before we begin...

before we begin…

stand up J

3-part breath.

thoughts? reactions?

why creativity is like breathing:

theoatmeal.com

theoatmeal.com

theoatmeal.com

theoatmeal.com

what if you could remember that

if you can breathe…what if you could remember that

if you can breathe…what if you could remember that

you can be creative?

the inhaleideation

(filling the well)

the exhale

creation(doing the work)

the inhaleideation

(filling the well)

So let’s talk about how to breathe.

“No matter what your age or your life

path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not

too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.

”

Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

{ Artist contract }

the inhale

{ Artist contract }

ideation

1inhale

self-dates(perhaps weekly)

2 write yourself a letterwrite it like you would write a supportive letter to a best friend

inhale

3 talk to someone newinteract with someone outside your comfort zone on regular basis

get a fresh perspective

inhale

4inhale

close all the tabsgo for a 10-minute walk

meditatedrink a glass of water

practice self-care

5inhale

imaginary livesthink of 1-3 occupations

out in the vast world of United Wayhow could you in some small way

experience that life?

5inhale

imaginary livesthink of three things/occupations

out in the vast world of United Wayhow could you in some small way experience that life?

Anyone care to share?

the exhale

{ Artist contract }

creation

6 free-writewith no agenda, for 20 minutes

don’t lift pen from paperpreferably first thing in the morning

exhale

7 find the right environmentthis might mean de-cluttering your desk

or finding a coffee shop to workor working outside

or sketching on a whiteboard rather than on paperexhale

8commit to a realistic schedulehold yourself to it with your contract,

or a calendar reminder each day/week,or assign a buddy to check in with you.

exhale

9 find your rhythmwhen do you best tap into your creativity?

exhale

9 Grounded time of time, good time for editing and revising. Also good time to move around early in the day

9 Most energetic time, good for socializing and group brainstorming

9 Most creative time; good for ideation, coming up with new ideas, but maybe not editing them

9 Grounded time of time, good time for editing and revising. Also good time to move around early in the day

Most creative time; good for ideation, coming up with new ideas, but maybe not editing them

Most energetic time, good for socializing and group brainstorming

create through new mediumpaint, draw, doodle, sing, cook…

exhale

10

create through new mediumpaint, draw, doodle, sing, cook…

let’s try it now.exhale

10

{impromtu art class}

exhale

10

homework

inhale exhaleideation(filling the well)

creation(doing the work)

I, _______, promise to ___________________________________ _______________________________________________________

Signed: _______________________________________

• Self-dates• Write yourself a letter• Talk to someone new• Close all the tabs• Self-care• Imaginary lives exercise

• Free-write• Find or structure the right environment• Commit to a realistic/disciplined schedule• Find your rhythm• Create through fresh medium

extra reading