Hey there!
My last post sounded like as long as you can be brave enough to start, the rest is a blissful, effortless dream. A whimsical sigh of pleasure, without a care in the world, no effort, no challenge. You can un-roll your eyes now though because here is part two! I will make a wild guess that a float down the river of tranquility is probably not how most people would describe their creative process. (Unless they are performing it on Instagram). (I am probably guilty of this). (It’s not real).
While creating, we enter into the realm of the brave—a curious, concentrated, sensitive, and expansive state of mind. Challenges may appear, but they may be of a different quality than the ones that tried to stand in your way of beginning. Bravery is still needed but in new ways.
After I have made the effort to begin and I am in a creative flow, challenges feel more like purposeful problem-solving enticements that beckon my attention and care. They sometimes appear as questions, puzzles, failures, or curiosities that become interesting to work with. I find that I am utterly captivated by challenges that arise in the creative mind-body-spirit-space. They have a particular flavor that usually feels intimate and alive, inviting me to work with them. And I can’t resist. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. But it does mean it’s fascinating. And a lot of the time lessons or even revelations result.
What feels challenging to you in your practice? How is that influenced by your state of consciousness when engaging with creativity?
Creative affirmation: I allow my vulnerable being to stay open and curiously mingle with whatever arises.
Once we open up into a creative state, it can be sensitive and uncertain. To “mingle with whatever arises” in ways that are pleasurable and not overwhelming, we require not only internal willingness and bravery but a few other things. For creative consciousness to flourish openly, to teach us fully, and to vibrate vibrantly, it’s helpful to create conditions that allow for spaciousness and safety. For ease and pleasure, I suggest, to myself and you dear creative practitioner (a.k.a. human being), the following four conditions:
A safe, supportive physical space.
An attitude of self-inquiry.
An attitude of self-compassion.
An equanimous frame of mind.
I invite you to wonder with me: How can I support myself with these conditions? What do / how could these conditions actually look and feel like for me? Get specific.
May your practice forever be one of your greatest teachers!
Keep opening ♡
-Kristen