In a recent coaching session with a Mentor Program writer, I was reminded of the importance of refreshing our memory about core principles on a regular basis. This ensures we remain on track at every level as conscious & creative writers.
On this occasion, the prompt was to do with giving full permission to pause briefly following an extremely successful burst of creative productivity. This pause provided a much needed mid project recharge before diving in to the next phase of activity.
The core principle being applied here relates to the fact that the creative impulse arises from – and returns to – space. This alpha and omega of creative expression includes space in our schedule, space in our environment, and most importantly, space in our mind.
Even if we aren’t consciously aware of it, at a deep level the original creative impulse has its source in the space of infinite potential out of which everything flows.
When we honour this fundamental creative truth by taking regular breaks and pausing for a few moments to clear our mind of distracting thoughts before we begin a new creative task, our work arises from a deep and original source.
As writers, we can apply this approach to our writing and to connecting with our readers – both of which require us to be at our most creative in order to succeed.
Punctuating our forwards motion through the mini and macro cycles that are part of any creative project with some space, however fleeting, enables our most authentic ideas to take shape and form.
The Creative Cycle
From this seemingly “empty” space, which cutting edge science now confirms is far from empty in the way we may have previously thought, the creative cycle progresses through inspiration, imagination, and finally into actual creative expression.
With writing, this is when the words meet the page. The natural flow completes the cycle with a return to space before the impulse is reborn as the spark of a new idea and the wheel turns once more.
When we forget the importance of space and allow ourselves to be swept along with the intensity of the creative fire, we are more likely to lose our balance or feel drained rather than exhilarated by the time our project is complete.
Embracing the Intangible Aspects of Creativity
Wherever we are on our own creative journey, we may feel that this understanding of the creative cycle is hard to grasp because space is inherently intangible.
Yet, the very nature of creativity involves accepting and working with the intangible realms of our imagination and our intuition, and this is just one step further along that same path.
Initially, this degree of right brain activity may feel unfamiliar and therefore uncomfortable. Like anything, with regular practice, we can experience the reality for ourselves.
Invitation for You
Today, I invite you to embrace the possibility that there is a richly rewarding level of creativity to explore that can be discovered from simply including more space in your creative expression.
Try pausing for a few minutes before you begin your next creative task. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy the opportunity to bring yourself fully into the spaciousness of the present moment. Begin from there.
Repeat this process regularly and give yourself permission to relish some “down time” in between the major phases of any big project you’re working on.
Take this opportunity to explore the alpha and omega of creative expression for yourself, and do let us know how you get on by posting your experiences and comments below.
____________________________________
© Julia McCutchen 2012. All Rights Reserved.
If you want to use this article in your ezine or on your website I’d be happy for you to do so as long as you use the complete article, including the copyright line, and include the following paragraph in its entirety:
Julia McCutchen is a writer, conscious creativity coach, intuitive mentor, and the founder & creative director of the International Association of Conscious & Creative Writers (IACCW). A former publisher of books on spiritual and personal development, Julia teaches conscious creativity, conscious writing and a holistic approach to writing for publication that combines the inner journey of creative self-discovery with the practical steps required for writing and publishing books. She is the author of The Writer’s Journey: From Inspiration to Publication. For more information and a FREE Special Report on Discovering Your Authentic Voice – on the page and in the world, visit www.iaccw.com.
Tags: authentic, conscious creativity, creative, creative cycle, creative expression, creative process, space, writer, Writing
