Posted by giveawayboy on April 18, 2002 at 00:20:31:
i am reading a fabulous book put out by shambhala press called TRUST THE PROCESS. the writer shaun mcniff is really opening my eyes to the creative process. I just want to encourage everyone who reads this post that you have some kind of creative ability within you that God put there. I guess I would like to open up the doors for those of you who may not feel that you have any creative skills or who feel like art is only for certain 'special' people. NOT TRUE. I also want you to know that if you have any poems or stories that you would like me to share w someone who will give you some honest feedback, feel free to contact me. This goes for visual art or music too. I will give HONEST feedback. Anyway, just wanted you to know. This is really to try and stimulate creative gifts in you all. I know God placed them there. Maybe we don't all do the same thing, but we can all do something. Sometimes if I don't have a pen handy, I have been known to carve polar bears out of soap. With a pocket knife or even an old butter knife and a block of your favorite soap, you can get started. Or, maybe you like to finger paint or create dioramas or erect huge metal sculptures. Who knows? The possibilities are endless.
Here's a little exercise:
Take 30 minutes or so and sit down w a pad and pen and ask yourselves these questions:
1) what creative things have i done in the past that worked?
2) what do people always tell me i'm good at?
3) what do i perceive as my reasons for not being creative?
4) in what ways do i feel that i AM creative?
5) what ordinary daily function can i add a twist too?
6) how do i organize my personal space? what does this say about me?
7) which people do i feel are the most creative? do i spend my time with people like this?
8) when was the last time i sat in silence and contemplated something?
9) am i aware of my breathing? am i aware of my surroundings?
10) do i recall my dreams?
Here's another:
Take some time and try some of these:
1) write a poem about something that is on your heart. Don't try to figure it all out. Just write one line and then another, and then another until it's done. Then edit it if you want to.
2) write a one paragraph story about something that really touched you.
3) take a few moments and breath and focus on your breathing. Then think about yourself being creative. Think about yourself sharing something creative w others.
4) capture a dream on one page of paper.
5) write a full page of words. just list words as they come into your mind. it's o.k. to repeat words. there is no right way to do this.
6) draw something. anything. you CAN do it. There is no way to make a mistake. There is no RIGHT way to draw!
7) go somewhere and sing a song that you make up. sing it as you make it up. sing loudly.
8) cook something.
9) write me an email in a flambouyant style and send it to: wondermagazine@aol.com
10) play an instrument that you don't normally play. play it hard and loud and don't worry about playing it correctly. Just play it like mad.
Both of these exercises are simply meant to jumpstart you thinking on this yourself. I can't wait to see who will take the bait!
Later, Bill
P.S. Also, feel free to share with us on Sundays.