Creativity is Your Birthright.
Why should we all use our creative power? Because there is nothing that makes people so generous, joyful, lively, bold and compassionate, so indifferent to fighting and the accumulation of objects and money. -Brenda Ueland
Some thoughts on creativity from Amanda
Just like you, I attend a few retreats each year. Although I am a leader of these retreats, I also return to the woods to find alignment and return to center. At our first class on Friday, I wrote the following in my journal:
Forgot my toothbrush
Ran out of gas
Hit road construction
Missed the turn
Here now
The trees are breathing
And so am I
I too need to escape my obligations and be wowed by the trees.
With the related focuses of this retreat: Art, Movement, Nature, I couldn’t help but get lost in thought of art and Western culture.
Western culture strips us of everything that makes us cool.
We’ve been told that dancing is embarrassing.
Expressing emotion? Unprofessional.
Creating art? Best left to grade school and professionals.
Singing in community? Only appropriate at church.
Creative writing? Self-serving and egotistic.
Go to work. Raise well-behaved children. Don’t get tattoos. No colored hair. Dress this way not that. Don’t be “too much.” Stay busy.
Over the past decade some of these social norms have been bending, a bit. I believe we must keep working collectively to push back against these social norms.
In 2021, I realized that I had completely neglected music for nearly a decade. Although I was intensely musical for the first 25 years of my life, at some point I put that piece of myself away. I decided to participate in a 100 day project with Sarah Seidelmann. I played the ukulele every day for 100 days.
In 2023, I opted for watercolor for 100 days. I have not practiced any form of art like this since I was required to do so in high school. I have never felt like an artist or identified as an artist. Sarah encouraged the group to get curious about things we are jealous of. I noticed that I was jealous of people who wandered around with mini watercolor palettes. I wanted to be that person! I gave it a try and it brought me profound joy, whimsy, laughter, and curiosity.
The book for this retreat, “Your Brain on Art” spoke to my soul. The book provided scientific evidence of the benefits of arts in myriad forms from sound vibrations, coloring in a coloring book, acting, dancing, and experiencing awe in nature.
I share the information above so that you have a peek into the ways I have been working to discover my own creative voice. The journey has been abundant with the gifts of creation. Relationships have deepened, my life took on a new vibrancy, and I have been surprised and delighted along the way. My art makes me laugh, makes my husband and children laugh, and helps me see the world with fresh and appreciative eyes.
I hope that this retreat helped stoke the creative flame within, even if it’s been neglected for decades.
As Kurt Vonnegut said, “creativity will make your soul grow.”
No need for perfection. No need to publish or become a great artist. All that matters is that you find ways to express yourself, to flourish in your own life.
(Also, I’ll be sure to share the information on the next 100 day project around March or April! In the meantime you can follow Sarah at @sarahseidelmann on instagram!)
Warmly,
Amanda
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!
We will have part 2 coming to your inbox next week. Our recap of the Art Movement Nature yoga retreat: photos, behind the scenes stories, reflections, and more!
Save the date: Winter Retreats go on sale October 1st!
The private and semi-private rooms usually go on the first day, so if you have your heart set on a private room, be sure to get on right at 7am. Read about the various winter retreats here.
