Creative expression is vital to a purposeful life

Bright Agave, 11x16, acrylic on canvas, recently sold

As water and air are vital to life, creative expression is vital to a purposeful life.
We ask, “Are we there yet?” How many more challenges we must face in the upcoming months. I hear a lot about fatigue, weariness, stress….
No matter how much patience, self-control, kindness we have mustered this year, it has been hard.
Not everyone has time to indulge in “creative” moments…or do they?
Yes, many are kept at tasks at home or on the job---essential workers, moms, dads….  All  striving to remain hopeful.
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​In early 2020, I chose to address an aspect of encouragement with each blogpost. We have reached growth.
Engage
Nurture
Cultivate
Observe
Uplift
Restore
Attitude
Grow
Express
Growth affects our creativity and creativity affects growth.
Developing and expressing our creative side encourages joy, luster, vibrancy and  joie de vivre. These qualities are the essence of what the Thomas Jefferson  called the “pursuit of happiness.” Even the most timid may enjoy audacious expressions of art, love and joy!
As water and air are vital to life, creative expression is vital to a purposeful life.

Creative play! Above--create a '"rid" with a white crayon or candle; fill in the squares with fun color! Creativity in the kitchen;  just set out color!

​Ok—I’ll jump off the soapbox and focus on guidelines for YOU—to move forward – with a generous sprinkling  of creativity in your daily life. How do we nurture creative actions in our home, on the job, in our children and of course, in ourselves? We cannot bless others unless we show grace to ourselves!
Our imaginations may be getting lost in the chaos of this new life, new expectations, neglect of healthy food and exercise, and   changing Covid practices.
Our brains react to protect us when stress appears, draining blood and oxygen from the thinking part of the brain. So, what to do?  There is good news! Our brains can be re-molded! Our brains have plasticity!  One method is to recognize your feelings thoughts. – in an activity such as journaling or saying them aloud.
As you do this, ask yourself if your thoughts are based on truth and reality?  Replace negativity if possible, with positive affirmations such as I can do this—I’ve done it before, I am good at ______________________(cooking, putting things together, gardening, encouraging people).
 Meditate on something that it uplifting to you!  Music, quotes, artworks….

Gather tools to journal!

​Actually, this closely follows the advice of Julia Cameron. In over a dozen books such as The Artist’s Way, her main 3 steps always include free journal writing, walking, and what she calls artist date, where you take yourself on a date to admire something or interest or beauty -- to nurture your own spirit.  It can be formal such as  visiting a museum or bookstore or simply taking a nature walk or looking at store windows.
Despite it all, show grace to yourself so you can GROW!—or slowly drag yourself--jump into a space where you can nurture creativity.  If you have a family—as much as possible, make your home a petri dish for creativity.  Allow play, art messes (within reason) and freedom for kids to express themselves without having to achieve or perform.  A Facebook friend posted a geometric mural she and her son had mapped out for painting his bedroom.  I loved that!
If possible, at home and if you have employees, go beyond encouragement and  honest listening to consider the sounds, colors, temperature and lighting. I had a homey ginger jar lamp in my classroom, and when students asked why - I told them ambience! They liked the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Make creativity  a commitment.  Schedule time for learning, practicing, painting, researching –and record your progress.  Take photos or jot notes about your progress…or just allow yourself that freedom to create and keep or toss, but enjoy the process! Don’t judge your activity by the burnt cookies!
Grow by boosting your creativity.  

Be king to yourself on this journey! 
​Wishing you all so much goodness,
       ~ Janis 

Plein air painting - take your watercolors outdoors!

 *Note: Each month I write and rewrite my post, and usually it takes a couple of weeks to mull over.  If you are in the Midwest, experiencing a winter much more drastic than normal or Texas, or anywhere,  my heart goes  out to you. Like a plant that needs water, sunlight and TIME—be king to yourself. Let your creativity sprout in God’s time. 
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