For the past few weeks I've had the need to create. For me this comes in so many forms, none of which I've perfected--if that's even possible. But each method satisfies the need in it's own way.
- Painting
- Gourd art
- Spinning
- Drawing
- Photography
- Writing
- Cooking
- Singing
The problem I was running into was time. Life is so busy, especially this time of year, and by the time would have time when I could create, I'd be mentally and/or physically exhausted. I'd sit on the sofa and tell myself I'd just watch one show or sappy Christmas movie, or I'd just read for a little while. But by the time the movie was over, I just wasn't able to expend more enregy to prepare to create something, much less actually create. Or I would read until I could barely keep my eyes open.
I experience this drive to create pretty frequently. This last time it came from the over-consumption of social media videos showing how to paint a particular scene, fun ways to boost the asthetic value of a cheap image from the thrift store, or crafts that use everyday items to make cute animals or the like.
And wow... In looking back, this drive started beore Halloween. I was never able to paint my face for Spooky Season, and so that little tingle in my brain that was coming up with creative ways to scare the kids on the big day was never satisifed. The consumption continued and cuased a buildup until it felt like I would explode if I didn't release the pressure. It didn't help that my e-spinner is sitting on my dining room table, the bobbin all wound with beautiful spun fiber, just begging me to finish the roving and start another.
What pushed me to sit down and write this post... Well, I was standing in the kitchen, phone in hand, and I started typing out a message to a dear friend. I was going to tell her all about the intensity of this latest drive to create and share a picture of the painting I made. But as I typed, I realized I was sending her the words I would use to create this post. And so I deleted the message, opened my computer, and got to work.
Creating things--even the things that aren't as beautiful as they were in my mind's eye--is an activity that can be a form of meditation, a disconnection from the pounding go-go-go of reality. In the end, the release of that pent-up energy is uplifting. It's a weight lifted from my soul, allowing me to see in a better light.
However different it may be from person to person or even day to day, creation is something we all need. Creation brings us closer to ourselves and our god(dess)(es), however you view the spiritual realm.
My favorite artists are the Great Creator and Mother Earth. Just look at the beauty I tried to capture during the first snow of the season...
