Last weekend I ran another in person Painting With Your Muse intuitive painting workshop with a lovely group of muses. Reflecting back now I realized it has been 5 years since I first created the online course which later became the in person workshop here in Toronto. I have been running the in person workshop since 2012, 2 to 3 times a year and each time I run it I feel grateful for the opportunity to witness the individual process of the muses that join me. Muses? Yes! Each participant, as the title suggests, paints with their Muse. And though traditionally Muses were thought to be an inspirational being outside oneself, I believe that each and every one of us has an internal Muse, full of creativity and wisdom, just waiting to be tuned into an utilized.  This is the premise of all my work, even the clinical work with clients struggling with past or present difficulties. We all have the answers within. No two paths are identical, therefore no one way can be prescribed.  We need to trust our process.

Each time I run Painting With Your Muse and my other workshops such as my art journaling series, I am reminded of the uniqueness we each bring to the table when engaging in creative process.  Some of us need to go at a slow pace, taking breaks often, some adhere to a quicker pace to bypass the inner judge or critic that may interfere with creative flow. Yet again, each time we approach a creative endeavour this rhythm may change, depending on what we need in the moment.  The trick is to tune into our internal rhythm so that we are aware of it rather than being controlled by expectations, monkey mind, habits, too much caution or other interferences.

For me, all true creativity relies on our ability to let go, following our intuition rather than our thoughts. When we can allow ourself this freedom not only will windows open from which we can glimpse our inner wisdom, but also doors will open, creating opportunities for self-awareness, acceptance, and authenticity.

Last weekend, each participant was invited to witness their process, accept it as it were and let go of any preconceived notions.  While it may sound easy, it is by far one of the biggest challenges that we can face with our creativity.  Several participants noted an awareness of letting go only midway through the workshop, surprised at the effort it took to allow their process to unfold.  For others, there was a back and forth, almost tug of war between letting go and wanting to be in control of the process. At these times it was important to be able to accept whatever was, in order to be able to let go. This also meant accepting that this struggle was likely to arise several more times throughout the process.  That is where intuitive painting is an adventure in mindfulness.  Any creative process really can be an avenue for practicing mindfulness and acceptance.  Creativity, like mindfulness is a state which needs to be practiced in order for us to be able to truly let go.  We are so used to hanging on to that which does not serve us, impressions of self, past experiences, expectations put on us by others or ourselves. Art-making can be an anchor for being present, an invitation to let go. The key is giving ourself the permission to explore our creativity from this stand point rather than from a place of “knowing”.

How do you allow yourself to let go and connect with your inner muse? What challenges your creative process the most?  Are you ready to give yourself permission to let go into the natural flow of your creative being?

I am grateful to all the Painting with Your Muse participants for allowing me to witness their creative process.  Special thanks to those who gave me permission to share their painting process.

To register for the next intuitive painting workshop in Toronto visit/click Painting with Your Muse Workshop page 

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