It has been amazing seeing all the different interpretations and expressions of the Doodle Journey course.  Once a year I offer this course free to those willing to take the time to explore through doodles, while setting judgement aside.  Because doodling is so process based, it is a simple and easy way to allow ourselves to let go and explore without the need to produce a polished piece of artwork.

I think where many people get stuck, is in the notion that what we create has to live up to some outer standard rather than be accepted as is, an expression of self in the moment.  Creatives and those who don’t consider themselves creative (but in my eyes we are all creative) can get pulled into judgement mind easily when art is considered solely as a product rather than also as a process.  That is where doodling can really help us loosen up and let go. Play a little more instead of being so serious, and you will be surprised at the gems of wisdom you may discover in your doodles.

We all have habitual ways or patterns of responding to life.  When we uncover these we can make choices about which serve us and which do not, rather than continuing to act from a place of auto response.

Below are quick summaries of the daily prompts from the Doodle Journey e-course.  While I go into more detail in the course with examples and ideas for further self-exploration, the prompts below are a good start for those wishing to explore the power of creativity through doodling.  Enjoy!  To be the first to hear about other courses, prompts and ideas to support your inner creative, be sure to sign-up for my e-news HERE.

If you missed the first two weeks, you can find summaries of the prompts on my other post Reflections on Doodle Journey Part One 

Week 3 Doodling for creative release and expression

Day 14:

Doodle dump. You may have heard of the “morning pages” that writer Julia Cameron developed in, which you write non-stop for 10 minutes each morning to do a mind dump, clearing out thoughts, preparing for a fresh start to your day.  For today’s doodle prompt you are going doodle in the same way, waking-up to doodle nonstop for 5-10 minutes, anything at all that comes to mind.

Day 15:

Doodle will be done at the end of the day while thinking about what you are grateful for. Take a moment to think of 3 things you are grateful for, breath in the feeling of gratitude that you have, sitting with this feeling as you then doodle.

Day 16:

What is your signature way of doodling?  If you are unsure, just take a look at all your doodles to date and pick out one or two similarities. Whether it is a shape, line or repeated symbol,  use one to start your doodle today.

Day 17:

Be spontaneous! Being spontaneous with your doodle helps you practice tuning into where you are at and what you would like to express.  If the blank page is making you feel intimidated, quickly make a mark on the paper and then continue from there.

Day 18:

Make a quick doodle of yourself, not a sketch but rather a doodle with exaggerated features. Emphasize characteristics about yourself to make a comical doodle, but don’t just focus on your outward features but rather focus on some of your inner characteristics.

Day 19:

Your play task is as follows:  put a pen, pencil, marker or other device to doodle with in each hand (they don’t have to be the same thing).  Set a timer for five minutes and begin doodling with both hands, trying as much as possible to keep both hands doodling at the same time. See if you can get them to doodle something different.

Day 20:

Combine a few previous prompts and see what you get.    You can combine any prompts from the start of the course, or just repeat the ones that you wish to and note how this experience is different or the same.

Week 4 Noticing Patterns, Trying Something Different

Day 21:

Doodles can also be a passageway into self-exploration if you are willing to go that route.  After 20 days of doodling you will have enough doodles done to be able to begin to recognize any repeated themes, symbols, or styles which may be unique to you. Look at each of your doodles and write the first title that comes to mind. Compare and contrast.

Day 22:

Whether you like to work large or small, today you are going to work larger than you normally do.  But don’t worry, it’s a doodle after all so don’t let the large blank paper intimidate you.  If you are not sure how to start, just begin with a line and keep expanding and adding lines.

Day 23:

Today’s doodle experience takes us outside, not just out of your home or office, but outside the confines of a piece of paper.  Let mother earth be your container. There are many options to choose from; pick any temporary natural drawing device to use outside (i.e. finger in the sand/snow).  Stand for a few minutes in silence taking in the outdoors with your senses. Let your senses be your guide for your doodle.  Go!

Day 24:

Doodle a map (not an actual technical map) from point “A” (call it whatever you want) to point “B”.  Make it as detailed as you want, with symbols to direct whoever may follow it to the end point. It can be easy to follow or laden with secret code and mystery.

Day 25:

Focusing on making repeated patterns is one way to get away from focusing on judging the final product. Divide the page, unevenly into different sections using a variety of lines (curved/straight) and shapes.  Once you have done this you can begin to fill-in the shapes and sections with repeated patterns of your choice.

Day 26:

Step outside your comfort zone (perhaps a little further if you are already feeling like you are outside of it). What way do you usually approach your doodling? Write it down.  Now do the opposite.

Day 27:

Choose a piece of music that makes you feel good, or that best mirrors how you want to feel more regularly.  Listen to it first with your ears, eyes closed and begin to doodle. Continue doodling with your eyes open, allowing the music and feeling to guide your doodle, stopping when it feels right to you.

Day 28:

Inspired by word art, today you will write an intention for right now. What would you like to have more of in your life right now? Choose a word and write it in bubble or block letters then doodle around and inside the word  whatever feels right as you repeat your intention silently, continue to doodle lines, shapes, a design, pattern, images or symbols until it feels done.

Day 29:

Either choosing coloured or patterned paper to doodle on or making a light wash using colour of your choosing on your paper.
Use the textures of the paint, paper or pattern to guide you in how you doodle. Let the colours inspire you, speak to you, touch you and see what doodle unfolds.

Day 30:

The doodle can be a source of fresh ideas and new beginnings. Pick a few of your doodles which surprised you in a good way, and pull out parts that you would like to recreate or give new life to,  Make a journal spread going beyond the scope of a doodle, incorporating paint, pastels, collage whatever calls to you.

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