The Artist's Way :: 1

{I’ll be posting a few thoughts once a week on the topics that come up during The Artist’s Way process}

On morning pages::

Been doing the morning pages (similar to the rambling pages I wrote of here).  I’m reminded how powerful they really are.  Such a simple, small gesture of attention to give to yourself, really- but when you allow those swirling and seemingly random thoughts to come out consistently on paper, you are honoring that they are part of what you are working through right now.  They can be gently put aside or you can dig in deeper for more understanding.  And they allow me to start my day lighter mentally, which tends to spill into a better day all around!

On core negative beliefs::

This week explores our Core Negative Beliefs around creativity or around anything we feel conflicted about pursuing or nurturing, I suppose.  Could we be “stuck” where we are simply because we feel safe there, even if we aren’t happy or living to our fullest potential.  Where we are is what we know, and the unknown can be frightening and vulnerable.

I often see this play out in health counseling– many of us want to feel better, more energized, lighter, in better shape, ect…but we have either failed before (so fear failure again) or don’t really know what that new “us” would be like– so there are all sorts of resistances that surface to keep us where we currently are.  We start to want to feel better and get a little excited about making healthy changes, and then we find ourselves binging on junk food.  It’s like an internal conflict we need to solve first before we can really open up to change.

The one that is most prominent for me is that I question if putting my own creativity and self growth as a priority right now is selfish and something I will feel guilty about (I mean when I give time to my own needs…I could (should?) be doing something for the family…whether its laundry, cleaning, cooking, ect.)  Internally, I’ve set up a choice: it’s me or my family ::  and I struggle with guilt when I give time to me.

Is this something other mothers struggle with too? Believing that it is virtuous to only think of others, and when we turn attention to our needs, do you struggle with guilt?

The truth of course is that I am a part of the family. So giving to me (appropriately) is giving to the family.  Me and the family are on the SAME SIDE. In fact, I believe creativity is a gift from the Creator, that using my creativity will bless my family, and nourishing my creativity allows me to let God lead the way – because I trust His plan for me is to grow and be fruitful, not stagnant.

On Filling the Well::

The concept of “filling the well” or keeping ourselves stocked and nourished is a familiar one to me.  It makes sense that if we are to give to others, we must have something to give…we can’t be useful running on empty all the time.  But of course common sense is not common practice!  In terms of creativity, Cameron writes, ” The artist’s brain cannot be reached or triggered effectively by words alone.  The artist’s brain is the sensory brain : sight and sound, smell and taste, touch.  Think magic.  Think delight.  Think fun.” I plan to find give myself some time this week in nature, maybe even a walk in the woods of my backyard- taking in the senses, the smells, the feel of bark and dry leaves underfoot and cool air.  It is on walks through nature, I also have some of my most peaceful prayer times.  Times of simply conversing and mostly listening with the Lord.  Looking forward to making that happen this week.

Do you have core negative beliefs that get in the way of pursuing something you are passionate about or giving yourself the time you need to stay healthy and well?  What things “fill the well” for you?