Reviving My Creative Soul

Simple Practices to Restore & Recharge Artistic Energy 🌟

Photo by Jordi Pros for EkhartYoga

Hey friends,

Last Wednesday, I shared how I've been noticing the negative self-talk creeping in—not just in my thoughts, but also in my journaling and even in interactions with others.

You never finish what you start.

No one will read your novel.

You get the point…

Nothing is terribly wrong. No one has died (though I am still grieving my puppy Hummer, who left us a year ago). I have a roof over my head, food, and people who love and support me. I work doing what I love, and despite the chronic fatigue and joint pain from living with Crohn’s disease, right now I feel physically healthy.

I’ve been working with positive affirmations, which can feel a bit silly at first, but they are a powerful tool for shifting my mindset. Despite this, my mind has been turbulent if I let myself slip…

The truth is that some recent disappointing and stressful situations have impacted my mood and self-confidence.

I am a bit burned out. I need a pause.

Recognizing the Need for a Pause

One of the first signs that I need to pause, check-in, and take care of my mental health, is that I start to feel less creative.

Although I never skip my Morning Pages—even if I just write "I don’t want to do this" for all three sheets—I've noticed it's no longer easy to sit at my laptop, open my manuscript, and write a few hundred words of my novel every day.

Instead, I find myself procrastinating, undertaking tasks that aren’t high-priority, and ending many days feeling unfulfilled and being hard on myself because I didn’t get enough done.

Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash

I know something has to change when I notice I don’t feel like sitting in the sunshine and playing my ukulele, or cooking delicious meals for my partner and me.

It’s even been hard to come up with good ideas for sequences and themes for my yoga classes, which tells me it’s time for a shift.

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Time for a Creativity Boost

After this seasonal lull which I have accepted but am ready to move on from, I remind myself of the 3 simple components that always help me reconnect to myself, hence regaining a sense of flow and creativity:

1# Movement

Engaging in activities that get the body moving and the energy flowing. Yoga, dancing, or shaking can help release tension and spark creativity.

I’ve been loving this shaking and free movement practice lately.

2# Nature

Spend time outdoors, whether it's a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or relaxing by a body of water. Nature calms the mind and inspires new ideas.

My therapist recently recommended I sit under the giant oak tree in my garden and spend some time breathing.

Laia chillin’ under the oak tree.

3# Reading

I love to dive into a good read.

When wanting to get inspired, I love reading fiction. It allows me to move away from my own bullshit for a while, and that’s a great thing.

There is always a time of year though, when in the doldrums, that I know it’s time to reach for my favorite creative guide.

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Rediscovering the Artist Within

Have you ever taken the 8-week journey that is The Artist’s Way with Julia Cameron?

It is an incredible read that can reignite your passion and creativity.

This past weekend I recommitted to diving into the experience and did the exercises in the first chapter: Recovering a Sense of Safety.

Photo of The Artist’s Way book next to a journal taken last weekend.

If you’re someone who doesn’t believe they’re creative, the author will invite you to change your mind.

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Four Ways to Get Re-inspired from The Artist's Way

Although I am committing to following the 8-week journey in depth, which includes these and many other exercises, here are four ways to reignite your creativity according to Julia Cameron:

1# Morning Pages ☀️

Get yourself a nice journal and every morning, before you look at your phone, write three pages of stream-of-consciousness to clear your mind and unlock creativity.

I’ve been doing this daily for many years and it has transformed my mornings and self-awareness.

Morning pages are about putting down all the rubbish and clutter accumulated in the mind that hinders your ability to focus, create, and engage mindfully in your day.

2# Artist Dates 🖌️

Take yourself on a weekly solo adventure to explore something that sparks joy and curiosity.

I have gone on a stroll on the beach, taken an acting class, played ukulele on the rooftop for an hour, and gone to a local library, among others.

Just make a list of things you’d like to try and pick one every week. Have fun! 🥰

3# Weekly Strolls 🌻

Incorporate regular walks to clear your mind, process thoughts, and invite inspiration.

This is one of my favorite ways to reconnect to creativity, and it makes sense that I am having a bit of a hard time since when I am in the US, going for walks isn’t as accessible as when I am in Europe.

4# Creative Affirmations 🥰

Combat negative self-talk with positive affirmations like, "I am a talented and creative being."

If these feel a little fake or difficult as they often do for me, especially when feeling low, try something more simple, like, “I am worthy” or, ‘I am capable”.

Or check out this guided practice.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

I invite you to choose one of these practices and try it out for a few weeks. Give yourself a chance to experience the shift by creating a routine.

Let me know in the comments which practice you’re going to try and how it goes for you!

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Sharing the Journey

The first few times I embarked on The Artist’s Way I shared virtual space with an incredible group of artists and creatives.

Now, undertaking this adventure solo, I will use this space to share insights and progress as I move through The Artist’s Way for the fourth time.

Laia sitting outside in nature having tea.

Stay tuned for more in my upcoming posts, and if you’ve ever read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Resources & Inspiration

Here are some of my newest tools for you in case you’ve missed them:

• Movement: Yoga for Cramps & Abdominal Pain.

• Meditation: Tap Into Your Creative Nature.

• Podcast: Living Well with Crohn’s with guest Valerie Maimoni.

• Course: Harmonize Within: Awakening Inner Serenity.

• Playlist: I Can Almost Feel Summer - an hour of tunes for your day.

I hope you’ve found some resources & tips in this post inspiring and if, like me, you’ve been in the lull, may you start finding your way back.

Until we meet again, pause often, breathe deeply, and stay kind - especially to yourself.

Take care, dear one!

Laia 💛

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