Becoming

06/24

CREATIVE SELF-CARE

Give yourself the permission to evolve.

We’re all born creative beings, yet somehow once we’re adults, it’s drilled into us that to be creative you must be a “real” artist, and furthermore, following your creative intuition will get you nowhere. Science shows otherwise.

Creativity is vital. Engaging in it is sustenance. Commit yourself to activating your creative spirit and give yourself permission to evolve.

Daily Ritual

The Basic Principles
In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron writes that the following spiritual principles are the bedrock on which creative recovery and discovery can be built. Repeat them to yourself once each day and begin to notice your shifts in attitude and beliefs:

1. Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy: pure creative energy.

2. There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life — including ourselves.

3. When we open ourselves to our creativity, we open ourselves to the creator’s creativity within us and our lives.

4. We are, ourselves, creations. And we, in turn are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.

5. Creativity is God’s gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.*

6. The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.

7. When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity, we open ourselves to God: good orderly direction.

8. As we open our creative channel to the creator, many gentle but powerful changes are to be expected.

9. It is safe to open ourselves up to greater and greater creativity.

10. Our creative dreams and yearning come from a divine source. As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity.

*If needed, replace the word or idea of “God” with any higher power or greater spiritual energy that feels comfortable to your belief system.

“Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.

— RUMI

MONTHLY THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY ENVISIONING YOUR EXPANSION

Tools: Art Meditation Circle, OR Sketchbook, pencils, pens, paints, or other drawing/painting tools.

  1. Download the Art Meditation circle here and print on heavier card stock.

  2. Create time for yourself and set your scene: prime the playlist (see below), light a candle, burn incense, etc.

  3. Close your eyes and acknowledge where you are right now in your life:

    • What does it feel like emotionally?

    • How do you feel in your body?

    • What color would you assign this era in life?

    • Is there a texture that symbolizes these feelings?

  4. Next, visualize what your ideal life will look like:

    • What does your daily life look like?

    • How do you feel in your body in this future era of yourself?

    • What color resonates with you in this ideal state of being?

  5. Apply this to paper. Start in the middle of the circle and draw or paint a creative representation of your current life. Use shapes, textures and colors that symbolize your experience.

  6. Shift to the outer edge of the paper and through the application of strokes and color, create a visual representation of where you’d like to end up as you recover your creative spirit.

  7. Blend the inner and outer parts of the circle together to mimic the growth that will happen through the process of creative self-care.

ACTIVITY EXAMPLE - GOUACHE

ACTIVITY EXAMPLE - COLORED PENCIL

Enhance this month’s creative self-care experience ⎯

CULTURAL INSIGHTS

  • Ethan Hawke’s TED Talk

    Reflecting on moments that shaped his life, actor Ethan Hawke examines how courageous expression promotes healing and connection with one another -- and invites you to discover your own unabashed creativity. "There is no path till you walk it," he says.

  • The Becoming Playlist
    Turn this curated collection of tracks on loud while engaging in the activity above. Let the melodies inspire and influence what you put down on the page.

  • Tips For Crafting a Ritual

    Having a personalized ritual creates long-lasting effects. Use these tips to develop a rhythm you look forward to come back to.

Learn: Tips for Crafting a Ritual

Laina Miller is an Artist, Creative Wellness Consultant, and Social Emotional Arts Instructor. All viewpoints and activities expressed were generated from personal and professional experience and bolstered by favorite mentors, readings, and teachers. The aforementioned have been cited whenever possible. For additional support, please reach out to a trusted mental health advisor.

Some of the links above may be affiliates, which means a small commission is made if you purchase. All products have been authentically chosen with your amusement, education, and enlightenment in mind. The affiliate opportunity is always secondary.