self-expression
Get the courage to experiment. Learn some basics, very basics. Play with others and support others who are becoming more willing to try than to shut themselves off.
Many of our roles and responsibilities tempt us to deny or repress our emotional connection and expression.
“We Practice Life offers creative studios to remove the barriers, to stay mindful, to hold ourselves accountable and support each others’ practice.”
We are sometimes asked to put our tasks and our goals first and maintain “control” of our emotions. Studies have shown that in a patriarchal system, there is a level of respect given to those who repress, repress, repress. It may be no coincidence that the arts are not as valued by this same system. Many of us learned to turn OFF our creativity and expressive nature in order to conform to this environment, to ‘get serious’ about our professions and responsibilities.
Some of us have had the lid blow off of our pressure cookers when we least expected it. My long term plan is to avoid that happening again. I also have this fantasy that my recovery plan will be someone else’s tools for NOT having their lid unexpectedly fly off.
When we see others expressing themselves, we might catch our inner voice saying things like, “Must be nice.” or “I could never do that” or “Good for them, but there isn’t a creative bone in my body.” OR if you believe that it IS all about practice and skill-building and not all god-given gift, you still may be stuck because art classes are expensive. They can be. They may not be what you need right out of the gate, especially if you haven’t given yourself a chance to try, to put in some practice, to build some confidence and develop some “Studio Habits.”
Investing a lot of time and money can add some pressure to perform and produce and shift to selling or making art for others in order to rationalize the expense and “Get a return on your investment.” (thanks performance driver – I got this, sit down). There’s nothing wrong with producing and selling. But watch out for the performance driver or perfectionist sneaking in the side door to distract you from self-expression and self-connection.
At times, I have been swept away by these. I am more likely to be mindful of these if I practice with a community.
We Practice Life offers creative studios to remove the barriers, to stay mindful, to hold ourselves accountable and support each others’ practice.
Join an ongoing supported studio with other courageous explorers or schedule a one-on-one session to practice and get some confidence that you are in the right place to let it out, lighten up, and kick the old messages to the curb.
We practice self connection and community care. We hope you’ll feel comfortable bringing your self to our table.
“I had NO IDEA I had this in me!”
“Why did I wait so long to pick up a crayon?”
“I am using whatever materials I can find, mixing it all up now.”
“Miss BROOKE, look what I MADE!”