Caring For Our Creativity
The last week in Mexico I had my mom and sister join (as you probably already know) and at the end of the week, they both declared “I’m not creative. I don’t have creativity like YOOOU.” etc. and it kind of bothered me a bit because I truly believe everyone has creativity - it just requires a level of vulnerability that I am not sure they’ve tapped into like I have. And this got me thinking about how I care for my creativity to make sure I make room and space for it to extend and grow and change with time.
Alone time
Spending time alone gives me the opportunity to tap into my brain and feel safe and secure. I am able to be creative without the fear of others watching over my shoulder and I am able to fail at things without the public watching. Spending time alone has allowed me to become more confident in who I am as a person and to recognize my awesomeness in a way that reminds me that I can be who I am outs of my alone time and if folks have a problem with it - it’s their problem to have.
2. Do things I’m not great at
A few years ago Jill and I attempted candle making and during the pandemic I decided to try my hand at resin pouring. I was absolute shit at all of these, but it was fun to pretend, to imagine, and to see what was possible. It reminded me that things can be fun AND I don’t have to excel at them. For the longest time I thought I needed to be good at everything and if I wasn’t, I needed to use self deprecating humour as a defense mechanism. Now, I lean into the process more than the outcome and I usually end up learning something new!
3. I let myself go where my brain wants to go
One of the biggest obstacles to creativity is that we second guess what our brain is showing/telling us. We might have a vision for how we want something to look/feel but then we get overwhelmed with what everyone else is doing, the incredulous amounts of imagery that we take in via the internet, and we decide that our idea is silly and we never go with it. During my self portraits, I let my brain guide me even if what it tells me feels ridiculous, stupid, or silly. I trust the process. I trust my inner artist and see where she takes me.
4. I create with friends
One of the most loving things I’ve done with creativity is create with friends. Whether it’s a fun challenge, photographing each other, or just hanging out while we edit - bringing other creatives in to build on an idea is pure magic. It becomes a collaborative effort and creativity breeds creativity!
5. I mix up my mediums or put them together
I like to try my hand at a variety of different things. From beading to art journalling to painting to photography to sewing to set design to music - I freakin love it all! I think taking something in your head and making it into a tangible thing is a really cool human experience and it makes me want to do more!
Being creative takes bravery but we all have the capacity, we just have to look and see where we might be standing in our own way. This week I want to encourage you to take a bit of time and tap into your creativity a bit. Even if that just means doing a little doodle or coloring a page. Enjoy the process of what is in your head come out into the world. Here is a lovely meditation/affirmation to help you create safety in creativity:
May I be filled with lovingkindness
May I be safe from inner and outer dangers
May I be at ease and happy
Happy Creating!!
