Haven Of Peace

I have been on a “release-your-creative-self” kick lately.  I went to the women’s prison a few days ago and talked to over 50 young women about their creative natures.  Most of them agreed that it was their creativity that landed them in prison!  I hope I helped them recognize better ways in which to use their talents! 

I do believe that everyone has a creative nature.  God was the ultimate Master Artist and if we all have Him in us, then it stands to reason that we too can create.  Unfortunately so many people squelch that nature at a young age and by the time they get far into adulthood, they will quickly say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body!”  I cringe when I hear someone say that.  I want to counter with, “Yes, you do. You simply don’t recognize it and give it freedom!” 

I just completed my second thorough, soul-searching study of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity.   I have done this study in two women’s groups and each time I have learned more about myself.  It is a good study that helps to release one’s inner creativity in ways that brings new beauty and spirit into one’s soul. The book helps one to realize that being an artist is not a title reserved for just drawing, writing, painting, etc.  Creativity is truly a spiritual experience.   

We make creative choices every day. We simply don’t recognize that we are being creative when we do it.  When we dress in the morning, when we choose our jobs, when we decorate our homes, organize our lives, choose the movies and books we read, choose the menu and the right recipe for a meal, organize a vacation plan and route………we are being creative.  It doesn’t take a lot to stretch that creative part of our brains and become more talented in any one area. 

Cameron says that “creativity is a natural life force that all can experience in one form or another.”  She talks also of how often suppressing one’s creativity can lead to depression, illness, addictions and other self defeating behaviors. I wonder how many people would be “healed” through something as simple a prescription as taking an art class or a decorating or culinary class.  I highly recommend the healing qualities of tapping into your creative nature.  It is balm to the soul and a definite stress reliever. 

I know personally.  At a time in my life when I was feeling most depressed and discouraged I made a life-altering decision to take an art class.  What a difference that two and a half hours every Monday night makes in my life. I can’t express how differently I see the world around me.  Eight years ago I couldn’t draw a recognizable stick figure.  Today I have six of my drawings on display at the Williamson County Public Library.  It is one of many art shows I have been in.  I am not a great artist.  But I do believe that my art is another expression of the miracle God created in me. I highly recommend you get in touch with your own creative side.  You might be surprised at what is hidden inside.    By the way, the African Savannah painting here is only my second painting EVER. I have been drawing for 8 years but just recently started painting.  I painted this for one of our guest rooms.