WHOOPS
So! I had a plan. September, I thought. Back to school! Cute outfit, new pencil box, meet the teacher, get to work. I had this idea about FALL FOCUS. I mean, fall is an excellent time to dial things in (transition, leaves falling, making space, shapeshifting, change—autumn energies are perfect for it) but then I saw this interview with one of my favorite artists, Ethan Hawke, about his influences (more on this later!), and it got me thinking about craft and art and influence and inspiration and—whoops—I fell of the focus flotilla. Can I say that? I did say that.
Anyway, I've started work on a new series of broadcasts not just about focus, but also about influence, craft, and figuring out how to keep our creative wits about us more consistently, during float times and times of upheaval, both. How to keep stoking its fire during our often hectic day-to-day lives. Anyone who's ever tended a woodstove will understand: you have to feed it, keep an eye on it, carefully tend it throughout the day to keep it burning.
So let's start with this:
How can we stay focused on our creative work when everything is changing and swirling around us?
I'm busy, you're busy, there are little fires everywhere to put out and big fires in some of the wheres that are trying to burn the whole neighborhood down. But why does it seem like SOME people are able to continue working on their creative projects—keeping that cozy little home-fire burning—despite busy schedules, families, jobs, distractions, disasters, lives?
Because they keep their heads in it.
So this week, we're looking at three ways to keep our heads in our creative work, regardless what else is going on.
1.
DO IT FIRST. ⭐️
If you want to have time and space to do the work, you have to prioritize it.
By working on your creative projects before other things, you can:
Make sure you keep your creativity at the forefront of your daily experience
Get some creative time in before the day job, laundry, news, pets, kids, or plumber can start competing for your attention
Remind your subconscious circus that your creative work is important and meaningful and is a vital part of your daily agenda, regardless what else is on it
No one is going to prioritize your creative work for you; it’s your vision and your life. You have to do it for yourself.
2.
PRACTICE CREATIVE BURSTS. ⚡️
Pearls have to be strung one at a time—but if you're consistent about stringing them, eventually you have a necklace! Be cool with the sprint instead of the marathon.
Establish (or reconnect with) a creative routine by starting small - just 10 minutes a day. You have 10 minutes! Everybody does. Note: If you have to steal it from somewhere else, check your phone time. I bet you have some extra minutes there—because most of us do. This is our chance to steal it back from the tech developers! 10 minutes is a great place to start.
Leave your projects or materials out where you know you’ll keep passing by them, and give yourself permission to stop and play for a few minute here and there. I like to think of this as the "creative booby-trap" method. 😂
Focus on one lick, one line, one little piece at a time. Get comfortable dipping in and out of the process—and watch your creative fluidity and versatility flourish.
3.
TAKE IT WITH YOU. 💫
If you can’t create in your usual or ideal space, take some piece of a creative project with you—even if it’s just the IDEA of the project. Keep your inner antenna tuned for little sparks to inform it or add to it throughout the day.
When we take our creative work out into the world with us, we can more readily integrate it into our “regular lives” and our regular lives become (surprise!) more creative.
When we practice keeping our creative home-fire kindled, creativity can start becoming an enchanted light by which we can see and experience more of the world.
Hope this helps! Whatever fires you’re dealing with at the moment, I hope you have a Goldilocks week. Not too hot, not too cold. 💛
Thoughts to share? Let’s hear ‘em! Always love hearing from you.
Love & light from the margins, as per usual,
ali ✨
Star in the Margin is free and open to all, but does require lots of time, love, and energy! If you’re into the vibe and want to cheer me on. . .