If you’re reading this because you’re trying to start a creative habit, or you’re trying to reignite one, then it’s likely you’re feeling a little blocked.
There are people out there, probably, who just sit down every day and write, or paint, or compose music, or whatever their thing is, and don’t think much about the process behind it. The creativity just flows out of them, it feels totally natural and instinctive, they know exactly what they want to create each day and they just don’t worry about it. I don’t know any people like this, but I’m sure they’re out there.
The rest of us, however, struggle to find the time and energy for our creative pursuits, and when we do sit down to create we agonise over what to do, whether it will be any good, whether it’s worth it and how many people are doing it better, until we realise we’ve been staring at a blank page for an hour and now it’s time for dinner.
I’ve seen lots of influential people declare that writer’s block, or creative block, isn’t a real thing. They can take a seat. Maybe it’s not real for them, but it’s been very real for me, and I know it’s very real for others. The thing is, I think these blocks are rarely anything to do with ideas and inspiration, and more to do with our own energy.
When I’m blocked, it’s normally me that’s standing in the way. I am my own blocker. I’m in my head about making it perfect, making it successful, taking the next steps, all before I’ve even started. I have all this pent up energy wanting to be released onto the page, but it’s being misdirected into all these internal worries, where it’s swirling around in a whirlpool without any way out. I need to get the flow back on the right track and let it out.
I’m thinking of creating a course on how to release creative blocks - would you be interested in this?
Creative sparks - week commencing 9th September
Saturday 9th September
What are your worries about your creativity? That it won’t be good enough? That you’ll be laughed at? That it’s a waste of time? That your mother will read it and know what you really think?
Take a sheet of blank paper (thick paper is good for this) and write them all down - all those fears and worries that swirl around your head.
Now take some paint, and paint over your writing. Paint whatever you like - it could be just one colour covering the whole lot, or you could paint different colours or a pattern. Just make sure that your paint covers all the writing.
Let that layer of paint dry, then on top of it, paint a picture (or pictures) or stick cut out images or write more words that make you feel positive and empowered and free.
Sunday 10th September
Reflection prompt
Spend some time journaling on, meditating on or simply thinking about this question:
What would it mean to NOT create?
Sure, it might be scary to let what’s inside you out, but would it be scarier to leave it buried? What if you never wrote that book / painted another picture / sang another song? What if your life went by without you expressing yourself and exploring your gifts?
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Maya Angelou
Monday 11th September
Use the following prompt to create whatever form of art you choose:
Freedom and escape.
Tuesday 12th September
Free writing.
You’re going to write for at least 15 minutes without stopping. Set a timer so you don’t need to keep checking the clock. Keep your pen moving for the full 15 minutes, even if you just write “I don’t know what to write, this exercise is hard, Allegra is mean”. Just keep writing and let whatever words jump into your brain flow down into your hand and onto the page. You can keep going at the end of the 15 minutes if you want to, but you have to keep going for at least 15 minutes. Use this as your first line to get you started:
I am filled with excitement.
Wednesday 13th September
Everywhere you go today, and even inside your own home or on TV, look for instances of water flowing.
What does each one make you think of? What does it look like? What is the water doing? Where is it going? See what these thoughts spark.
Thursday 14th September
Reflection prompt
Spend some time journaling on, meditating on or simply thinking about this question:
Who supports your creativity?
Who believes in you? Who champions and celebrates you? How can you lean into more support from them and get them to lift your energy when it’s flagging?
If there’s no one supporting you right now, how can you access more support? Can you join a writing group? (We’re over here at Fearless Writers if you want some cheerleading and accountability!) Could you ask someone to mentor you? How about joining an online course and connecting with other students? Or following other creatives on social media and joining in their conversations?
Friday 15th September
Treat yourself.
Do something you really love doing. If you can afford it, take yourself for a nice meal, maybe a spa day. Buy yourself a gift, even if it’s just a nice cake.
If you don’t want to spend money, treat yourself to a bubble bath or cook your favourite meal. Light the really fancy candle, wear your best dress.
Do something really indulgent just for yourself.
Notice how it feels to spoil yourself. Be aware of any resistance that comes up, and recognise how you can release that feeling. Savour the experience.
Let me know in the comments what you create!