After a period of quiet introspection and a pause in creative productivity, you notice the green shoots poking out of the ground, and you realise that the expansion of spring is on its way. And so too for us artists: the creative spark is poking through in our imaginations, and in our desires to create.
I write Joy Development from my observations from my practice and noticing the experiences of my peers and mentees—the communities around me of other creative folk. I feel this winter has necessitated a particular kind of quiet healing and renewal, as though we have each needed to strengthen our resolve in solitude. Now though, I think, it is time to notice that spring is on its way: a new season to manifest our ideas. And to get out of the soil of our ruminations.
It feels as though winter has been long—a winter of the weather, but a winter of bleakness in our shared world. I know I’ve really had to metabolise and process the changing context around us, and that means recognising that I feel jangled by fast news, headlines, and sound bites. I need long-form podcasts, slow news, and considered analysis. I need time to digest, and I need my news to come from a grounded place of digestion and understanding. This means putting together what I listen to and I welcome slow, considered news storytelling recommendations.
As artists, we are sensitive beings, sensitive to the emotional resonances around us—and indeed this is our gift. I encourage us to be considered consumers of the world around us, making intentional and mindful decisions about what we absorb. We should also remember to draw on cultural experiences to help us process the destabilising events. So this is your reminder to go see exhibitions, theatre, and concerts. Put yourself inside experiences that enable you to feel rather than numb out. And remember too, the importance of your practices, which may change seasonally, but enable you to feel, think and reflect without being swamped and numbed. For example, bodily practices of movement and rest, pleasure and nurture.
Let spring re-ignite us all, in our processes, practices, in our thoughts, and in our dreams.
In my work with artists, I centre dreams as grand schemes to be taken seriously and strategised into reality. I also emphasise how we tend to ourselves, so we can continue our progress resisting burnout. If you need support to reframe what you are working on, or how you work, and you’re ready to work with a mentor, send me a message, get in touch.
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