Whether we make art with fiber, words, paint, clay, or food, whether we use our voices, our hands, or the forge – no matter the medium or the tools or the end product – may we all have room and resources for our creative joy!

We live in a time of relentless distractions, responsibilities, and possibilities. With all the tending our lives and loved ones require, our creative joy frequently gets squeezed out or made false promises to (I’ll get to that this weekend, or when this is over, or after I finish…). 

Even if what pulls us away from our art is yet another joy for us or is absolutely necessary, even if, with all good intention, our art is abandoned at the altar of productivity and people pleasing, even then buried deep, deep down is that unquenchable human urge to express ourselves creatively. 

We are here to shape the energy of creation that moves through us. 

At times we all get distanced from our innate desire to make something, to play within and explore our craft, to let something new emerge just for its own sake. This is totally understandable, honey bun. We are all doing what we can in the so very muchness of our lives. 

I’ve had a rocky relationship with my creative self over the last few months, so I know this territory quite well. My way back from a falling out with my muse is both simple and excruciatingly challenging at times. With vast compassion I forgive myself and the entire chorus of choices that called me away from my art. And then I take whatever small steps I can to get a bit more friendly with my creative self. Yes, she’s often furious with me at first, but she loves and forgives me more than I do myself. Re-entry is often messy, embarrassing, and a wee bit terrifying. That’s ok. Creativity is compassionate as well as demanding.

So my wish for you, for all of us, is that we have the room and resources – time, energy, focus, health, money – whatever we need to express ourselves in our unique and beautiful ways, through our art, and to live the creative joy that is our birthright as human beings.

How do you hold onto your creative self or mend a neglected relationship with her when it get’s rocky? I’d love to hear from you. 

7 comments on “Our Creative Joy

  1. I recently took a painting class and it was intimidating at first. The teacher was so relaxed and encouraging and ideas started to come. I really enjoyed it . I think I will keep trying classes the group energy is inspiring even if it’s a bit scary and vulnerable. I would like to be more creative at home too. I come from a family of artists and is a bit intimidating. But I think I need to get over it and see what’s inside of me .

    • When I took a water color class years ago I was intimidated at first, too. Actually any time I do something with my hands, like working with clay or beads or fabric, I feel so inadequate. I have to keep reminding myself to simply play, to have fun, and to remember the value of beginner’s mind. I wish you tons of fun with your painting, Leah, and all of your creative play.

  2. Dearest Christine: I loved this blog post because holding on to my creative self is very important to me. I like writing in my journal and/or writing new chapters of my novel as ways to hold onto my creative self. I very much enjoy reading your blog posts and look forward to more arriving in my inbox. Thank you.

    • Thanks, Lori, for your kind words here and for all of the encouragement you have given me over the years! I’m eager to read your new novel!!

  3. Made some veggie scrambled eggs on this snowy morning. Thinking of you with lotsa love. Soft hugs, dearest Sister.

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