I have been reading Brene Brown’s newest book Daring Greatly and really enjoying her candid writing and wisdom. On last Friday’s LIVE Virtual Art Circle I shared a quote that particularly struck me as it pertains to our creativity.  The quote speaks to the letting go of our fears and being vulnerable so that we may connect deeply with our beautiful creative selves.

“Perfect and bullet proof are seductive, but they dont’ exist in the human experience. We must walk into the arena, whatever it may be- a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation with courage and the willingness to engage. Rather than sitting on the sidelines and hurling judgement and advice, we must dare to show up and let ourselves be seen. This is vulnerability. This is daring greatly.” ~Brene Brown

During the Virtual Art Circle I read the quote so that each member might contemplate the meaning of vulnerability to them. I lead them through a short meditation so that our creative wisdom could have a voice as well and then we all had an opportunity to explore through art making whatever meaning was stirred up. Today I invite you to venture into the crevices of vulnerability by making art with no fixed end result.

What is it like to face the unknown: a blank paper, canvas, block of clay or other material yet to be shaped by your creativity? How does it feel when you let go of expectations for perfectionism, or “safe expression” (as in it will not be judged poorly by self or others)?

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to not know what may arise in our art, how it may look, whether we will like it or not, we step out of this need or perhaps illusion of being in control. What of it? Does it make us weak? Or does being open to the unknown in our art expression (and in turn our lives) and therefore vulnerable, make us strong and open to experiencing life more fully.

Please don’t misunderstand. We each must take responsibility for ourselves and when the time is right or how much vulnerability we can tolerate at any give point in time. Ultimately each of us needs to decide when, if and how it is right for us. Sometimes it means having the right supports in place; a trusted friend, family member, or therapist before we can allow ourselves to face vulnerability with open arms.

The art is a good place to start: to experiment, and test our ability to tolerate change and shifts in how we experience ourselves and how we can begin to present more authentic parts of ourselves.

What does being vulnerable mean to you? I invite you to draw, paint, collage, sculpt or use any art form that calls to you in the moment to explore this further. And if you feel called to put yourself out there, please share your thoughts or links to images in the comments.

Are you ready to explore more deeply your inner wisdom and creative Self?

Join us on May 31st for a 5 week journey into self via Intuitive Painting in Painting With Your Muse.  

Join while earlybird rates are still in effect!