Uninspired?

I mostly present a strong, self-confident image of myself to the world, but the truth is, I’m prone to the same self-doubts and struggles as everyone else. So I was so grateful to spend a little time recently in a free weeklong online Art Oasis retreat where the focus was on the importance of making things. The program included mostly visual art workshops, but many of them were what I would describe as art therapy and most of them combined mindfulness, writing and art. And I needed that more than I knew. One workshop that’s really stuck with me is “Make Your Own Motivational Monster” with Jacqui Mulvagh. You can see my “monster” below and the message it had for me.

For me, that message means “don’t give up.” To keep on going has to do with continuing to show up to write and be creative—to keep making things. When we use our own creativity, we are embodying who we are and giving expression to who we are becoming. The power of making things has to do with embracing our own agency in a world that is often trying to tell us who to be and how to be. And not only that. Making things also turns out to be a great antidote for our consumerist culture that promotes shopping over creativity.

So I invite you to give some thought to your practices of making things. Take a few minutes to reflect on the various ways you are a maker. And then make a poem or a motivational monster. Make a garden or a gratitude card or a handsewn satchel or a loaf of bread. Make as many beautiful thoughts and gestures as you can. Make a new friend. By making things, we make the self and create a life that’s full of meaning and joy.

Yours in spirit,

Sandra

P.S. I’d love to see where your creativity has been taking you. Feel free to share something you’ve made recently or in response to this newsletter.