Creating Space to Welcome Creativity
Until the last few months of isolation, I didn’t realise just how much my worth was tied up in doing things. Not even productive things (I tackled that beast last year) but just…things.
I had an everlasting case of FOMO, and if I wasn’t worrying about what I wasn’t or couldn’t be doing, I was pining after objects or tools that I didn’t “have” the money for.
In other words, I was unconsciously cluttering my life with things.
Things to do. Things to buy. Things to want. I still had creative dreams and pursuits, but I treated them like they were guaranteed. I wasn’t honouring them like I should.
When I, like the rest of the world, was given a universal stop sign, I was initially stunned, fearful and sad, but eventually (thanks to my immense privilege), I was able to slow down. Take stock. Breathe.
My days off, which were supposed to be dedicated to exploring my new home, Melbourne, became an opportunity to sit in silence and reflect.
At first, it was uncomfortable, and at times it still is, but for the most part, I have welcomed space and stillness with open arms.
And because I embraced space, and let my mind wander, creativity came gliding in.
A significant part of my philosophy as a creativity coach comes from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic. I read it every year, and take something different from it each time.
Liz writes about how ideas are zooming around the earth, all the time, patiently waiting for the right human to connect with. And once you meet with the right idea at the right time, you are committed to it, and must remain so until the idea is brought to life. If not, the idea will realise that you aren’t, in fact, the perfect vessel to bring it into the physical world, and will bail and find a new co-creator.
Since adopting Liz’s theory, I have noticed that the best ideas, the ones that connect on a soul level and light me up, come when I have given them the space to do so.
And what does that space look like?
Lately, it’s a morning devotion to true self, which I learnt through Offline’s first course, Make Contact With Your True Self. For me, that looks like scraping my tongue and brushing my teeth (to remove any toxins built up overnight), brewing a cup of tea, and sitting in silence watching the trees outside while my tea cools. Then, I read and sip said tea, and once that’s finished, I meditate to ocean waves for 15 minutes.
I’m still in early days of my true self devotion, but I can already feel and see the difference taking an hour for myself each morning makes.
Other ways I create space include not rigorously planning my days, creating an ongoing brain dump list (so I don’t feel pressured to get errands/admin done immediately), exploring new mediums of creative expression (such as hand building pottery and typography), gentle movement (yoga or nature walks), and following my curiosity.
I have found that since adopting the above practices, I am more centred, relaxed and inspired. There are still moments of restlessness and unease, sure, but I am learning to lean into them and question the source, instead of letting them dictate my day.
Now that you know my secrets, I encourage you to explore how you can create space in your day to day.
Even if that means picking one small practice or ritual, sticking to it for a couple of weeks, then reflecting on the changes that have hopefully taken place.
Aligning with our personal rhythm and creative energy is a lifelong dance, and one that doesn’t have to look or feel a certain way. You will know if a practice is right for you, and if it is, get excited.
Each small act of dedication and every conscious decision to create space to play, explore and learn adds up to a glorious collection of experiences, which in turn will welcome your creativity and attract ideas to your dazzling blaze.
Love, Viv
Seeking guidance or support?
I’d love to help you on your way, and further explore your creative practices, personal rhythm and purpose.