One ongoing struggle that I witness over and over  is the agony which some experience in getting started with their practice of creative expression.
Truthfully it is one that I have often faced myself as well. It would seem that is should just be a matter of how to get started, to just Begin.  But the why it is so difficult for some is perhaps the more pertinent question.

I believe that making art is an act of transformation. Creating art has the ability to transform thoughts into images, feelings are communicated when words are not found. The minute you engage in art making you begin to shift things creatively. But this of course only works with the right frame of mind. So often we put pressure on ourselves to perform. We put expectations out there that are unrealistic, for example living up to someone else’s standard of what art is. This in turn can really freeze our desire to engage in art making.

Perhaps  it is because it is so important, that we struggle to get started for fear we will mess it up.

It may be that we realize that in embarking on the journey of our creativity we are entering unknown territory that perhaps freaks us out a little.  No matter how many times you create art, each new creation is a dance into the unforseen. I propose, an I am pretty sure if you are reading this you agree, in the end, the struggle and not giving up on your creativity is worth it!  Daily struggles, disappointments and  stress which invade our daily lives can take their toll on us and dull the pleasure of living. Our art can remedy this.

When it comes right down to it though, the only thing that keeps one from exploring their creative side is ones thoughts and attitudes about art making.

Sometimes we just need to risk perceived failure and take the leap into our creativity,  leaving preconceived notions of outcome behind us. Once we release these expectations, we can begin to really give ourselves the emotional space to create. This is what we do in the workshops and e-courses I give , we give space by clearing out the emotional and cognitive clutter:

• Clutter of expectations we put on ourselves to be like others to have our art turn out a certain way.
• Clutter of self doubt, comparison monsters and critical voices inside and out that keep us stuck In fear.

When we de-clutter our homes it is not that different. For instance, you may have heard of the 3 bin system of de-cluttering which many organizers suggest: first you take 3 bins Label one bin garbage, one bin donation/giveaway/recycle, one bin sort later, then you set some time aside anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and begin sorting your items for de-cluttering in these bins.

I propose we do something similar for our creativity.  It needs the emotional and cognitive space in order to thrive.
Well you can use a similar method for de-cluttering your mind to free up some space for your creativity.
I’ve talked before about the importance of our physical space being ready, however if our internal space is not cleared we feel blocked.

Blocked by:

• Limiting beliefs
• Critical beliefs
• Unrealistic expectations
• General expectations by which you judge outcome by
• General Worries that you ruminate on which don’t help the situation

So let’s make some new sorting bins shall we?
For this exercise you will need 3 buckets or jars, paper, and something to write with and an open mind.

• List those thoughts or beliefs that are critical – this is the inner critic bin and yes it includes criticism others have shared with you that continue to linger in your mind indicating you’ve internalized them.  These you will sort out, taking time to explore their origins so that they can be released. where does this inner critic message originate from. What fears are they based on? What can you do to shift them?

• Limiting beliefs which is different from the inner critic. These are thoughts that stop you from doing your art because they set a limit on what you perceive as possible. For example you may not do your art because you feel you do not have enough time. You think you need to have at least an hour to make anything relevant. Or you don’t do your art because you feel you need to take lessons or it needs to be worthy of others praise or it has to be a certain standard that you conceive as acceptable, perhaps there are some perfectionist expectations there. These you will repurpose and use to form affirmations that can support rather than block you. Once you have listed these it is important to replace with new “yes” beliefs to counter them so that you have permission to be your creative selves.  For example, “I dont’ have the time to set aside for doing art. I’m too busy” can become “It is worth taking the time to do art as it will add to my efficiency”.

• Worries that don’t serve you – negative thoughts that don’t help change a situation. These you can put straight in the garbage bin. It’s important to empty them out continuously so that they don’t bog you down and make you waste time. Worries are just thoughts after all and although they may be based on real life situations that you are facing, lingering on them or over thinking them, does not change them, rather it drains your creative energy making it difficult for you to take action and resolve them.

So next time you find yourself stuck, and feel the clutter clouding your creative juices, try this exercise, perhaps even write out your answers with some colourful crayons or markers! Only then will you have the space to begin.