19th April, 2023
Nourishing Creativity
This Easter break, I enjoyed making some art and was reminded how much my spirit loves long stretches of uninterrupted creative time. After creating something, I often feel a sense of deep fulfillment that other activities don't seem to provide. When creating just for the joy of it, I'm released from any pressure for it to be anything other than what it is. Quite often - a glorious mess!
I was also reminded recently of the power of creativity to heal and channel emotions. An old friend passed away and to celebrate his life, a mutual friend and I decided to create something as an offering and send it to each other. The photo above was part of this offering. The common thread I had shared with this friend was a love of Buddhist philosophy and meditation, so the inclusion of the Buddha statue holds special meaning.
We all have the ability to express ourselves in some form or another. Creativity offers a wonderfully therapeutic way to transform our emotional states. Sometimes we just need to find that unique way to express ourselves that feels right for us.
I was also reminded recently of the power of creativity to heal and channel emotions. An old friend passed away and to celebrate his life, a mutual friend and I decided to create something as an offering and send it to each other. The photo above was part of this offering. The common thread I had shared with this friend was a love of Buddhist philosophy and meditation, so the inclusion of the Buddha statue holds special meaning.
We all have the ability to express ourselves in some form or another. Creativity offers a wonderfully therapeutic way to transform our emotional states. Sometimes we just need to find that unique way to express ourselves that feels right for us.
Creativity Uplifts
Studies show that creativity has a positive effect on our mental health, stimulating the release of our natural feel-good chemicals. It can help our brain to function better, reduce depression, promote relaxation, joy and a sense of accomplishment. It can also help us process emotions and traumas that may be difficult to put into words.
But I'm not Creative!
Many people say this almost on auto-pilot. The belief that you are "not creative" can often stem from childhood; the things you were told by parents/teachers/peers, feeling shamed, criticised, not good enough, comparisons, or beliefs that "being creative" has to be and look a certain way.
What I love about the creative space is that there is absolutely no right or wrong when it comes to self expression. You simply need to engage your curiosity, follow the thread of what interests you, reassure your inner critic that it's ok to relax and simply let yourself "play".
Being creative does not have to be an art-form like painting, dancing, writing or music. It can be gardening, creating an uplifting environment in your home, in the way you dress, cook or live your every day life. Bringing in imagination and play into everyday activities; humming as you work, singing in the shower, all hold the potential to unlock more energy and joy to fuel your day.
What I love about the creative space is that there is absolutely no right or wrong when it comes to self expression. You simply need to engage your curiosity, follow the thread of what interests you, reassure your inner critic that it's ok to relax and simply let yourself "play".
Being creative does not have to be an art-form like painting, dancing, writing or music. It can be gardening, creating an uplifting environment in your home, in the way you dress, cook or live your every day life. Bringing in imagination and play into everyday activities; humming as you work, singing in the shower, all hold the potential to unlock more energy and joy to fuel your day.
Where to start?
If you're not sure where to start with your creativity, "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron is a wonderful workbook designed to overcome blocks and get your creativity flowing. One of the practices in the book is taking yourself on an "artist's date" each week. It could be a visit to a gallery or library, a walk in nature or a town you've never been to before, journaling in a new cafe... Possibilities are limitless and don't have to be a major event.
Having read the Artist's Way some time ago, I found myself returning to the weekly artist's dates again. One of my favorite go-to activities is to take my phone out walking and take photos in different environments. It helps me look at things with fresh eyes and appreciate the beauty around me, whether it's colours, textures, shapes or anything that stands out and "speaks" to me.
Photography on your phone camera is one of the simplest options to begin exploring your creativity. Let it take you to new places or a walk in the great outdoors. Create cards with your pictures or begin a visual diary. Or perhaps your inner artist has something completely different that is calling? Do you have the courage to follow that which excites your spirit?
If not now, when?
My other tip today is for those people who strongly identify with being a creative person. Something I've learnt from personal experience is to not put your creative tasks on the back-burner. In the past I would often have a to-do list of practical things I needed to attend to and found myself procrastinating with the thought in the back of my mind "Once I do these things, I will reward myself with creative time". I never gave my creativity as much importance as other things on the list.
What I've joyfully discovered, is that if I let my creativity come first, I feel deeply satisfied. From this happy place, my energy is flowing freely and all those other tasks on the list get accomplished with little effort.
If creativity fills your cup, then fill it first and trust the rest will follow!
As a result of honouring creativity equally with other tasks, I seem to have found a beautiful balance between work and creative time that flows from one to another, nourishing each other in the process. If you're stuck in the pattern of bargaining with yourself for creative time or beating yourself up for procrastinating on the practical things - why not try the reward first method for a couple of weeks and see if it works for you too?
Let me know how it goes! I hope you're pleasantly surprised :)
What I've joyfully discovered, is that if I let my creativity come first, I feel deeply satisfied. From this happy place, my energy is flowing freely and all those other tasks on the list get accomplished with little effort.
If creativity fills your cup, then fill it first and trust the rest will follow!
As a result of honouring creativity equally with other tasks, I seem to have found a beautiful balance between work and creative time that flows from one to another, nourishing each other in the process. If you're stuck in the pattern of bargaining with yourself for creative time or beating yourself up for procrastinating on the practical things - why not try the reward first method for a couple of weeks and see if it works for you too?
Let me know how it goes! I hope you're pleasantly surprised :)
