Tag: Creativity

Adventure, creative block, Creativity, focus, goal setting, inspiration, Personal Development, Personal growth

What if…….

Adele Satori

Some of you already know my fondness for using what if as a point of exploration, rather than a source of anxiety.

This week’s topic and exercise is around “what if”.

Think about what-if as a treasure map, or a puzzle.

One thing I like to do, when feeling challenged, it to commit to 15 minutes for a practice. If that feels like too much, go for five, but not less than that. Set a timer if you like.

Get out your journal, paper, or tablet (although I feel the brain works a bit differently when writing with a pen/pencil/crayon than typing). At the the top write
“What if I could…….” and then write! Maybe you already have a topic in mind. If not, go back to one of the early exercises about writing through creative block.

Dream big! Bring all your spicy wildness to the page!

Or small. Strive to set your mind free, beyond your comfort zone even.

What if I could travel for a year without inpacting my finances?

What if I committed to an hour a day to my chosen creative activity?

What if I could work up to touching my toes without bending my knees?

After you’ve written for five minutes, or fifteen, or until you feel you’ve exhausted the topic, sit back and settle into your body.

What would this what-if reality feel like? Sound like? Look like? How woud this ripple out into your every day creative practice? To your life?

What could you do right now to make this happen?

What do you need?

Write more if you like, or express this new world through your creativity… sing, dance, draw, bake, photograph.

I would love to hear what you come up with in your new what-if universe!

creative block, Creativity, focus, inspiration, Personal Development, Personal growth

We All Suck at Something

Adele Satori

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Image from the ‘net.  If you know whose it is, I will attributed it to them.

I’m not feeling so deeply inspired today. I have a shoulder that’s persistently reminding me I’m human today.

But.

This is a more.. erm.. contemporary way to ask one to consider approaching things with a beginner’s mind. Very rarely, at least for most of us, are we good at something new the moment we try it.

I invite you this week to try something new. For me, working in an unfamiliar medium will often unlock a stuck spot for something I’m working on. When you try something new, you haven’t formed any rules for how to do it yet.

Use the “what if I tried…” as a jumping off point, rather than a wall of fear and stalling. See how this willingness to let curiosity lead your exploring something new might be applied to something you already do. How might you look at something, or do something, in a fresh way?

If you can’t think of anything. Do something you usually do with your nondominant hand. I would love to hear what you try, and what you discover!

Creativity, focus, inspiration, mindfulness, Personal growth, spirituality

Sources of Inspiration

Adele Satori
“Bond” Alex Grey, 2004

Alex Grey shared this image and quote from his book “The Mission of Art” on his Instagram feed this morning. This book, and quote in particular, have played a huge role in my vision for Crafting the Spirit.

“I”m going to go out on a limb and say that there is a lot of good for anybody in making almost any kind of art. Just as each of us benefits from physical exercise and meditation, even though we may not become professional athletes or enlightened yogis, making art is intensely cathartic and healing, and should be enjoyed by everyone, even those who don’t think they will become the next T.S. Eliot, or Picasso. The at of drawing, or painting, writing poetry, dancing, or making music brings us into personal contact with the creative spirit, and that has inestimable value for enjoyment and self-discovery. The health of the soul depends on whether we can express our creative energy freely of reel we must keep it hidden and suppressed.”

Creativity, focus, Personal Development, Personal growth, spirituality, Uncategorized

What Does Crafting the Spirit Mean, Anyway?

Adele Satori

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A while back, I went to an expressive arts summit, and came away with an entire series of workshops downloaded into my brain.

It felt so right, so what-I-am-here-to-do, it was frightening. So I put all my notes on one of my brain burners to let it simmer.

Not long after the summit, I was having a deep, delicious conversation with someone I often call my favourite mirror. I was describing what I wanted to do. Walking with people on their journeys of self discovery, using creativity as a tool.

“It’s almost like…. like… we’re crafting the spirit,” I said to him. Both our eyes got big, and I jumped on the computer and snagged the domain.

Now that I’ve created this page, and community, I’m getting asked. “What do you mean by crafting the spirit? I’m not creative. How does this apply to me?”

Well. I’m here to tell you. You don’t have to think of yourself as traditionally creative to do this.

What I mean by crafting the spirit is to create a life for yourself that holds meaning. So many times people say they feel lost.. or that they just can’t find their purpose. What if you considered that ****being*** is your purpose, and your journey is to experience, make discoveries, and create a life that holds meaning for you?

Learning how to cultivate a life where you release attachment to self doubt, comparison, the need to always be productive or in control- these are all ways of crafting the spirit and creating a life that hold meaning for you. It is yours; it is your precious gift.
Both freeing and intimidating, right?

For some people, this might mean surfing, or cycling, or dancing. For others it will be writing, or cooking, or painting. Playing music. Creating a welcoming environment in your home. Being the best parent you possibly can be. Being a mindful leader in your workplace or community. Spending time out in Nature.. our big beautiful planet.. Noodling around in a science lab. And yes.. relaxing and doing nothing is part of it all, too. To me, all of this is creative.

Using creative tools such as movement, drawing, music, creating various objects.. are all ways to get out of our heads and get into a flow. Start to observe and imagine the world around you differently. Shifting your perception even a little can yield amazing results. I’ve often been stuck on a challenge, and when I do something like knit, or create music, the tangle releases, and I know what to do. Working in a medium I’ve never tried, with the only expectation to explore what is possible… heaven!
I’ve had the challenge of not having blocks of time where I can hold in person workshops. One day, I decided to get around that for now by creating an online community, where we can gather, share, and learn together.

I’m so excited to se how this all evolves. Thanks for joining me!

You can find the online community here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/929235890790763/?multi_permalinks=939561443091541&notif_id=1573092434571516&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic

Creativity, drawing, focus, Personal Development, Personal growth

Creative Block

Adele Satori

Creative Block.

OK! Let’s start off with the biggie that affects us all, eventually. Creative block. The ideas just won’t come. We suddenly have to clean our living space/binge watch/party. Anything but deal with the empty page/canvas/uncut fabric/musical instrument/dance floor staring back at us.

The key for me is to simply start.

“But Adele!” you say with exasperation “I can’t think of anything!!”
You want to know a secret? You don’t have to!

Take the 15 minute challenge! Set a timer if you like. Are you pacing, mind racing? Get outside for 15 minutes. Go for a walk, mindfully. Turn off your phone. Walk and observe. How would you describe what you are seeing? How are the trees moving? If you were a bird, what would your song sound like?

Another approach I use: when writing I might just start listing words that come to mind, in no particular order. Look at something nearby and describe it in minute detail. I will pick up a pen and start doodling with no objective. Play scales. Move around. Just. do. Something.

Close your eyes and breathe. Yes.. meditate! Get out of that “I can’t” head of yours!

Ready? Take the 15 minute challenge and let’s talk about it.