By Samantha Blythe
I tend to think of My Whole Life As A Creative Practice (which sounds way more inspirational than it actually is). So anything that helps or hinders my creative practice helps and hinders In General. I have a mind that never rests, a broad range of interests and a host of duties that are never-ending, as well as a melancholy streak and a mean lack of focus. My creative practice isn't so much an oasis in the midst of that, but the glue that holds it all together.
I tend to think of My Whole Life As A Creative Practice (which sounds way more inspirational than it actually is). So anything that helps or hinders my creative practice helps and hinders In General. I have a mind that never rests, a broad range of interests and a host of duties that are never-ending, as well as a melancholy streak and a mean lack of focus. My creative practice isn't so much an oasis in the midst of that, but the glue that holds it all together.
The elusive thing in my life has always been a sense of balance or rhythm, although when I step back I do see a sense of rhythm emerging. I appreciate that organic structure, but in all my journals I see an unmet need for what I call Freedom Within Form - a theological idea I learned from Francis Schaeffer, which I've always wanted to translate into a Life Model (a task at which I have been only moderately successful thus far).
Although "making them happen" is still hit-and-miss, I have a more peaceful and productive Creative Practice and Life if I focus on:
...Not allowing my thoughts to just bounce around inside my head, but to contain them inside a journal, complete with rambling, illegible words and incongruous doodles
...Setting limits on how much time I spend "working" on my household tasks, which can make me feel like I am the Greek myth person who rolls the boulder up the hill just to have it roll down again
...Simplifying by choosing to limit my creative options; that keeps me from being crushed under a mountain of choices (which isn't good as far as actual productivity because, well, it's hard to work if you've been crushed, even by a lot of great art supplies and instructional books)
...Keeping in touch with the work I have done in the distant and recent past - this reminds me that life (creative and otherwise) is an ebb and flow, and that's okay
...Making sure I get exercise, nourishing food and activities that get me out of my head and into my body
...Not allowing my thoughts to just bounce around inside my head, but to contain them inside a journal, complete with rambling, illegible words and incongruous doodles
...Setting limits on how much time I spend "working" on my household tasks, which can make me feel like I am the Greek myth person who rolls the boulder up the hill just to have it roll down again
...Simplifying by choosing to limit my creative options; that keeps me from being crushed under a mountain of choices (which isn't good as far as actual productivity because, well, it's hard to work if you've been crushed, even by a lot of great art supplies and instructional books)
...Keeping in touch with the work I have done in the distant and recent past - this reminds me that life (creative and otherwise) is an ebb and flow, and that's okay
...Making sure I get exercise, nourishing food and activities that get me out of my head and into my body
Next time, I'll share with you the circumstances, attitudes and habits that hinder my Creative Practice. But for now, will you share with me some of the things that help you in yours?
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