Creative Zen Transitions

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When creating a garden, it is important to realize that many
factors influence your success, and that they're not all within
your control! The key is to set things up to maximize results,
while minimizing effort and problems.

One of the first things to do when creating a garden is to select
the space you're going to use. There are many factors to consider
when choosing a site location, for example: it's not too rocky, the
area gets the right amount of sun, and that it's not too wet. You
may find that your choices are limited based on the land you have
access to. Sometimes you have to work with what you've got, even
though it isn't optimal. You have to make judgments and tradeoffs.

When considering our creative gardens, the first aspect of space to
consider is the physical space needed to create. This may be as
small as a place we can sit with our laptop and write, or as big as
a studio where we can set out our clay, kiln, and glazes. The size
of the space matters less than its "feel." Do you feel creative
while you are in the space? A large space may actually be more
overwhelming than a cozy creative space. You may feel you can never
live up to a grand studio, but feel a cozy space next to the washer
is just right.

The "space" also includes where our creativity belongs within our
lives. It is easier to establish a creative practice with an
abundance of time and space in your life. If you are in that
situation now, take advantage of it by protecting your creative
time into the future. Many of us have lives that are
well-established, with other people, jobs, and many
responsibilities, and we may feel a bit overwhelmed trying to find
space to create! Yes, the land we have available to cultivate is
somewhat rocky! That's just what we've got to work with. It doesn't
mean that we must jettison the people and things that are important
to us. We just have to learn to deal with rocks!

The most important part of creative space is not a physical space
at all. The biggest challenge about creative space is whether you
have a mindset that allows room for your creativity in your life. 
In a recent blog entry I explored the idea of viewing the world
through your creativity, even if you are not actively creating on a
specific project. This is part of it.

Beliefs about your creativity form another part of it. Do you have
beliefs that enlarge your creative space, or that squeeze it down
so that there is no room for creating at all? Believing that there
is time for creating, that it is a priority in your life, that it
has value to you, that it is part of your authentic self -- these
are all beliefs that make more room in your life for creativity. If
your beliefs surrounding creativity are expansive, creative space
will start showing up in your life. 

~~~~~~~~~

Creativity Spark

What do you believe about your creativity and its purpose in your
life? Can you do it without feeling guilty? Is it a priority in
your life? Would you like it to be? Make a list of all the beliefs
that come up when you consider your creativity. Identify which of
these are limiting your creativity.

What kind of creative garden are you wanting to grow this year? How
much space would you like for it? 

Do you have a physical space set up for your creative work? This
week, consider how much space you need, and where you can make that
work. If at all possible, try to make it a place that feels good to
you naturally.

~~~~~~~~~

About Caroline ...
Caroline coaches people who want to incorporate creativity into
their daily lives. By working on our creative projects, we are able
to transform our lives, and bring about a sense of peace and joy.
Creativity is also a wonderful way to navigate life's transitions.
For more information on individual and group coaching programs,
live and virtual retreats, and more resources to help you get going
on your creative projects with comfort and sustainability, please
visit our website at www.creativezentransitions.com

For insights on creativity and life in general, please visit the
blog at http://www.creativezentransitions.typepad.com/

Zenspiration!
Caroline's podcast of creativity meditations will get you in the
right frame of mind to begin creating. They change every week, and
provide focused inspiration related to the current newsletter topic
... usually! Click on the link to listen ...
http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WqD2Fgbs