"Stop. Breathe. Allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing for a moment or an hour or even a day.
It is in emptiness that inspiration will appear." Carole Katchen
As we are building our creative life, it can be a time of great excitement and activity. We live in a world that seems to value the idea of being busy and for some people the busier the better. "What did you do today or this week?" is a question that we hear over and over. But both the body and the mind need time to step away from the noise that surrounds us and to take time to rest and relax. It's in those quiet moments that things become clear, new ideas begin to take form, and next steps are formulated.
Rest can of course be for a week or more. It can be time spent at your favorite place getting away from it all. It can be a time to recharge and to feel rejuvenated. It also can take place in a minute or two. Getting up and walking outside is a way to rest. Taking a deep breath no matter where you are helps us to feel better. Sitting quietly in a chair with your eyes closed for just a minute or two can change how you feel and how you think.
Sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to take a rest. This summer I went on an incredible art retreat. It was in a beautiful place working with wonderful women. But one afternoon I felt exhausted and maybe a little overwhelmed. So I did something I rarely do. I left the group and took a nap. It was exactly what I needed and it changed how I felt about everything. For some people this would be an easy thing to do. It wasn't for me but I know in the future that I will take the time I need, no matter where I am to rest.
As you go through your day, begin to notice when you have the most energy and when you need to take a minute or two to rest. Begin to notice when you are most creative and begin to think about how to use that time to your advantage. Is there a certain day of the week that you need to plan for more quiet activities or when you feel most like writing or painting? Is there a specific time of the year that you need to get away from it all? As you learn more and more about yourself and the life you are creating, leave time for the quiet moments. Those moments are special too. They help you to celebrate what you have accomplished, think about the future, and most important to just be.
When you share your talent and your dreams with the world, magic happens. Let the magic begin!
Ginny
Create the life you want to live.
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