How to nurture your creativity

Last week I had one of the most creative weeks I've had in a very long time. It started slowly and consistently expanded, by mid-week I found myself bursting with creative energy and ideas. Where did it all come from? What precipitated the flow of creativity and how can I tap into it more consistently?

My husband was travelling last week so I had been anticipating a week of solitude. While some people feel nervous or uneasy about solitude I really enjoy my time alone so I was in a positive frame of mind.

I spent the first day uncluttering my environment. I tidied up the house, organized drawers, moved some furniture, washed the floors and basically went on a purification binge. By that evening I fell into bed exhausted but very happy.

Create a beautiful environment for yourself

The following morning was Sunday; I woke from a wonderful night's sleep refreshed and appreciating my beautiful, pristine and uncluttered environment. I was completely content pattering around the house while the sun filled the space with a warm glow. I made a big cup of tea and spread my journal and inspirational material out on the bed and began writing. I practice daily "stream of consciousness" writing. I aim for about 3 pages long-hand. On this particular morning I wrote freely and without any time restraint, producing 15 pages of writing!

I declared the rest of Sunday a "silent" day and treated myself gently: healthy food, a slow walk with the dogs, a nap in the afternoon. I just tried to listen to my body and to give it what it craved.

I think that beginning with a feeling of positive anticipation combined with those two days of clearing my environment , clearing my mind and resting my body were critical in how the rest of my week unfolded. When I went back to the studio Monday I found I had adopted a very gentle attitude. I gave myself permission to play, no need to make a masterpiece, no restriction on whether I painted, or knit or sewed.... I opened myself up to whatever creative urge surfaced. I didn't force myself to finish one thing before I began another. I let my child-self play and gave my grownup-self the week off.

Your creative-self may be delicate... be gentle with her

The result was two paintings that I love and that seemed to be birthed from my heart, two cute little sundresses for my granddaughter, some great photos, new ideas for my garden, work done on my mosaic table and a couple of blog posts. What fun!

I'm hopeful that being able to pinpoint what set me up for creative success this past week will allow me to duplicate the process in the future.  An attitude of positive anticipation, clearing out my physical and emotional environments and permission to create in whatever direction feels natural, may be the steps I need to nurture my creative energy.  I'll keep you posted.

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Wishing you a nurturing day,

Sandra