Tap Into Your Inner Artist

A process of discovery — this is what the creative journey is all about for me. It’s not about processing a vast array of fancy techniques, having an amazing idea, being born with special talents or knowing exactly what you are going to do before you start. Nope. For me, creativity starts with a desire to release something that is usually kept inside — a yearning to express yourself without words and the acknowledgement that it is important to let this thing out. From there, all you truly need is an open and curious mind, trust in yourself and the materials, time and space to create. I know the last two (time and space) often serve as great excuses to not start, but as with anything in life, it’s all about prioritizing. You can make time and space if you choose to prioritize your creative health.

I know it’s easy to believe that only a select group of special people can actually be artists. I used to believe that too. However, I am now thoroughly convinced that all human beings are artists; we were all born with immeasurable amounts of creative potential just waiting to be released. Children tap into their creative powers easily. However, society has a slick way of convincing us that we do not have the skills, talent or ideas needed to follow a creative path. I believe it’s about time we start reclaiming what is naturally ours and activating our creative forces!

If you don’t already have art supplies tucked away somewhere, start by taking a trip to your local art supply store. Enter with an open mind and allow your intuition to guide you to the supplies you are supposed to work with — charcoal, oil pastels, colored pens, paint, clay? What is calling to you? Don’t think too hard. Just gather some supplies and get out of there. The next step is to set aside some creative time (start with an hour) and a space to create (this could simply be your kitchen table).

When you are ready to start, put on some music you love, light a candle and write an intention. Perhaps it’s something like, “I create with ease and joy” or “Creating is nurturing my soul.” Remember this is a process of discovery, so approach it as that. Learn about your new tools by trying them out in different ways. PLAY. Remember, you don’t have to know what you’re doing and it doesn’t have to look “good.” Think of yourself as an explorer in uncharted territory. You are not supposed to know what lies ahead. Can you find joy in simply exploring and playing with color, line and shapes? Again, listen to your intuition as you reach for different tools. How does the pen want to move across the paper? What colors are calling your name? Listen closely and surrender fully. There are no mistakes. There are only new discoveries to be made and a wide-open path leading you back to yourself.

This post was written by Flora Bowley, Painter, Teacher, Author, and Inspirationalist for HealingLifestyles.com.

Creative Framing

I've been trying some new art projects and this is my latest creation.

I love the colors of this frame & love how it turned out (it was my first try).  I'm opening an Etsy store for my art and crafts too. The Art of Holistic Living.  Hope you like it. :)

Love is in the Air

In preparation for Valentine's Day, I've created these gift tags.  They can be used as tags, favors, or whatever you'd like.  

I'm thankful for the love in my life and I celebrate it everyday.  I hope you do the same!

Add a Dose of Creativity to Your Day

1. Take a ten minute blog break during the workday. Gathering inspiration is the first part of the creative process, and one easy way to do this today is to visit creative blogs and creative websites. You can do this just about anywhere or at any time. If you eat lunch at your desk, take a few minutes to browse blogs then. Use your smart phone to check in on a few favorites while you’re waiting for a meeting. 

2. Schedule small blocks of creative time into your calendar. You may not be able to put aside large blocks of time for creating, but you can probably block out small chunks of time to work on projects. I often sew a garment over the course of a week or two by putting aside enough time each evening to sew just one or two seams after my daughter is in bed for the night. It’s not the fastest process, but it allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment when I can see something gradually coming together.

3. Connect with other creative people. It’s important to be part of a creative community. This gives you the opportunity to bounce ideas off other people and to inspire each other. Find a creative group in your community or on the internet and become an active participant. This doesn’t necessarily require a big time commitment, and the rewards can pay off in new friendships and a renewed sense of creativity.

4. Don’t be afraid to try it. We all tend to self-edit way more than we should. Don’t talk yourself out of starting a new project because you’re afraid you won’t be able to pull it off. And don’t feel down on yourself if your finished creation doesn’t live up to your expectations. It’s about enjoying the process and improving your skills over the long run. This piece by Ira Glass summarizes it perfectly.

5. With a little planning and discipline, you’ll be able to find time to be creative each and every day, even if you have a full schedule.

This post was written by Liesl Gibson for HealingLifestyles.com.

Color-Free

There are times when we should reflect upon, and take part in, those things that were enjoyable to us as children.  Recall those simple everyday activities that captivated our attention and rendered us carefree.  Every now and then, I do just that.  

Here's my latest artwork from our son's birthday coloring book.  (He has one and so do I!)  Sitting down to color gave me such freedom and I felt very refreshed after "art class."  

The joy that the little things bring is significant.  Look around you and get creative!

Clear Vision

There are times in our life when we need to stop and assess the compass in our life.  We need to ensure that we are on the right path and have clear direction for the future.  There are other times, of course, when we just need to wake up and pray that we make it through the day.

Whichever scenario you faced today, there is a way to build momentum and remain focused on what is important in your life and the destinations that await you.  Create a Vision Board.

This project is relatively simple.  You will need a blank board and a glue stick to get started.  Brainstorm about what you desire to include on your board.  Will it be designed to get you up and moving in the morning?  Or will it include distant goals that you want to stay focused on?  Maybe it ill be both short and long term goals.

Brainstorm about what you desire to include on your board.  Will it be designed to get you up and moving in the morning?  Or will it include distant goals that you want to stay focused on?  Maybe it ill be both short and long term goals.  These details will help you decide on the size of your board.  

Now, get started.  Cut out images that represent significant items in your life that you desire to include in your vision board.  You can use images from magazines, newspapers, or any item that depicts a part of your vision.

After you've selected the images you'd like to include, start gluing them to your board.  You'll be surprised at how fast it comes together and how clear your vision becomes.  Add as few or as many images as you'd like. Remember, you can always add more later.  Just listen to your spirit and design from your heart.

Here's my latest Vision Board.  It represents who I am and where I am journeying to.  

I hope you're inspired to begin your personal Vision Board today.  

If you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it!

Brace Yourself!

What I love most about holistic living is the variety of complementary therapies and practices available.  This week I felt like creating so here are the bracelets that I made:

Creating new things is therapeutic for me.  Even when you don't start out with a particular concept in mind, you have a way of developing what is meant to be simply by beginning the process.  What you create may be the next "BIG" thing or it may simply move you toward another adventure and the step on your journey.

Today, take some time to allow your creativity to flow.  Brace Yourself! You may just do something wonderful!

Art & Healing

Most research involving art and healing involves cancer patients.  The research demonstrates a decrease in pain perception, faster recovery, and improved outlook on life. 

I believe that art and healing is effective for all who use it.  I’ll be sharing various creative processes that enhance our well-being here at This Holistic Life. 

Displayed is an example of the artwork of cancer patients used to inspire healing and hope at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL.

Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a creative process that allows artistic self-expression.  This process, involving a variety of artistic methods, helps manage stress, improve self-esteem, and develop self-awareness.

The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. states:  "Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages" (2008).