Doing Your Own Thing
Some time ago my friend, Regina, recommended a fabulous book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. No, it’s not a how-to on sketching, painting and sculpting, nor is it about the lives of famous artists. In summary, The Artist’s Way is a 12-week creative recovery program – it’s often offered in the form of a workshop, but the activities are easily accomplished individually as well. The program aims to help us re-discover of our creative side – the side that many of us cast away in favor of being responsible, boring adults. In forsaking our creative aspects, Cameron says we ignore gifts from the Creator and that which we are all born with, whether our gifts are painting, writing, building birdhouses, designing workshops, cooking, ministering, gardening, marketing and advertising or whatever.
What is your favorite form of creative expression? Ever since the third grade, when I learned how to rhyme house with mouse, I have loved poetry. I love words and having the ability to manipulate them to communicate powerful images and deep meanings. Over the years, I learned that poetry is not just a play on words or a mere descriptive statement – poetry is a portal to exploring the meaning of life. Poetry is also sound. A poem can be a melody in and of itself, or it can be accompanied by a melody and become a song. In addition to the option of weaving abstract concepts through the verses, poetry can induce a mood. Poetry is like casting a spell and has even been used for such purposes. Some might call this prayer, and, indeed, not only do we imitate and honor the Creator when we create anything, we slow down into a moment of being and pure experience. When we create, we transcend our life drama and connect with the power of the present moment. We may even produce a new, parallel moment through our imagination. In that focused moment, we become centered, and through creating, our higher self journeys with the Creator.
So, why did I need to do a 12-week creative recovery program if I know all that stuff about the creative process? Well, there were several reasons, but the bottom line is that I let others’ opinions deter me – Cameron would call them my “wet blankets”. To be more specific, I decided to write poetry for a grade in college… yikes. Of course, this caused me to stall out, spin and crash. I didn’t write another poem for ten years! However, by denying my inner creative person, I unwittingly rejected my connection to the Creator. I realize now that I am obligated to use my gift whether the world chooses to enjoy it or not. I am grateful for becoming whole again!
Remember: “Doing your own thing” is a generous act. Being gifted creates obligations, which means that you owe the world your best effort at the work you love. You too are a natural resource.
It’s heartbreaking and unnecessary when a hidden obstacle keeps anyone from bringing her gifts to full flower. Every single one of us can do things that no one else can do – can love things no one else can love. Your particular loves are your treasure. They are nature’s gift to you. If you keep yourself free from hidden handicaps, you not only create happiness for yourself, you also do the right thing.
We are like violins. We can be used for doorstops, or we can make music.
You know what to do.
~Barbara Sher, from I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was
