You are an artist-
One of the challenges we can face is seeing ourselves as artists- using our life as a canvas or using a real canvas-either way it is time to free the artist within. Perhaps you are like me, you loved to draw as a child, that is until someone said you should not quit your day job because the tree you just drew does not look like a tree. I can remember putting down my pencils and not picking them up again for 40 plus years. I was convinced that whatever skills I had were not in the artist category. The beginning of the I am not good enough syndrome.
What is true is that creating is part of every person’s design…whether you create by fixing an amazing meal, or you create by playing an instrument – or doodling in the Dr.s office – we all are longing to create some form of artistic expression. What is also true is that it is really scarey and much easier to say I can’t paint, I can’t draw, I am not musical. Those limiting beliefs are robbing us of joyous expression and well- fun!
I think I have mentioned that my book will soon be released and I have written this blog for nearly 4 years now. So I decided to claim myself as a written word artist. Its not that I judge whether my writing is good or bad, nor do I concern myself with the outcome my writing may produce. This rite of passage is about claiming what I love to do – I love to express as inspirationally as I can – and send it out into the world. My journal writing also calms me and helps me with the storms of this life ,of which the last two years have contained many.
I have also taken up some fun ways to create art- from Zentangle to line drawing, I am finding my way to express the divine creative spirit that I know everyone possesses. Soon I will add guide to the expression of creativity; to my signature line as I am feeling a passion for releasing people from the judgement of I can’t do that…it won’t be pretty – etc etc.
Finding the thing that makes your heart sing can be the trick but on the way to that, we have to release the idea that it is not us…once we have done some experimentation and had the success of seeing that we can do simple doodles and turn them into art – we can go on from there. Its for any age – any background – any experience or none (my students are at the none point).
I have often shared musical creations that move my Spirit – and it is one of my favorite inspiration points. Films are another. Recently someone sent me a link to one of the oscar nominated short films entitled The Last Repair Shop. Not only is it brilliant in the “film making genre” it is a story of hope- and love – that finds its way to express in music. I have included the link – its 39 minutes so watch when you have time…but watch and feel your heart fly open and then express yourself. If all you do is get a coloring book and those wonderful crayolas of our childhood – do it . It feels wonderful and it brings out the artist in you…more to come on this topic!
Happy First Day of March,
