Today I wanted to share with you some more questions that were sent in for my  Ways to Connect With Your Muse webinar and my responses:

How Can I convince myself that it is okay to join my muse in the studio even though there are still items on my never –ending to do list?    – Patricia

Well the short answer is: add it to your list as a priority and make it important.

I believe this is a common struggle for a lot of us Patricia.  Somewhere along the way in our lives we have picked up the message that creating and making art is not important and should be at the bottom of our lists.  It’s reflected in our society as well, when art for art’s sake is not valued and rather is discouraged, seen as frivolous. Generally, children in school are encouraged to get good marks in their other courses, art being the least of most parent’s concern because there is an underlying message that it is not as relevant as the other subjects.

The “Long answer” is or perhaps just a little more philosophical:

Your “never-ending list” is just that,  never-ending, and will always be.   There will always be something else to do. The question then becomes do you want  to do what you desire or what you think you should be doing? Is it possible to live and enjoy things you like to do while still getting stuff done?  As long as we have desires and things we want, there will always be things to get done.     If we wait until we have check off our to do lists fully, then it will likely be too late.  Life is a never-ending process.  The good news is we get to choose what goes on our lists!

How do I stay connected to my inner muse and create when life gets in the way?- Sara

Sara this is a great question.  I think it would be irresponsible to ignore things going on in your life that need your attention.  The question is then whether “life getting in the way” is something that needs attending to or something that enables us to procrastinate.  Procrastination is sometimes born out of fear and then becomes habit. Some digging needs to be done to see which it is at this point, and if need be call a spade a spade.

On the other hand if you are finding life is stressful and there are things that are beyond your control, then you may find that taking time to create can be a way of coping with the stress as well as be very healing.  Worry serves no purpose when it is ongoing.  Of course, if you are feeling really overwhelmed and at a loss of what to do or how, it’s important to consider whether some extra support is needed.  you may wish to seek support from friends or family that you trust (who are not also stressed) from a supportive community (online or off) or from a professional you trust, whether it be a doctor, therapist, coach, or spiritual guide .

Staying connected can mean taking as little as 5 minutes a day.  Working some creating time into your schedule or routine daily in small increments may be all you need to keep you connected during busier times of your life.  You may find time while commuting to work via public transit (in a small sketchbook), on a break, first thing in the morning or before you go to bed.  Replacing some of your computer or television time with art making time may also be a way to work in some creative play time for your Muse.  Try turning the television or computer off 5 to 15 minutes earlier and create.  Your creating time doesn’t have to be elaborate or long;  you could doodle, sketch, art journal or pick a few magazine clippings to make a collage. You could start a piece and continue it over the week little by little.  Add this into your regular routine like a ritual until it becomes a part of your daily living ritual.

Do you have a burning question about connecting with your Muse?  Share it below.  

What have you found most helpful when you feel stuck?