Renewal

You may not know that I got my bachelors degree in theater.  One of the required classes we had as freshman was basically Creativity 101.  Among other things, we studied the neuroscience of creativity.

Our teacher gave us examples of creative professionals who worked very hard - typically to the point of frustration - and then did something else entirely, trying to get any thought of the project out of mind.  This mental break from the work  triggered creative insight and inspiration.

Since then, taking periodic, strategic breaks has seemed like a very sensible thing to me.  In the last couple years, I have had the opportunity to take two strategic creativity breaks to “fill my own well”.  Both times I took these total breaks from my work, I was inspired by the way the studio was cared for while I was away.

This year especially, it was so easy to see how many people care for the sanctity of our little, shared space when I returned.  I was humbled by the care our teachers and students took. Returning to a community that cares for one another is about the most renewing thing I can imagine!

I also have new insight into areas of potential further growth and development. Whereas before I had felt bogged down in the details, now I have a wider perspective and the path seems clearer.  

It may take us a while to grow into full potential but we keep our eye on the prize and one foot in front of the other.  When we see the bigger picture, we are reminded of our personal why.  Our personal why is what motivates us to maintain day-to-day discipline (the how) and celebrate the small victories (that lead to bigger ones!)  

That is what a dedicated practice is. Stepping from meditation into the world and from the world back into meditation.  Cycling between rest and activity.  

I hope you are able to give yourself some extra time for your own self-renewal this month, whatever that means to you. Here's to a spring season filled with new growth!