Just show up

I am reading a book by the wonderful Eric Maisel, psychotherapist, writer and creativity coach - if you are interested in how creativity can be harnessed and how to surf the waves of that often elusive energy, then his work is a must read.

One of the clear messages in his work about coaching yourself to be an artist, is that it's important to be disciplined and just "Show Up".

We love to imagine the romantic vision of ourselves as an artist - making masterpieces, the muse tamed and seated at our side, birds singing at the window, or a candle flickering in our beautiful Parisian bedsit or being paid to live on a desert island and just "be" - whatever the fantasy is for you.   Perhaps in this vision we are also romanticised.  We are the better version of ourselves, contented, wise, productive, well rested and feeling in the flow.

The truth is, that although artists can have moments of bliss and flow - a lot of the time it's about just getting down to it, sorting out the good work from the bad, taking risks, living in the grey area and the mess. For all the break through moments and praise, there is much more showing up in your trackies ( that's what we track pants in Australia ) and having a go.

So don't wait for the right moment, for inspiration, to "feel" like it or to be the better version of your self - start that creative project now.  Sit through the moments of blah or ho-hum and when you least expect it bliss will show up - but you have got to show up first!