This part really got me: Anyway, what fears stunt your creativity? What keeps you from drawing a picture or making a collage or writing a poem?
I have a stack of blank canvases (is that a word?) and unopened oil paints just sitting there. I was so excited when I purchased them but for some reason any time I try to sit down to create something, I just freeze. It's like I need to know the outcome before I can pick up the paint brush but really, the process is the most fun part. And sometimes, it's just so much easier to scroll and see what other people have created.
I enjoy being creative and when the mood strikes I enjoy painting. I can get lost in it spending at least 4 hours then wondering where the time went. Painting helps keep my mind busy and I get focused on my work. I do meditation on a daily basis and find that it helps me relax and focus on the present moment. Sometimes I get unmotivated because it is difficult to sell artwork here as there is a lot of competition so I have all my collection stored in crates. I enjoyed your article and I can relate - regarding the fear of being misunderstood that doesn’t happen in the art community as everyone enjoys being creative and fellow artists understand your unique situation.
I started drawing with markers in my morning journal and it makes me so happy. Today I drew drops of blood from a sword 😆 that didn’t quite work out as well as my normal stars and hearts. Creating is medicine. Thank you for the reminder!
"Creative practice changes things. It bring us deeper into ourselves and helps us see more clearly who we are and what we want." Love this part. I have been working on this myself the past few months and it is amazing how quickly the clarity has returned. I still attempt to not see it sometimes, lol, but that's a different story.
I have a journal where I try to draw something every day--something I've seen, or something I'm thinking about. The time I spend on that page is magical in its ability to quiet whatever frenetic energy keeps me running hither and thither all day. Meditation doesn't work for me, but drawing certainly does. I make no claim to have talent, but that's not the point. It's about the practice, not the product.
This sounds so magical, Pam! I love the idea of having a creative journaling practice. I'm with you on the meditating--doesnt work for me either--but creative activities works wonders.
It's so powerful to be aware of your fear to be misunderstood, Nicole! I can relate to that.
Also this sentence "Creative practice changes things. It bring us deeper into ourselves and helps us see more clearly who we are and what we want."... so true. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably!
I've wanted to learn how to sketch for years but always told myself that I'm not good at art. I started secretly sketching at home last year and then finally bit the bullet and booked onto a class - your absolutely right about it being meditative, I spent three hours so focussed on the pieces we were working on that no other thoughts entered my mind. I left with my brain feeling exactly like my skin does when I have a facial! I'm still not great at sketching, but knowing the state of peace I feel when doing it, I've realised it doesn't matter what the end result looks like.
There's nothing more exciting than being in a flow state. Nothing...and fear just wants to pop in, and whisper in my ear, "who are you kidding?" I'm listening to that voice less and less, as I discover that the flow state is the one I'd like to create in my life on a more regular basis, and not just in my writing and design work. In my life. I think it's possible if I keep opening to being authentic, in my power, and fearless. Being ruled by perfectionism is the sure way to shut all of that flow down. And, you're not alone in narrating your life. I tell my dogs when I'm going to the bathroom. They're accustomed to my ways, and they respond by rolling their eyes, and going back to licking themselves. It works for everyone! xo
This part really got me: Anyway, what fears stunt your creativity? What keeps you from drawing a picture or making a collage or writing a poem?
I have a stack of blank canvases (is that a word?) and unopened oil paints just sitting there. I was so excited when I purchased them but for some reason any time I try to sit down to create something, I just freeze. It's like I need to know the outcome before I can pick up the paint brush but really, the process is the most fun part. And sometimes, it's just so much easier to scroll and see what other people have created.
Great post, really made me think 💕
That is really relatable! Thanks for sharing. I'm glad this posted resonated. I hope it inspires you to take out those canvases and paint and play! 😊
It really has!
"But when we let fear in, it keeps us from flow." This is so true. So. So. So. True. <3
Glad it hit for you, Jackie!
For me, creativity is spirituality. Can't imagine my life without it! And creative people have always been my favorite people.
Yes! Same.
Thanks for writing and sharing your stories as I find them helpful and can identify with them.
Thank you for that, Sandra! I'm so glad .😊
I enjoy being creative and when the mood strikes I enjoy painting. I can get lost in it spending at least 4 hours then wondering where the time went. Painting helps keep my mind busy and I get focused on my work. I do meditation on a daily basis and find that it helps me relax and focus on the present moment. Sometimes I get unmotivated because it is difficult to sell artwork here as there is a lot of competition so I have all my collection stored in crates. I enjoyed your article and I can relate - regarding the fear of being misunderstood that doesn’t happen in the art community as everyone enjoys being creative and fellow artists understand your unique situation.
That's so great, Sandra! Getting lost in painting for 4 hours sounds like an absolute delight.
I started drawing with markers in my morning journal and it makes me so happy. Today I drew drops of blood from a sword 😆 that didn’t quite work out as well as my normal stars and hearts. Creating is medicine. Thank you for the reminder!
That's fantastic, Sue! Creating IS medicine. I actually have that written on the homepage of a website I'm launching later this year. 🙌
🎉 Yay! Can’t wait to see that truth lit up and celebrate your launch Nicole.
"Creative practice changes things. It bring us deeper into ourselves and helps us see more clearly who we are and what we want." Love this part. I have been working on this myself the past few months and it is amazing how quickly the clarity has returned. I still attempt to not see it sometimes, lol, but that's a different story.
Lovely piece!
Thanks, Karen! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
I have a journal where I try to draw something every day--something I've seen, or something I'm thinking about. The time I spend on that page is magical in its ability to quiet whatever frenetic energy keeps me running hither and thither all day. Meditation doesn't work for me, but drawing certainly does. I make no claim to have talent, but that's not the point. It's about the practice, not the product.
This sounds so magical, Pam! I love the idea of having a creative journaling practice. I'm with you on the meditating--doesnt work for me either--but creative activities works wonders.
It's so powerful to be aware of your fear to be misunderstood, Nicole! I can relate to that.
Also this sentence "Creative practice changes things. It bring us deeper into ourselves and helps us see more clearly who we are and what we want."... so true. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably!
Thanks friend😊
I've wanted to learn how to sketch for years but always told myself that I'm not good at art. I started secretly sketching at home last year and then finally bit the bullet and booked onto a class - your absolutely right about it being meditative, I spent three hours so focussed on the pieces we were working on that no other thoughts entered my mind. I left with my brain feeling exactly like my skin does when I have a facial! I'm still not great at sketching, but knowing the state of peace I feel when doing it, I've realised it doesn't matter what the end result looks like.
Yes, exactly, Lee! I'm so glad you went for it. High-five to the idea of getting lost in the process and letting go of the outcome. It's so freeing!
There's nothing more exciting than being in a flow state. Nothing...and fear just wants to pop in, and whisper in my ear, "who are you kidding?" I'm listening to that voice less and less, as I discover that the flow state is the one I'd like to create in my life on a more regular basis, and not just in my writing and design work. In my life. I think it's possible if I keep opening to being authentic, in my power, and fearless. Being ruled by perfectionism is the sure way to shut all of that flow down. And, you're not alone in narrating your life. I tell my dogs when I'm going to the bathroom. They're accustomed to my ways, and they respond by rolling their eyes, and going back to licking themselves. It works for everyone! xo
Thank you for sharing, Nan. I love your idea of flow state in LIFE. I want to think about that how opportunity that shows up for me, too.
And great to hear that I'm not alone in letting my household know my bathroom schedule! 😆