I love collaboration as a way to push ourselves from a creative rut. I'd also argue there are lighter (albeit looser) versions than straight up making work together. A conversation unpacking an idea can give you a similar burst of energy, and is easy to operationalize even when you're quite burnt out.
I am working on a number of projects at the moment. They are thinking/planning/working it all out type projects. I have my fingers in too many pies. As a result my creative brain has gone into hiding. I am feeling burnt out.
That flow, that freedom, that fun, that letting loose of the spirit and heart - it is EVERYTHING.
Yoga, running in nature and laughing with my kids gives me some relief from the mind chatter and angst. I am sure once I get through these deadlines I will be able to use my early mornings for some creativity again.
All the best to you as you find that wonderous creative place again too. xx
It's such a tricky balance to strike, isn't it?! Trying to cut out the distractions and focus in on the deep work and deadlines. But then feeling the burn out that comes with not having so many of those creative joys in our days.
Hope you're able to get a bit of that early morning wonder back again soon. I remember how well it was working for you, and how nourishing it sounded. Until then, yoga, running and laughter sounds like a wonderful way to invite the lightness in. x
You lived in Wanaka didn't you Christina? Well, much of my early morning time is now spent trying to work out how I can stay living in this town...It's the most expensive place to live in NZ. It wasn't when we moved here 21 years ago. Finances and trying to keep a home for my children and I just is not conducive to creativity. All that I "know" about health and wellness and mindfulness and spirituality - I just can't even seem to access that right now. Anyway, today is my writing morning so we will see where that gets me after 4 hours sleep....
Even though I wouldn't wish this on anyone it is reassuring to know there are many in the same boat. xx
Interesting thoughts Christina - I think the self worth/work question is really valuable - not just creatively but the way we work in our world and how our identities become wrapped up in that from school age. As an aside - I also was engrossed by the Beckham documentary despite not having watched football prob since world cup 98. I found his story fascinating - esp the impact of being hated or scapegoated by so many people.
Ooh yes, so much that could be explored there! It's got me thinking about the loss of identity that can occur when someone is no longer able to do/be that thing. And really interesting to hear that you were gripped by that doc too. It speaks to the dehumanisation that we're still seeing so much of right now. And to the power of seeing someone as a person, through storytelling. Thanks for sharing and getting me thinking!
Look forward to knowing where your thoughts lead on this Christina. I worked in the aid industry a long time and was an ‘expert’ in a subject I cared about. But it also was no longer a fit for me. It took a lot to walk away and for that not to be me anymore. As so much of my identity was caught up in that job and the attachments around it.
Oh, how I long to read this dissertation of yours Luisa - it sounds fascinating! Did you keep it? I finally binned mine (on theatre under fascism) a few years ago.
And that's amazing progress with the running - well done you! It must have felt brilliant to finish that long run.
Great to hear your creativity is on a high too. Do you have a sense of why the words aren't coming right now?
It sounds like you’re doing exactly what you need to be doing creatively right now. Sometimes the waiting to see what will unfurl is where the magic happens, I tend to find. 🧡
I love collaboration as a way to push ourselves from a creative rut. I'd also argue there are lighter (albeit looser) versions than straight up making work together. A conversation unpacking an idea can give you a similar burst of energy, and is easy to operationalize even when you're quite burnt out.
You make a great point here Lucy re. creative conversation and its energising effects. Thanks for sharing!
I love this Christina. I relate to everything.
I am working on a number of projects at the moment. They are thinking/planning/working it all out type projects. I have my fingers in too many pies. As a result my creative brain has gone into hiding. I am feeling burnt out.
That flow, that freedom, that fun, that letting loose of the spirit and heart - it is EVERYTHING.
Yoga, running in nature and laughing with my kids gives me some relief from the mind chatter and angst. I am sure once I get through these deadlines I will be able to use my early mornings for some creativity again.
All the best to you as you find that wonderous creative place again too. xx
It's such a tricky balance to strike, isn't it?! Trying to cut out the distractions and focus in on the deep work and deadlines. But then feeling the burn out that comes with not having so many of those creative joys in our days.
Hope you're able to get a bit of that early morning wonder back again soon. I remember how well it was working for you, and how nourishing it sounded. Until then, yoga, running and laughter sounds like a wonderful way to invite the lightness in. x
You lived in Wanaka didn't you Christina? Well, much of my early morning time is now spent trying to work out how I can stay living in this town...It's the most expensive place to live in NZ. It wasn't when we moved here 21 years ago. Finances and trying to keep a home for my children and I just is not conducive to creativity. All that I "know" about health and wellness and mindfulness and spirituality - I just can't even seem to access that right now. Anyway, today is my writing morning so we will see where that gets me after 4 hours sleep....
Even though I wouldn't wish this on anyone it is reassuring to know there are many in the same boat. xx
Interesting thoughts Christina - I think the self worth/work question is really valuable - not just creatively but the way we work in our world and how our identities become wrapped up in that from school age. As an aside - I also was engrossed by the Beckham documentary despite not having watched football prob since world cup 98. I found his story fascinating - esp the impact of being hated or scapegoated by so many people.
Ooh yes, so much that could be explored there! It's got me thinking about the loss of identity that can occur when someone is no longer able to do/be that thing. And really interesting to hear that you were gripped by that doc too. It speaks to the dehumanisation that we're still seeing so much of right now. And to the power of seeing someone as a person, through storytelling. Thanks for sharing and getting me thinking!
Look forward to knowing where your thoughts lead on this Christina. I worked in the aid industry a long time and was an ‘expert’ in a subject I cared about. But it also was no longer a fit for me. It took a lot to walk away and for that not to be me anymore. As so much of my identity was caught up in that job and the attachments around it.
Reading posts like this really helps me keep going :)
Ah, that was so lovely to read - thanks for making my day!
A great list of creative inspiration Christina. It’s a timely reminder to head off in an artist’s date soon. Xx
Thanks Lynne! I would say take me with you but that will need to be a future date. x
Oh, how I long to read this dissertation of yours Luisa - it sounds fascinating! Did you keep it? I finally binned mine (on theatre under fascism) a few years ago.
And that's amazing progress with the running - well done you! It must have felt brilliant to finish that long run.
Great to hear your creativity is on a high too. Do you have a sense of why the words aren't coming right now?
It sounds like you’re doing exactly what you need to be doing creatively right now. Sometimes the waiting to see what will unfurl is where the magic happens, I tend to find. 🧡