I’ll be honest, I’m not always joyful when I create.
Art is an expression of what’s happening on the inside of us, and sometimes there’s more sadness and pain in there than happiness and light. It’s important to honor where you’re at and start creating from there.
But I’m finding that the way I go about creating also has a great impact on my mood and my work.
If you resonate with any of this, I thought I’d share what I’m discovering that’s helping me cultivate a joyful creative practice.
1. Connect with your inner child
There’s something magical about tapping into the earliest memories you have about creating. For me that was scribbling with Crayola crayons, drawing princesses and ballerinas. Anyone with me? It’s so freeing to come back to the essence of what it means to create and give myself permission to make art like I used to.
2. Work with colors you love
Colors can have such a powerful effect on emotions, and it’s helpful to notice which ones you tend to gravitate towards. Lately, I’ve found myself feeling way more excited when I work with brighter acrylic paints.
3. Incorporate your spirituality
There’s something inherently spiritual about the experience of creating. I often end up praying as I paint as a way to process what’s going on in my life. I encourage you to explore how you might incorporate your spiritual practice into your creative process.
4. Let go of outcomes
One of the biggest obstacles to creativity is perfectionism. I’ve struggled with it for years and lately I’m realizing how much it steals my joy when creating. Choosing to let go of whatever I’m envisioning the final piece to be makes a HUGE difference in how I feel and what I make.
5. Follow your curiosity
Exploration is essential to discovering new paths of creativity. These days I’m allowing myself to take more detours and pursue whatever seems interesting in my creative practice. Whether trying a new medium or subject, it amazes me how curiosity can unlock such unexpectedly brilliant results.
Whatever form of art you make, may you discover more joy in the creative process!
If you're looking for a way to process your wilderness season experience, I created some free journal prompts to help you find clarity. Click here to download.
Photo by Jared Subia.
