Welcome to this contemplation on creating art despite fear.
This short contemplation is intended to serve as a catalyst to help get the creative juices flowing and move through any resistance you may have towards creativity.
In my own efforts to sit down and create art,
I am continually faced with the thoughts in my mind that tell me to stop.
And so perhaps this will resonate with you and help you to push through any resistance or fear you may be feeling towards your own creative endeavors.
So sit back and maybe close your eyes and listen to these words.
Why is it that sitting down to be creative feels like such a risk?
It's a funny thing because my heart longs for art.
Every bone in my body aches to express this well of creativity I have bubbling inside of me.
I see a vibrant paint color on a wall and I envision how I would use it in a painting.
I see a sharpie on a co-workers desk and I daydream about closing the office door and doodling with it on the blank sheet of paper on my desk.
There is no denying my creative spirit is knocking on the door.
She is eager to barge through and wishes I would allow her a seat at the table.
Yet when I sit at the table I feel the tension and resistance welling up inside of me.
It's a call to arms in my own body.
The protectors of my heart sense I'm walking into the unknown territory.
So naturally they put up their defenses.
This army does a good job of keeping me safe.
Unfamiliar territory means unfamiliar risks so it's best to just put the guard up.
But despite myself there are moments when I managed to find the doorway through.
When I pick up the paintbrush anyway.
The army inside me yells it's not safe,
You're probably not good enough,
Why bother?
But I paint anyways.
Eventually the army settles down.
They put down their guns,
Stop their chatter,
And allow me to just paint.
In these moments when I push the door open and allow my creative spirit in I don't have to try so hard.
She shows me where curiosity and wonder lead.
She reminds me what grace and ease feel like.
And when I start to judge and critique my work she reminds me it's all play and it's okay to be silly.
Everything doesn't have to be so serious.
I believe there is a creative spirit within each of us.
When we sit down to quote-unquote be creative it can feel like a daunting task.
Our ego mind questions what do you have to offer and if we listen the creative process stops there.
But there is an alternative.
We can invite our creative spirit to lead the way.
We can offer up the process to a higher power.
Our creative spirit longs for this surrender.
She eagerly stands by and says let me show you.
When we soften our grip and allow her to lead we take the pressure off.
We say okay show me.
From this gentle place we are guided.
She shows us what we have forgotten.
How to trust.
She moves swiftly,
Boldly,
Uninhibited by self-doubt.
She is curious,
Unattached to outcomes,
Playful in her approach,
And always willing to start again.
She feels no pressure only inspiration.
Growth and expansion are inevitable because she keeps her eyes facing forward.
No mistakes,
Only growth.
She loves life and loves the opportunities it brings.
She stops to smell the roses over and over again.
Never tired,
Never bored,
Awake,
Present,
Aware.
Unencumbered by monotony because she sees none.
Beautiful unfolding,
Always new,
Always novel.
She shows us how to live.
She shows us how to create.
She reminds us it's all within our individual and perfect perspectives.
Doubts aside,
She shows us who we truly are and what we are ultimately capable of.
She points to the stars and says you are as expansive and limitless as the furthest stretches of infinity.
Just trust.
Trust.
Trust.
Trust.
Trust that you are enough,
That your curiosity,
Your expression,
Your dreams,
Your desires,
They are all enough.
So pick up the paintbrush and begin.
