Finding Joy in Creative Blocks
Creativity often feels like an elusive muse, sometimes showering us with inspiration and other times leaving us stranded in a desert of artist’s block. Our initial reaction to these dry spells is usually frustration and anger, but it's important to acknowledge these emotions instead of trying to change them. By giving a healthy space for these feelings, we allow them to exist and eventually dissipate. Once the intensity of these emotions subsides, we then face a choice: we can either take action or continue cycling through frustration.
When we do decide to act on our creative block and finally reach the point of doing something about it, it’s common to respond with strict routines and regimented practices, battling our creative block as if it were an unruly teenager. But what if we approached this blockage instead with light, love, and gentle attention? How would it change if we chose to enjoy the block instead of raging against it?
Viewing our artist's block as a new part of ourselves that needs nurturing can transform our approach completely. When we feel blocked, it's actually an invitation to explore what's holding us back. Resolving these issues often illuminates our darkest corners, propelling us toward our next masterpiece (1).
So, how do we take practical step-by-step action to embrace and enjoy our season of creative block? Here are some simple tips (and a bonus worksheet!) to help you navigate through this period with grace and intention.
The Art of Loving Your Creative Block
Set Aside the Time and Space for Reflection
First and foremost, allocate a dedicated time slot for this reflection process. Set aside at least 30 minutes to an hour in your schedule and ensure you are in a quiet, secluded space free from interruptions. Be intentional about this time, viewing it as an investment in your creative journey.
Create a Calm Environment for Quick Breath Awareness
Transform your chosen space into a sanctuary of calm. Clean up and declutter the area, dim the lights, or light a candle to infuse the space with tranquility. Add a few blankets or pillows to create a cozy atmosphere or whatever feels most comfortable for you during this time. This environment will support you as you turn inward and explore your creative block.
Get in a Comfortable Position
Find a position that feels comfortable for you—whether standing, sitting, or lying down. The key is to be at ease in your body, allowing you to focus without physical discomfort.
Practice Breath Awareness
Begin by taking a few deep breaths, bringing your attention back to your body. When you notice yourself getting distracted by thoughts, gently redirect your focus to your breath. This practice anchors you in the present moment and prepares you for deeper reflection.
Do a Body Scan
With your eyes closed, conduct a quick body scan, starting with your toes and working your way up to the top of your head. Notice any areas of pain, tension, or stress, but be sure to acknowledge these sensations without judgment. This awareness helps you connect with your physical state and recognize how it might be influencing your creative block.
Continue Deep Breathing
Take a few more deep breaths, and when you feel ready, open your eyes, bringing your calm and centered state into the present.
Download the Worksheet or Follow Along
Once you have done your quick breath work and body scan, it is time to dive into the worksheet. The worksheet "Overcoming Creative Block" is designed to guide artists through a structured process of introspection, self-care, and exploration. Each section serves a specific purpose in helping you understand and overcome your creative block. This is for you to fill out and reference at any point in your creative journey.
Here’s an in-depth look at each worksheet section:
Before You Start
Instructions:
Grab a journal or a separate sheet of paper and a pen.
Spend 5 minutes doing a quick sketch or doodle.
Spend 5 minutes writing about anything.
Purpose: This preliminary step helps to prime your mind and body for the reflective work ahead. The act of sketching or doodling engages your creative muscles without pressure, while freewriting helps clear your mind of any immediate clutter or distractions. This combination prepares you to dive deeper into the introspective process with a clear and open mindset.
Be Curious
Prompts:
How am I feeling right now? (Frustrated, uninspired, overwhelmed?)
Where are these feelings coming from?
Purpose: The "Be Curious" section encourages you to explore your current emotional state. Identifying, acknowledging, and giving space to your feelings is key in understanding your creative block. By examining where these emotions originate, you can uncover underlying issues that may be contributing to your block. This self-awareness is crucial for addressing the root causes of your creative struggles.
Reconnect
Prompts:
Why did I start creating art?
What do I enjoy most about creating art?
What are my big goals and passions?
Purpose: This section is designed to help you reconnect with your original motivations and passions for creating art. Reflecting on why you started and what you enjoy most about your creative process can reignite your passion and remind you of the joy and fulfillment art brings to your life.
Find Your Muse
Prompt:
List 3 artists or works of art that inspire you.
Purpose: "Find Your Muse" encourages you to draw inspiration from other artists or artworks. Identifying sources of inspiration can help spark new ideas and perspectives. This exercise reminds you of the broader artistic community and the diverse range of creative expressions available to inspire and motivate you. It can also help you see your creative block as a natural part of the artistic process, shared by many artists.
Experiment
Prompt:
List 3 new mediums or techniques you want to try.
Purpose: The "Experiment" section encourages you to be a beginner again and explore new artistic methods. Playing with new mediums or techniques can break the monotony of your usual routine and open up new avenues for creativity. This experimentation can reignite your excitement for creating and help you discover new ways to express your ideas.
Self Care
Prompt:
List 3 hobbies or activities you enjoy besides art.
Purpose: "Self Care" emphasizes the importance of nurturing your overall well-being. Engaging in hobbies or activities outside of art provides a much-needed mental break and can help rejuvenate your creativity. This section reminds you that self-care is an essential part of the creative process and that taking time to enjoy other interests can enhance your artistic practice.
Reflect
Prompts:
What has been working well in my creative process?
What can I do to declutter my workspace?
How can I focus on enjoying the process rather than just the end result?
Purpose: The "Reflect" section encourages you to take stock of your creative process and identify what’s working well. By recognizing successful strategies, you can build on them to overcome your block. Decluttering your workspace is a practical step to create a more conducive environment for creativity. Focusing on the process rather than the end result helps shift your mindset from outcome-driven to experience-driven, reducing pressure and fostering a more enjoyable creative journey.
Mindfulness
Prompts:
Spend time in nature or with your bare feet on the dirt or grass for 30 minutes to reset your nervous system.
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Focus on your breathing and do a quick body scan, paying attention to how different parts of your body feel.
Purpose: The "Mindfulness" section provides techniques to ground yourself and reset your nervous system. Spending time in nature or practicing mindfulness exercises like deep breathing and body scans helps reduce stress and anxiety. These practices can help you become more present and centered, creating a calm mental state that is conducive to creativity.
One Positive Mantra to Remind Yourself
Prompt:
Write a positive mantra.
Purpose: Ending the worksheet with a positive mantra reinforces a constructive and encouraging mindset. This mantra serves as a personal affirmation that you can return to whenever you feel blocked or discouraged. It acts as a gentle reminder of your strength, creativity, and the positive outcomes you seek to achieve.
By following this structured approach, you can transform your creative block into an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and renewed inspiration.
Embracing the Journey
Creative block can feel like a formidable obstacle, but it also offers a unique opportunity for growth. By shifting our perspective and treating this period with compassion, we can uncover new depths within ourselves. Instead of battling our creative block, we embrace it as a part of our journey, learning to enjoy the process of self-discovery and awareness (2).
Overcoming creative block is not a one-time fix but an ongoing practice. Make a habit of setting aside time for these reflective sessions, allowing yourself to revisit and reassess your progress. Regular practice strengthens your ability to navigate creative blocks with resilience and grace. Remember that this season is temporary and transformative. With patience, love, and gentle attention, you will find your way through to your next big idea, emerging stronger and more inspired than ever.
