Inspired All Over Again - Tracy Krauss

Creative people like writers, artists and musicians pour a tremendous amount of energy into their art. The instinct to 'let it out' is strong, but at some point it is essential to fill up the depleted tank of inspiration.

I love this month's prompt because I have read and enjoyed the book THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia Cameron, which is one of the springboards for this month's prompt. In fact, I blogged about it myself quite awhile back and wrote a review of the book.

Since that post expresses quite well what I want to say here, I've included an excerpt:

"... the author’s premise that everyone has a creative side since we are all a product of the Great Creator, is exactly what I believe. God is the ultimate creator and since we are made in His image, we are each naturally creative in our own way.

There were two main exercises that I found truly inspirational.  She calls these the ‘Morning Pages’ and the ‘Artist’s Date’.  Basically, the morning pages are simply taking the time to journal each morning before you start your day.  She recommends writing three pages about anything that comes to mind – a ‘stream of consciousness’ exercise that works as a therapeutic ‘outlet’.  This is easy. I journal regularly and totally agree that it is a great way to ‘dump’ your thoughts and feelings. Just getting them out is often enough to bring clarity.  According to the author, this helps de-clutter the anxieties and hang-ups that might be hampering your creative efforts. It certainly works for me!

The ‘Artist’s Date’ is equally beneficial and even more intriguing. This is a once a week event that you schedule with YOURSELF. It is a date between you and your inner artist. Essentially, you are setting aside time to feed your muse. Think of the things that bring inspiration. Perhaps it’s a walk in nature; going to a play; listening to music… this is the ‘input’ side of the equation. She stresses the need to do this activity alone. It is not a time to discuss things or ask for input. It is simply you allowing yourself to be inspired.

For me, I love visiting art galleries, and come to think about it, I enjoy this experience most when I’m alone. I can just sit and stare at a particular piece for as long as I want with no sense of being hurried along and no obligation to discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of the piece in question.  I also like sitting looking out over an amazing view – be it a city skyline, a mountain valley, the ocean at sunset, or the vastness of the prairie sky. This inspires me. I’ve also found inspiration in people watching. Airports, parks, shopping malls… there are lots of interesting characters just waiting to be discovered."

 Think back to the times when you have felt truly inspired. Then make a date with yourself to do these things more often.

Tracy Krauss is a multi-published author, artist and playwright living in beautiful tumbler Ridge, BC.  visit her website for more.