“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another”
William James
What is causing me stress at the moment is this crazy thing that happens when I sit down to write and can’t find a thing that seems even slightly interesting. My thoughts were turning to ‘Oh no! I have used up all my good stuff, I am all shrivelled up!’. Instead I am going to choose this thought. ‘I am a talented writer who is just experiencing a little glitch in my inspiration process, all is well’. I feel less stressed already...and yes I am lying.
“What are you good at?” is the question in 12 days journal #174
B- When I used to think of myself as a painter, I once had a great conversation with the guy that I rented space from as part of a large group painting studio. He always was encouraging, even through the creative blocks. I've always remembered this kernel, for all creative endeavors. It's about that there are 'housekeeping days' and painting days. Some days you come into the studio (or drag yourself there) and you really don't have anything in you to put on the canvas (especially if you're not in the middle of a painting but facing a fresh blank canvas.) Those days are good housekeeping days--days you clean up your space, clean your brushes real good, prep some more canvases, look through your art books, pull articles and enrich your studio area somehow. New rags, anything to be busy in your space around your tools, but not pushing yourself to create. Then maybe the next time you come into your studio you will have everything ready and 'primed' (literally, the canvases; figuratively your creative pump) to paint your heart out.
ReplyDeleteAll this to say...now, when I'm not painting but doing writing and performance poetry--I dialogue with the dry space ALOT. I mean there are some mighty fallow times. I can imagine from following your work here (from meeting you at dance camp) especially when you've been pouring out so much of yourself--there will be an emptying out time too. Again, thank you for your charming bravery to put it all out for us to connect in. I consider you part of my creative tribe. Blessings,
-Z
Z...thank you , thank you , thank you.....and thank you.I will be cleaning my computer and taking a walk today.
ReplyDeleteThank you
B
Like the infinite capacity for a human to love, your well of creativity always has bounty. Don't worry. Luckily you are a keen observer of the human condition and luckily humans constantly have stuff going on to be commented on and provide us entertainment. hee hee
ReplyDeleteI will also thank Z...that post really applies to me as well. I am good at a lot more than I give myself credit for. I'm guessing that's the case with you, also, B. :-)
ReplyDelete