Creativity, Vulnerability and Reflection

Here we are in 2018, a new year, a new day, a new outlook, if you choose. The New Year celebrations to me are about reminding ourselves that there is always a new opportunity to start fresh, everyday, every hour, every minute, every second of our lives. We just need to take it. We do not have to wait for the “perfect” opportunity or time to happen, because that time is now. And if we “miss” an opportunity, there will be another one waiting for you in the next second. It’s a matter of us deciding to be open to opportunities, always. Then choose what feels right for us in that moment. While it is true we sometimes need to plan ahead, take opportunities now for experiences later, there will always be choices to choose from.

Last year was a busy year for me with my workshops. I had many different agencies and programs contact who invited me to facilitate workshops around creativity. While I said yes to most, I still found myself fumbling when it came to asking to be reimbursed a fair amount for my time and expertise. But I took the opportunities despite this, knowing that if I fell down I could always get back up. If it did not work out, I would have more opportunities to thrive in the work that I do. But I would not have known if I did not take the opportunity in the first place. It’s not always easy. Partly it is because trying something new can feel vulnerable. Vulnerability is not something to shy away from though as uncomfortable as it may feel. When we sit with the feeling in a supportive setting, whether it be in the containment of our art journal, the arms of a loved one, or in a holding environment that encourages safety through acceptance, then we see that it will be OK.

When you look back on 2017, can you see the times that you allowed yourself to feel vulnerable? Did you simply survive (which of course is a big feat in and of itself), or were you also able to thrive from this experience later on? Perhaps reflecting back you can see the opportunities that were opened up as a result. In any event you were faced with choices in how to respond, and you will continue to be faced with choices. There will likely be falls, but these too are opportunities to learn, to thrive from. Know that you have it in you. Know that your inner wisdom is waiting to be listened to, but you must be open to it. Know that your creative practice can help you connect with that inner wisdom.

Here are some highlights from my 2017. Note that they were not always easy, often I had to face my feelings of vulnerability AKA self-doubt and push through anyway. I sought support when needed and made sure to take a lot of regular creativity time, nature space, and away time for rest and rejuvenation. In other words I do my best to practice what I preach and focus on my self-care as a priority rather than an after thought.

My first corporate workshop taught me a lot in terms of negotiating my terms. It was not easy!

I offered a new Creative Self-Care Workshops Series for Helping Professionals that continues to engage like-minded professionals in tending to their Selves.

I was thrilled to be invited to design an “Active Imagination” workshop for Seneca’s Ultimate Remix Summer Project in Multidisciplinary Art Creation Featuring: The premiere of the new Erica Procunier music composition “Precipice”. I was asked to do more staff workshops including one for 80 settlement workers at the YMCA and creative sensitivity training for staff at a Community arts program for at risk youth.

I made sure to schedule is some creative self-care for myself by signing myself up for some workshops such as collage making, intuitive art, printmaking and Gaga People dance.