In the forced slowdown of our lives, so many of us have come to the realization of just how hectic our lives were before. A frenzied pace had separated us from a deep and authentic connection to our inner lives. The global pandemic and resulting societal shifts have brought about much change. At the same time, it has opened up a space for new possibilities, to include a reconnection with our true self.
Connecting with your true self through creative expression is especially important and helpful during this current period of uncertainty and change. Creativity is one way to stay wholly connected and balanced during challenging times. In this article, we’ll explore ways to find and follow creative expression as a path to finding your balance and returning to your true center.
Begin with Intention
Connection does not typically just happen. It is only when we value connection enough to make it a priority in our lives that we find ourselves more fulfilled from our connections to others. During the pandemic, many of us have had to get creative about connection. How creative have you been about the ways you connect with you?
The gifts of creativity are vastly amplified when we begin with intention. Intentional creativity is one fun path to connection with who you truly are. Beginning with the intention to set aside time to tap your creativity is the first step on the path. Remaining open is also an important aspect to the process and leads to the possibility of surprising discoveries along the way.
It’s not so much about what you create or how you express yourself, but that you do. Your intention and showing up fully is an act of self-valuing and self-growth. During difficult passages and in times of ease and grace, choose you and create!
Look for Inspiration Everywhere
When you begin to think about ways to bring creativity into your daily life, your thoughts may go to traditional forms of creative expression, such as writing, painting or physical movement, such as dance. These are all wonderful ways to tap your creativity. Broaden your horizons and look for opportunities to create in your everyday life.
- Get creative in the kitchen. Do you have a garden? How could you cultivate it and prepare an amazing, healthy and delicious meal for yourself and share it with others? Or what about something different for dinner? Pick a culinary heritage, do a little research and find a recipe or two that will introduce you to this tradition. As you do, see what you learn about you along the way.
- Draw from life. Create an everyday sketchbook where you draw what’s right in front of you. From coffee cups and saucers to your favorite chair, from simple objects in your home to insect or plant studies done in the garden or a natural setting nearby, allow life to be your inspiration. Cultivate gratitude for these often overlooked gifts of the everyday. In your creative expression, be open to receiving guidance from your wiser true self.
- In your own backyard. Creativity can start close to home, in your own backyard and connected to the Earth. How might you infuse creativity into your space and add more of you? True Center executive director Eve Willson and her family members made artful cement stepping stones adorned with leaf impressions and colored stones. These stepping stones are now a symbol of this passage and a reminder of the connections they value.
“I don’t think we gave this any thought at the time, but looking back, I’m wondering if our choice to make stepping stones was a deeper yearning for guidance as we moved forward into the uncharted territory of uncertainty ahead. Now I have 3 stepping stones in my backyard that remind me of the importance of family connection and how our connection is enriched through art/creative projects.”
Immerse Yourself in Meaningful Creativity
You might consider a creative immersion or a project done over the course of many days or weeks, even a whole year. What is an activity that appeals to you that might open you up to greater self-discovery and connection? Choose a creative project that will invite you into a deeper exploration of who you are and where you are in your life. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Wall art. If you have an empty wall, decorate it with expressions from your heart and soul. If that seems too daunting, start with butcher paper or oversized poster paper and some markers. You could create a large mandala, adding one image or symbol of who you are each day. You can use crayons, watercolor, pastels and other media and even add found objects from nature.
- Poetic Inspiration. Do you love poetry? Would you like to learn and use that learning to discover more about who you are? Get a book of poetry. Each day, read a new poem and then dedicate a specific amount of time, even 15 minutes or so, to respond to that poem creatively in some way. You might do a quick drawing or painting. Or even write your own poem in response. You could journal new awarenesses brought up from the poem or express your feelings through movement, from dance to a simple walk through your neighborhood for deeper reflection.
- Doodle a Day. Creative expression doesn’t have to result in finished art. The simple art of doodling or coloring frees up a space for connection to the true self. Create a doodle book and doodle your dream each day. You could choose one quality you’d like to cultivate in your daily life and draw and color a doodle that is an expression of that quality and why you value it. Or pick up a coloring book and notice the colors you are drawn to and choose for this activity. Why are you drawn to these colors? What do they remind you of? How are these qualities connected to who you are?
Start simple. Begin to savor your relationship to you through creativity one day at a time. Say yes to creative expression today!
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