Friday, January 30, 2009

Secret #4 Surrendering to Creative Cycles

When I started reading this chapter and I got to the section on dealing with the void all I could think of that is whats been the matter with me lately. My creativity had really been feeling off and I was struggling with everything I did. Once I realized that this is what happened I felt so much better. It was like when I got the realization things became easier.

I think I have been stuck before and my process to move through it was to either just do art, a simple journal page or spend time in nature or trying a different creative pursuit. Something to help me work through it. Sometimes I will try something new to spark that creative urge once more.

Passion as an anecdote to fear

1. Think of a time when you wanted something so much that you were willing to do anything to get it. What was the outcome?

What comes to mind was last summer when I went to the Writers Spa in Taos, New Mexico. I wanted to go so badly, I was very passionate about it and I made it happen.

2. Do you feel exhilarated by your creative work right now?


Not really, things seem to be in a struggle right now. What ignites you most about it if you're not psyched about your current work what would you rather be doing? I have been doing these pages a day and sometimes that's all I could manage to do. I think sometimes it became a chore, too much of an obligation. It left me no time to work on anything else.
3. What discomfort are you willing to endure to promote and experience your passion?
Now that is an interesting question since I don't know if I think there has to be discomfort.

4. What are your specific fears about yourself and your work?


My specific fears are that my work is not good enough, that there are too many other people out there doing the same thing. I know on some level that is not true but the underlying idea stays with me.

What stimulates your creativity into its highs and lows?


I think I am just beginning to explore this idea that there are highs and lows. Last week I was in a low when I read this chapter but then now I seem to moving out of that and feel quite energized. In addition to the art I am back to the writing again. I worked a little bit on my novel 3 days this week. I have had insights on what I need to do next. Things seem to be flowing again and the feeling is awesome.

5 comments:

Cynthia said...

I hope your energy becomes a steady stream in which you dream lazily and create your hearts desire.

I truly believe Jan is just not a time of high creativity for most people. Feb 1 is a New Year in some belief systems and I find my spirit lightens just a little as the sunlight lasts longer in the sky and brings a new beginning and energy with it.

You are right -- it is an awesome feeling!

Bright Blessings!

LissaL said...

May you continue to feel energinized & awesome:)

Anonymous said...

But you already DO experience and tolerate discomfort for your creativity -- you are willing to acknowledge feeling down and stuck and then you are willing to push through it. You are willing to experience the emotional highs and lows and see where they take you.

Lisa said...

I love your answer to number 3 - does it always have to be a drama? Yet I am seeing blisshchick as I write this, and she has a great point.

And isn't it an awesome feeling? Oh it's like flying. Three days out of a week is really good, congratulations.

Jamie Ridler said...

There's a great sense of relief, isn't there, when you can trust that the pause, the void, the non-flow is just a part of the cycle. Big sigh.

Cheers to the flow finding its way again!