This weekend the critics came out in droves to an art show of sorts.  A group of brave souls and their muses joined me in Toronto to face blank paper  while inner critics watched anxiously, ready to pounce at any effort.  The critics tried to convince those painting in the workshop to look on their work with disapproval. They tried to scare away motivation to try something new. These critics, gremlins, inner naysayers, did their best to block creativity. But they failed.

These inner critics became the background noise as muses drummed up a frenzy drowning out the cries of “you are not good enough”.  Three year-olds were invited into the room to paint. Gremlins were danced into a corner as participants and their muses moved into their bodies Gabrielle Roth (RIP) style.  Out of their heads and into their art.

At times when the inner critic’s voices were loud and clear, their deception was exposed  and they were seen for what they really are fear mongers and creativity destroyers. We worked with them trying to enlist them not as enemies but as allies.  Once their fear tactics were exposed their power diminished  and their only hope for survival was to become an ally these critics then were charged with bringing to our attention when fears were holding muses back.

We got out of our heads and into our bodies so as to connect more deeply with our inner answers.

We followed ours eyes moving to our internal rhythms and wisdom.

We listened to the voices that needed to be heard.

We allowed our own voice to be heard, expressed and seen.

I am always amazed at the power of creativity once it is unleashed.  There is always something new I learn from those who are a part of the workshops that I run.  I learn over and over what incredible strength there is in trusting one’s self, in letting loose through painting and embracing new ways.