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Reflection

2/19/2014

4 Comments

 
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The last day it snowed was incredibly peaceful.  Everyone agreed that there was something different and very special about this snowfall.  Facebook was filled with snow pictures - one more beautiful than the other. As I wrote on Friday, I spent lots of time reflecting and thinking last week. Maybe it was the snow.  Maybe it was just time to sit in stillness and reflect.  

 It has begun to bother me that I am not finding working with my pastels as much fun as I used to.  When I cleaned up my studio over the weekend and put them all away it felt good.  I thought it must be time for a break and to do something different.  But that didn't feel exactly right either. So I sat on the couch and looked at the work that I had gathered over the past year and I figured out what was missing .  When I started using pastels I did not have any expectations of myself.  I was always surprised at what I created and often found that I was really pleased with my efforts.  Then slowly over time I began to put pressure on myself to get "better".  I started to look for growth in my work and worry that I was always painting the same or similar theme.  I became my own worst critic and slowly I began to lose the joy of painting.  

As I sat across the room looking at the work I hung on the wall I found myself rejecting the notion that it wasn't good enough.  I saw that although there was an ocean or lake or river in every painting they were all little different.  I was no longer  bothered that there wasn't a focal point or that the painting lacked that final pop of color. Instead I was encouraged by the peacefulness that each picture represented and the memories that they created when I looked at them.

It is easy to get discouraged when you start finding fault with what you create. It is easy to listen to those nagging critical voices that tell you it is time to get better.  But it is more important to remind yourself of exactly why you are creating.  Is it to always be chasing the dream of being the best or getting better?  Or is it to create something that you enjoy doing and that brings you happiness?  I'm opting for joy and happiness. How about you?

Wednesday's Kaizen-Muse Coaching Tip:  Take time to reflect.  Take time to sit quietly and remind yourself of what is important to you.  You can journal your thoughts or keep a reminder journal of what makes you happy now and what made you happy in the past.  Bring those things or attitudes back into your life.  Remember why you paint, or sew, or decorate your home.  Remember what makes you happy when you do these things?  Then celebrate the moments when you are truly creating from the heart!  It makes a difference.
4 Comments
Kim link
2/18/2014 11:03:03 pm

Everything you've said here is pretty much what I've been feeling. I'm finally excited to work again, which I'm giving some credit to the lovely sun that has been shining here for the past 2 days.

I'm trying to have a new attitude toward my art. I think what put me in such a creative rut was that every time I took out a blank piece of paper, I'd get this fear that all the other drawings I'd done had been a fluke. Oddly enough, when I did finally start a new project, I'd feel amazing and lose time because I was in my "good place". But when one thing was done and I'd think about doing the next one, the same negative thoughts would go through my head. Sadly, this led me to not drawing anything for 6 months.

I guess we have to realize that not everything is going to be perfect but as long as we're doing something that brings us to that amazing headspace, it's totally worth it.
I know I'm probably always going to be my worst critic but I also know I need to do this because I love it. Side note that always makes me smile, is how much my kids love every piece of art I do and they are always so proud to tell their friends that their Mom is an artist, which is oddly enough a word I've always been afraid to call myself.

Thanks so much for all your inspiration Ginny. I love coming to your blog.

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Sara link
2/20/2014 01:20:33 am

I loved this post!!!! I've been in such a funk about writing. I almost took a post down recently because my devil of critic said no one liked it. I've never purposely taken a post down.

In the end, it stayed up. It was a writing challenge with the tight word count of "exactly 33 words." I wrote a rhyming poem. It was on the dark side of humor and didn't get positive reviews, but when I sat back and thought about what I had learned, I was able stuff a sock in my critic's mouth:~)

In my case it's when I want the approval of others that my creativity flounders and the joy disappears. On the other hand, when I notice my OWN growth/learning -- like being able to write something in 33 words -- I can find the joy again.

Thanks for this wonderful post, Ginny and the reminder. You really are a great creativity coach. I hope you know this:~)

Have a great day, my friend. I hope it warms up soon.

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giggles link
2/26/2014 02:33:49 pm

You definitely need to shut down that nasty inner gremlin.... Or experiment with some different supplies. Just play...without worrying about the outcome...doodle, put color together...slap paint on a page, canvas or cardboard.... I think sometimes our gremlins get cabin fever just like children and they need a change...we always go back to what we love anyway!! Your pastels are very peaceful and serene.

I paint for my own happiness...sometimes with no expectations...other times it's with something in mind...many pieces I detest...only a few I love! Still trying to figure that out!! Great post wonderful photo!

Hugs Giggles

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S.M. Hutchins link
3/2/2014 10:16:22 am

First of all, beautiful snow picture! Second, this feels like it was an insightful thought process. I'm always intrigued by journeys like these that stem from sometime simple acts (like putting pastels away). I'm curious... with water being a central feature in much of your work, what does water represent to you? (You don't have to answer this out loud... just might be interesting to see what transpires.)

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    I hope that this blog will encourage you to notice, create, and celebrate all of the special moments that occur in your life each day.

    Sometimes an awareness/acccountability partner is just what you need to get started or to keep your dreams moving forward. 
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