One of the biggest illusions around the creative process is that we have to be in a magical state of inspiration in order to create. This fantasy state is some combination of bright eyed and bushy tailed excitement, uber confidence and feeling an unbroken connection to the creative flow.
One of the saddest things that I see in my creative practice is when someone comes to my studio saying that they haven’t created in weeks, months, sometimes YEARS. All because they have been waiting in vain to be blessed by that sweet creative elixir that they mistakenly think is the only indicator of a visit from the muse.
In my experience you can create no matter WHAT state you are in. You don’t even need any IDEAS in order to create. All you need is the intention to be creative. And the willingness to actually take some action around your creative process.
When people come to my Painting From The Wild Heart classes they discover that they can create when they’re tired. When they’re cranky. When they hate being creative. When they’re upset. When they’re convinced that they are stuck. When they’re bored or when they are feeling old, shut down and dried up.
The muse shows up when we show up. If you devote yourself to her she won’t leave you in the creative lurch just because you’re in a bad mood.
I most often find the inspiration by simply beginning … not the other way around. I might start out painting or writing or taking photos and feeling a little creaky or rusty but if I just stick with it, before I know it the creative juice has taken over and I’m happily in the flow.
It’s also true that the more I create the more creative I feel. It’s a use it or lose it kind of a deal. Not that we can EVER truly lose our connection to our creative source. But if we’ve been ignoring our muse for a long time it might take a bit of wooing and convincing to get back in her good graces again.
Thanks Chris. As always, your words are a timely reminder – “The muse shows up when we show up.” I hope we can all keep choosing to show up fully.