Trusting The Process

Why a web site? Why now? I ask myself, as I really like being obscure. I don’t care about followers and have avoided Instagram as I need no more distractions. But I am a very creative person and need creative projects such as this. So I say Why Not!

The idea of putting my innermost thoughts out there is anxiety provoking to say the least. As is any creative endeavor initially if I think about it. Ahhh thinking- more later on that.

But its time for me to TRUST THE PROCESS. Its about the process for me in art, not the product.. If the product works then I might post or hang it. I do have closets full of process work and some is aesthetically interesting. Many years ago I stumbled upon the book Trust the Process An Artist’s Guide to Letting Go by Shaun McNiff @Shaunmcniff.com. This book was life changing for me as it has freed me to just create without my voices of judgement interfering when I practice trusting the process of being creative.

IMO we are all born creative, and I was fortunate that I was encouraged rather than squashed at a young age. My 3rd grade teacher labeled me "class artist" and gave me picture postcards to paint a mural on a wall. She also said “Well you are not very good at math"- true but unnecessary. IMO 3rd grade teachers have great impact as kids are really tuning in and imprinting. That's why I love working with the youngsters at Indivisible Arts in Hermosa Beach indivisiblearts.org. What a great organization! (More on volunteering in a later post)

Throughout the the years I have studied spirituality, art, psychology etc. Now in retrospect I realize this has been my path - part of the process. I feel that my life purpose is to leave the world a better place by inspiring others & teaching kids about creativity. However, creativity can be very scary if one imagines judgement from others. Trust me, I know this to be the reason we do not create. Ah judgement... I have decided to “fire my judge”😂 but she just keeps coming back. So I Trust the Process…

I do know from years of experience that the times in life I have been most happy have been when I am creating. And when I say creating it includes all forms of art: Visual, Writing, Dancing, Meditating etc. I only sing in the shower & car sometimes, but I do love to lose myself in music.

Almost 30 yrs ago I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron which was Life Changing. As part of working her book(one must work it- not merely read it) every morning I wrote in my “Morning Pages” - a brain dump for any thoughts going through my wild head. I might have started with something like “the birds are singing” and then would write for the 30 minutes, and generally my writing turned to a prayer - “God/Universe show me the way". At some point my then husband discovered/read the journal (not cool). Then, I switched to writing in password protected files on my computer. I still have them although I can’t remember some of the early passwords. (Been 20+ years of journal)

So now, I have decided once again that I needed a web site to show my art, & possibly inspire others by telling my story. I’ve learned so many lessons along the way, I embrace them all- the dark & the light as they have made me the woman that I am.

I am thankful for this moment & opportunity to create, so Why Not!