TIP: Creativity as Teacher

Creativity in Motion

When creativity speaks to me, I listen. Sometimes. Occasionally. Well…not always. But often.

Creativity knows I get frustrated with her at times because she is not always easy to understand. During one of our more challenging encounters, Creativity and I had a lengthy discussion. Creativity explained to me that she is one of my greatest teachers (as is often the case with challenging relationships.) The following is what Creativity told me about the passionate connection we have through intuitive painting.

Creativity Speaks!

I teach you patience. When you begin a new painting, you are eager to see the results. You often want to rush through the process so you can see what the outcome will be. I beckon you to slow down and bask in the unknown. I know it is not always easy for you to let go of your need to hurry up and be finished. Through the process of painting, I remind you that there is plenty of time and space to walk on a long and winding path with me, your creativity. Yes, it is a cliché and here it goes anyway – patience is a virtue.

I teach you to let go of attachment. Painting something, liking it and then watching it change with a few uncertain globs of paint from a paint brush is a good way to practice letting go of attachment. Only from letting go of attachment can risks be taken and horizons broadened. Through the process of painting, I strengthen your ability to Let Go of what is, so you can embrace what can be.

I teach you to take risks. Don’t you just love it when you think you are finished with a painting and then I say three little words that turn your stomach inside out? “Mess It Up.” Sometimes you go along with me and other times you do not. By taking the risk of messing up your painting, you allow it to become something new. Without fail, you also uncover gems that would otherwise remain in hiding. This reinforces the rewards that result from embracing change.

I teach you to have more courage. I know it can be daunting to stand before a blank canvas and have no idea what you will paint. Every time you pick up that paint brush and begin anew, you build up your courage muscle. Often, the most challenging moment is when you first begin. Pushing through the fear of the unknown and shifting into playful exploration is energizing. You will discover that you are capable of much more than you could ever imagine.

I teach you to listen. The more you paint, the louder my voice becomes. I will not let you down. You might not understand the direction I am taking you in and that is okay. The gold is in your heightened ability to listen to the voice of guidance (creativity!). And as you listen, I am also teaching you to trust your inner knowing.

I teach you to trust. I am on your side. I welcome your desire to connect with me, your creativity. No matter what your painting looks like, I enjoy spending time with you and together, we create a masterpiece. Ultimately, you are the one who deserves the credit because without your willingness to listen and trust the painting process, there would be no painting. Simply by showing up with your paintbrush and a palette of paints, you are trusting the process of painting will offer you something worthwhile.

I teach you to be uniquely you. So what if the horse you paint does not look like any other horse you’ve ever seen in your life. It’s your horse and it does not have to conform to a certain standard. Your paintings do not have to make sense, look pretty or reflect reality. On paper, you are able to branch out and express the real you, no matter what that might look like. As you become more comfortable being you, you relax and your world expands.

I teach you to let go of control and make messes. Birth is messy. Without embracing messiness, options are limited. While messiness is a mixed bag of pros and cons, it is a part of the creative process. And remember, messiness is temporary.

I teach you to play. Adult life takes people to very serious places. I give you a break from that part of life and pull you into a ‘process painting playpen’ where you can safely play with color, shapes, images, glitter and whatever else your heart delights in. Don’t worry, that adult life will be right there waiting for you when you walk away from your easel. You can have your serious adult life AND playful times if you are willing to give yourself permission to do so. In other words, I bring you balance.

I teach you to be free. I support you in being comfortable with yourSELF. No longer shackled by trying to please others or conform to a certain ways of being, I help you break away from a disempowering habit of comparing and contrasting yourself (and your paintings) to others. I help you build up your self-confidence as you step more fully out into the world. You feel freer to show your true colors and wear them proudly. The more you paint, the more opportunities you have to overcome the disempowering voice of the inner critic. You learn to make a choice that is in alignment with your heart’s desire (instead of caving into the inner critic) and this awakening gives you new wings.

I teach you to bask in Joy. When all is said and done, and you have pushed through the negative voices of the inner critic and you have traveled on a long and winding path with me AND you see the outcome that YOU’VE created, you will experience great joy in that moment. Be present, notice and give thanks.

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As our conversation came to a close, I thanked Creativity for spelling out some of the many virtues she is capable of bringing into my life. Creativity reminded me that intuitive painting is just one of many ways that we can connect with her and I agreed. However, I LOVE intuitive painting because it has the potential to touch on everything listed above during the process of creating a single painting. Yes, Creativity is a powerful teacher and a sneaky one too. She forgot to mention that the gateway into her teachings is usually through FUN and that’s one of the best ways to learn anything!

Here’s your next opportunity to play with intuitive painting at TIP.