A Guide
Begina Creativepractice
We become what we practice.
Ritual
Rituals are a vital part of a creative practice because they set the tone and create the ideal conditions to begin the work. We all have rituals—a sequence of actions we habitually perform to prepare us for the day ahead. Everyone’s ritual will be unique and different. The only requirement is that they are accessible and sustainable. The best rituals are reliable sources we can turn to that help us clear our mind, infuse us with energy, and ground us into the present moment.
Gather
The initiation into a creative practice is simply noticing the things that spark curiosity, and a sense of wonder. As we go about our day, we are constantly absorbing potential inspiration around us: lyrics from a song, a sentence from a book, a scene from a movie, or something overheard in a coffee shop—everything is relevant. These are seeds which have the potential to flourish something new. And when we pay attention, notice what draws us in, we cultivate a sense of curiosity with the world around us. Mundane transactions take on profound significance. We begin to see everything with more wonder and appreciation.
Explore
At the heart of exploration is the thrill of discovering the Terra Incognita. Here, we step into the unknown not knowing where it leads. The only requirement is to stay open and curious to what arises, and the experiences we encounter. We’re not concerned with outcomes, results or reason. We’re simply creating space for magic to happen. And we do this through play—the simple act of engaging with an activity for the sheer enjoyment of it, rather than any reason or purpose. When we do this, when we lean into our childlike impulses, we stumble upon unexpected possibilities we would otherwise not have found.
Build
Art is the bridge between an idea in our minds and the form it takes in the real world. The same process is true for bringing our desires into reality. Be it a business, a piece of art, or a pursuit of any kind—a vision without practical application is just fantasy. We stop thinking about the idea, and start making it happen. This requires us to dig deep, and bring all of ourselves to the task. We summon the necessary skills and tools, and take consistent action that aligns with our desired outcome.
Reset
Patience, and periods of waiting, is as much a part of a creative practice as the tools and skills we bring to a project. We step away from a project and avoid engaging with it for a period of time so we can return with a clear, more objective, frame of mind. This period of rest allows us to return to the project from a fresh perspective. The same is true in our lives. We need periods of rest to restore our energy and attention. While it may appear we’re doing nothing, there is much work being done on a subconscious level that isn’t readily apparent, but is essential to living a more fulfilled life.
Connect
The things we create serve as a bridge to connect people, form communities, and give rise to something larger. It’s only when the work is done and shared with others, do we gain a new understanding of ourselves and how we see the world. This symbiosis is vital to a sustainable and nourishing creative ecosystem. It has the power to foster social healing and shape the kind of world we want to inhabit. As creative beings, we’re here to create and connect.
