Our super-pumped, extroverted, culture encourages us to hack, shred, and crush our goals. Goals based on our passions aimed a creating our best, epic life. There is a very romantic notion at the center of the narrative that tells us that if we just find the things, people, places, and experiences that we're “passionate” about, all will be well; we'll live happily ever after.
Don't get me wrong, there are many people for whom this idea and, quite frankly, aggressive language is genuinely inspiring and motivating; no judgment. But, I think creativity might need something softer, something more playful. That's not to say that one cannot feel passion or intensity around creativity. The YouTube video below explains how if we focus too much on passion, we could be holding ourselves back.
To start a fire from an ember, blow gently
Christina Pinkola Estés describes creativity as an ember that burns within each of us. We may not always feel the passion of a creative fire roaring to life, but it is there. If you're trying to get an ember to be a fire, if you blow on it too hard you risk it going out. So, I propose that, rather than seeking a creative “passion” or trying to aggressively hack and crush goals related to creativity, consider a gentler approach.
Do what you’re interested in, and the passion will follow
As the video points out, passion can follow (if that's what you're aiming for), but start with trying something out and seeing what it's like. For example, you know you'd like to feel that you are more creative, but aren't sure where to start. Taking the advice from the video, make a list of some things you would like to try. Keep in mind how much time and money, and physical space you're willing to invest in this exploration knowing you may not get a return on that investment and your wife will be annoyed that you've taken up too much of her craft room space with your flower arranging stuff that only collects dust (dust, you point out, that is thick enough to grow flowers in. Flowers which you can then arrange).
Let go of the need or expectation that creativity will always feel good or you'll feel passion for what you're doing. Again, that may come. Or, it may not, and you find your preferred creative endeavor(s) make you feel good enough more often than not, and that's okay; it's better than staying stuck. If you try to build that fire too big or too fast, you could burn out.
Be gentle with your creativity. I know that idea runs counter to much of the self-help, and productivity advice out there, but there is value in gentleness, sensitivity, and taking your time. Passion is great; nothing wrong with passion. If you think about it in terms of love-making, sure, sometimes passion is preferred, but it's not sustainable in the long run, and sometimes one just wants to make slow, sweet love.
Stoke your creative ember
How will you slow down and nurture your creative ember? Is there a creative outlet you enjoyed as a child you'd like to re-explore? Do you ever dream (at night or daydream) about doing something creative but shake it off as soon as you wake up, or your boss sends you another message in Teams? Can you let yourself take it slow and let the passion come later?
Know someone who can use some creative encouragement? Share below:
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Thank you for reading.
Until next time, be well!
Machelle with an A