Part I: A Reflection from Amber
For each reflection I write, I try to empower you to create a metaphorical space for you to embrace your favorite means of being creative. Be it writing, singing, dancing or creating art - I hope you find what you find enjoyable. Yet, what about creative blocks? Maybe someone has told you you’re not enough as a writer, singer, dancer or creative artist. Maybe they were wrong - I suggest they were.
For a speaking engagement at a faith community called Church in the Wild, I shared the following poem. I invite you to read it each day this week, while engaging in the activities in this e-newsletter. May you find ways to be creative, always. May you be as brave as Mary Oliver, and live into your own creative potential. <3
Dare to create… By Amber Brown Dare to create via creative endeavors That make your life make sense Even when life doesn’t - maybe especially then Dare to dream the poems into life That make your words make sense Even when they don’t - in these moments, I have found them to be a spiritual home Dare to dream the art into existence That make your heart soar Even when it feels heavy - as it sometimes may Dare to write, to dream, to create, to take action from your soul Just write - it may just be the right thing to do Just create - radiating creativity from the center of your soul to the tips of your toes It may just be perfectly imperfect and even trees have flaws Dare to call yourself a poet, a creative, an artist Dare to transform your creative ideas into inspiring, hope-infused actions Dare to transform your sense of who you are by acting on your creativity You could change someone’s life - yours or theirs Creating is a worthwhile endeavor that could change the world As could you - even if no person ever sees your creations but you. Dare to create It's worth it And so are you
Part II: Reflection questions for YOUR spiritual practice time
Each day is different, eh? Take as much time with these daily activities as you find enjoyable - this is your personal practice, for YOUR personal spiritual well-being. Please feel free to riff on these questions and tailor your day’s spiritual practice to your needs that day.
What is creativity? What is art? What is writing? Research it, think about it, create art about it, or journal about this question.
Do you embrace your inner creative? Do you call yourself creative, an artist, a writer, or both? Think about it, create art about it, or journal about this question.
When was a time you were negatively impacted by someone else’s perspectives on your creativity? Think about it, create art about it, or journal about this question. Take deep breaths after this one - it could bring up some stuff, and you might even consider creating something about it then crumbling/tearing it up and symbolically trashing the negativity.
When was a time you were positively impacted by someone else’s creativity? Find that art and meditate or pray with it, think about it, create art about it, and/or journal about this question.
Make a visual or written reminder of your goal as a creative - if you have one! Think about it, create art about it, or journal about this question. Place a reminder of your creative ambitions or sense of being somewhere - a mirror, in your office, on your nightstand, etc.
That’s a lot to think about and create! Now for the fun part today - an embodied movement practice! You could pick a piece of music you love that inspires you and dance out your feelings today. You could also focus on walking prayerfully, doing some accessible yoga, riding a bike, etc. Just get moving - it might inspire your creativity, or just be fun to do!
Just be. On this last day, take time to just be. Pray or meditate or sit and focus on your breath. Do this for a few minutes or as long as it serves you to do so. At the end of this set-aside time today, say something meaningful...for example...I am an artist, a writer, a creative soul, I am present, or I am love, I am enough or I am capable. Take a few more deep breaths. Come back to the present by noticing a couple things in your space and then give yourself a soothing hug.
Part III: - NEW - Community-Building in the Comments Section!
Spiritual community is important, too. Maybe you have one, or maybe you don’t, but you’re welcome to share kind, respectful comments in this space. In an attempt to build some community here, comments are open on all posts (if they’re not, let me know). To start it off…what is your favorite creative spiritual practice?
May these spiritual practices help your fill your teacup, and may you know some small comfort and joy this week!
Mindfully,
Amber Brown