How Do I Get The Juices To Flow?
Posted: Thursday, January 29, 2009
by Camille Strate
JoyZAChoice
There is a woman who is, without doubt, one of the most creative people I've ever met. Her work is so inspiring, sometimes it's a bit daunting. I've known this woman for more than 28 years, since we were both just pups in the world of big dogs. She is, without fail, a true artist.
She tells me often of my own creative talents. She speaks of the many arenas I've dipped my toes into, sometimes for long periods, sometimes not so much. All in all, I'd say she knows me better than anyone in my world. We've been through it all together. We've had our moments of great distance and those of intense closeness. Regardless of the differences we've faced, we've always been there for each other.
The first thing I did was set up shop. I gathered all the tools that I'd need to do what I envisioned, and created a space that is both beautiful and functional. Once that was done, I gathered up all the pieces of wood I've been carrying around for the past 6 years; the last time I'd done any woodworking. I was delighted to find that I had much to work with. This would allow me to get started without having to spend any money on supplies. That, and the fact that the woods that I'd saved were all beautiful specimen. Zebra wood and Purple Heart and even some Hardrock maple. Lots of gorgeous grains, hard and strong and perfect for the task at hand.
When I first began working, I was utterly inspired. It had been so long since I held those lovely woods in my hands...and the feeling of that is what I love so much about doing what I do. I can feel the tingle of the tree's energy. I can smell the life it holds. Everything about it makes my heart sing. So, for several weeks, I spent as much time as I could making all sorts of beautiful wands and runes and wall hangings, all in the name of spreading the joy.
And then....
I hit a wall. I went down to my shop one day and all the lovely pictures in my head were gone. I had this blank space where there had been so many ideas. What the heck happened??? Where had all that stuff gone? Why could I not come up with one single new idea? It freaked me out at first, just sitting there with nothing to make. I thought, "well, just make more of these. Or maybe just sand for a while. It'll come to you."
But it didn't. I sat there for more than 2 hours, waiting for some inspired idea. Nothing. I began to feel my body tensing. I could feel the anxiety welling up in my belly, about to turn into something ugly. There was that little pounding in the temples that told me a headache was not far off. Uh-oh.
STOP! Just STOP! Don't you dare go there! You are not going to make yourself ill because you've run out of ideas. Just stop it!
I broke out the vacuum cleaner, cleaned up the work bench and put my tools away. Turned off the lights and headed back up to my living space. I stood in my front window, staring at the mountains and felt the tears well up in my eyes. I couldn't believe how upset I felt at that moment. It was really freakin' me out. So I decided to get in the tub. Water always makes me feel better, and sometimes I get the most amazing 'messages' when I'm soaking in the suds. I drew a bath filled with my favorite salts and oils, lit some candles and got in.
I stayed in that water til I was prunish. Got out, put on my favorite PJ's and settled on the couch to watch some tennis. That always takes my mind off things. I knew it was imperative to just let go of the anxiety and BE STILL. And so I did. Dropped off to sleep shortly thereafter, and woke up 2 hours later. The moment I came awake, I 'saw' what was next. I had all sorts of ideas flyin' through my head...I about tripped over myself trying to get my work clothes on and get back to my bench.
I'm not sure how to explain this properly, but I am sure that the whole experience was about me letting go. I had to allow my Creative Genius some rest. Just let it replenish Itself. Stop trying to control it. I had to just BE in order for the juices to flow again. Kinda like watching the pot. You know that saying? "A watched pot never boils." That was it. I had to stop watching the pot and walk away for a bit. The moment I did, the water boiled.
Cool, huh?
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)hi c,very cool. i'm glad the juices started running again.does wood come in purple? :)enjoy your ambition and creativity, and continue to give it all you got!my best to you,sueas a matter of fact, it does! it's called 'purple heart'...and if you go to my website, then click on the 'woodwitch' page...then click on the link to my etsy shop, you'll see a set of runes made in this wood. it's incredible!
hugs to YOU, sue!
Camille,I'd say that's very COOL!..and almost a sure way to go about things...let go and let God.Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hi Camille.I've always said that when the mind is still the soul takes flight.Thankfully, I learned a long time ago that when inspiration stalls, I have to do something else for a while. Sometimes all it requires is to play a couple games of solitaire or taking a walk. Sometimes days go by before I get on track again. But I always do. Oh one thing, I've taken to drawing out my ideas when they are coming fast and furious. I then put together little "kits" of the parts involved. That way I don't lose the inspirations. Doesn't always mean that is what I want to make at any particular moment, but I know they are there.And how dumb am I!? I've never looked at your website! I'll do that straight away.Thank you for a wonderful article. Makes me want to get right down to the basement, but I have a commitment to a friend to help her prepare for trying out for the lead in a local production of "The Phantom of the Opera."Hugs,DianneYou are such a delightful soul! Thanks, Dianne. Thanks a BUNCH!
Camille, I just added myself as your fan, not because you need it, but because I was so inspired by your story.....I could almost smell the wood you were describing. I could literally "See it", each and every line, what an inspiration with words. Not only do you have the talent for woodworking, you also have an astounding talent for writing. I was mesmerized by what you were going through. I'm sure we have all been through a bit of a tailspin when it comes to creativity, (like I love to write lyrics to songs), well, as in any good writer, I get what they call, and I'm sure you've heard it, "Writers Block", I go through the same frustrations, that is why this article hit home for me....I felt it....I have been there.....wow. I am awed the way your wrote this. Very visual. Well done my friend in pen, well done......your friend in pen........and fan......Gary.Dear Gary,
Thank you so very much for your wonderful words! When you tell me that you could "see it"....well, that's about as huge a compliment as anyone can give. It makes what I do so fulfilling...and it also makes my heart sing a little song! (I too was once very much into songwriting, as well as performing. Did it for over 25 years! Imagine that?!). It's an honor to have you among my "fans". I really do appreciate that.
Wishing you a splendid Saturday (and Sunday...and Monday....! LOL...)
Hugs & Gratitude~
Camille
There are wonderful tips!I personally use a goal tracking and to do list management web site GoalsOnTrack. You will see the instant progress update after completing a task on your goal. It's free and worth a try.
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