask for teaching, but your cup is full; I can't put anything in. Before I can teach you, you'll have to empty your cup."
Emptying your cup doesn’t have to be only about being open to new learn new information, it can be about emptying the restrictions and constraints that block creativity. If your mind is filled up with boundaries, obstacles and hazards, or simply consumed by the mundane things you have to do every day (or thing like Instagram and Facebook), you’re not giving your brain a chance to be open and allow your mind to fill up by exploring its natural curiosity of what could be possible.
After you’re filled up with what’s possible, then you can tackle the constraints — you’ll probably find that theses constraints add to your creativity instead of crushing it. And like any other skill, you can become a much better innovator by learning an innovation process and practicing it every day — even just by emptying your cup to let your ideas flourish.
