How to Feel ALIVE In Your Creative Process (and create better work!)

Do It For the Process from Emily Jeffords

Whew! We're nearly there. It's almost time to stuff some stockings and eat fruit cake -- the holiday sales season is wrapping up soon!

I first shared this exercise with The Collective (a mentorship I offer for creatives and artists) but I wanted to share it with you too!

Regardless of how you are taking on this season (aiming for record sales goals or sitting this one out) the energy in the air can be a bit much sometimes. Am I right?

And here's a little secret for you: the energy you feel affects your work.

And the energy you bring to your creative process affects the quality of the work.

And the energy you feel towards your work affects its success in the world.

Did you follow all of that?

It's a whole cycle of input and output and if you are not keeping yourself well balanced the cycle fails.

So we're going to take a moment in the middle of all the hubbub and come back to the heart of it all. Now. In the craziness. Because this is when we need it most.

This creative prompt is a simple one -- but I know that it will also be transformative!

Give yourself 1-2 hours of creative time for this project (more if needed) and get ready to feel free!

There are four parts. Ready?

1. Daydream. Don't let yourself to go the studio for at least an hour (you can wait up to a week or so if needed). During this time, envision what you will create. Get a clear piece of inspiration (this is not another artist's work -- this is your own pure inspo gathered through thought and magic). ;) What colors will you use? What medium? How detailed will it be? What size? What will you listen to while creating? What will you think about? Get detailed with your daydream!
2. Set the tone for your creative space. Clear an area of your studio or table so you can focus, turn on the right music, light a candle, set the mood.
3. Set an intention. Give yourself 30 seconds. Quiet your mind. Say "I will create something good today." "I will allow something beautiful to happen." Repeat as often as needed until you feel it deep down.
4. CREATE. Not for a buyer. Not for sales. Not to prove anything. Not to add to your collection... just because, for the next hour or two, your hand and your brain deserve to be celebrated. Let them play. Get your ambitions and ego out of the way (they are useful at a different time) and see what beauty your body will make in this space.

Create with positivity and love for yourself and your art and just see what beauty will come of it!

I often think of this practice as a creative cleanse. If you create something pretty, that's awesome, but THAT IS NOT THE GOAL. The goal is to reconnect your hands, heart, and mind and to let your body know that it is allowed to be free.

This is not woo-woo. This is psychology. The more you can learn to trust your body and mind to work in harmony the more you will be pleased with the results you get when you create.

Afterward: Hop over to Instagram and check out the hashtag #EJCollectiveCreative.

This is where The Collective Students are sharing their creative work and it is a DELIGHT to behold.

But, remember, do it for the process (not the likes) ;)

xo,

Emily Jeffords

emilyjeffordslearn.com