Creating Spaces that Protect Creativity

 Creativity and Non-Judgement: Week 2 of Wonder Studio

I have a fierce protective instinct for a child's right to creativity. Actually, I have this instinct for adults too.

For so many years, I have heard adults come into Wonder Studio and say to me, "I don't have a creative bone in my body." "I am not creative." "I am not an artist." 

Sometimes, I am confused by this "story" that the "non-creatives" are telling me. Perhaps, our view of creativity is quite different. I believe that creativity has become an "achievement" that some people feel they either have or don't have. That unless they have an art piece in an art museum, they cannot say they have captured the prize of creativity.

For me, creativity is a value I hold. It's an essential part of my life along with part of who I am and like kindness or gratitude...it requires my commitment to it each day. 

What stops us from the practice of creativity?

I think Judgement is a big factor. I so often hear people's stories of creative trauma. Often, people joke about it..."I was kicked out of choir." "My sister is the artist in the family." 

"I'm just not good at art." 

I know many of these folks bring their children to Wonder Studio because they want something different for their little ones. They want their child to feel the freedom of creativity.

They desire children to have opportunities to "think outside the box."

Somehow, it's too late for me, but my child can have the access that I never did.

This is a big part of why I am teaching Adult Expressive Arts classes...I see the empowerment and confidence that comes with writing a poem, arranging nature, painting a mandala, shaping clay. Acts of creation change us, release us, allow us to reach into an inner well of strength and courage.

But, creativity can be extremely vulnerable and we forget that with our children (and with each other). For example, me writing these words and sending them out to you, is an act of creating that can have overwhelming effects of  2nd guessing myself and worry. But, I promise you, all it takes is one little Positive acknowledgement or knowing that I have impacted 1 person (positively) that keeps me motivated to keep going.

We can do that for our children (and our friends). All they need is a judgement free attitude from the ones around them...a nod, a smile, Eyes that say "Wow" I am here with you and I SEE you.

Acknowledgement...witnessing...this is how we protect creativity.

We don't always get it right, believe me! But we commit to trying each day.

Heading into week 3 of Wonder!

Check out this past blog on Judgement. 

An oldie but a goodie: Judgement Free Zone

https://thewonderstudio.blogspot.com/search?q=Judgement+Free

Check our our FB page for Pics, and Articles, notifications of classes, etc..:

@TheWonderStudio

Arrival: Wonder Studio Fall 2021

 Arrival by Shannon Lipan

"When we approach (things) with reverence, great things decide to approach us." - John O'Donohue

This past summer, my family had a week in St. Augustine beach. I can't tell you (but I'm sure you've felt the same), how much I looked forward to this trip. Even, checking the pictures of our temporary home on VRBO over and over again, I felt desperate to arrive in this place.

I know over the years, there have been many times, I have rushed through arrivals. Getting the bags unpacked, making sure everyone had what they needed, and then finally taking a moment to sit and just be.

Well, this year, I approached my arrival differently.

I have been in love with the "Morning Altars" book by Day Schildkret and he has written a bit on the concept of arrival.

In his beautiful book, he states: "Come with the gift of your presence and attention.

To arrive is your sacred duty as a guest. Let yourself sit for awhile.  Arriving asks you to cease your journeying, put down your bags, be welcomed in.

Let yourself be here...

by giving up the notion of trying to be anywhere else.

The place you are is longing for you to hear her voice, to bring her close, to let her touch you, change you.

And, for her, you have the gift of your attention and senses. "

I can't explain the phenomena behind this idea of arrival.

But, I know when I arrived at this "Land" , I desired to be a good guest, I wanted to let myself be changed.

I took slow steps, I approached this nature beauty in a more consensual attitude. 

I was struck at the ability of this change in my intention to affect my entire vacation.

I thought about how many times, I enter someone's home, business, or even the grocery, and I never truly "arrived". My body showed up but I left my mind and heart somewhere else.

I believe that when we allow ourselves to be fully present with our children and families, we are changed.

When, I read the words: "The place you are is longing for you to hear her voice, to bring her close, to let her touch you, change you.

And, for her, you have the gift of your attention and senses."

In place of "her" I feel the longing of our children.

It's so very simple what they desire.

They desire our witnessing.

When we can remember this, it's incredibly moving and simplifies everything in our lives.

How do children arrive in new places? 

I wonder what we can learn if we allow ourselves to see through their eyes?

Day states, "Through our willingness to just slow down and sit with the land, listen and learn the ways to read her signs, it is possible to step out of our busy, distracted, incredibly self-centered lives and to step into something profound and mysterious."

Even though, I started Wonder Studio over 12 years ago now, I still feel the gift of being in this place with these young children and their loving caregivers.

Teaching here, being here... has the ability to renew and restore me...as long as I take a moment and Arrive.

But, I wonder...is the practice of "arrival" applicable to the grocery store? To the Dr. 's waiting room, to pain and suffering of those on FB? 

Can I arrive to each moment, meet it for what it is, letting go of my judgements of "this is a moment I don't like" ? 

I guess that is truly the journey of a lifetime.

"Break the spell of the known and to practice opening yourself to the changing, mysterious, and nuanced ways of a place. It is to practice being enamored by the ordinary. " 

Day Schildkret

Even though, Wonder Studio was a concept created through me...

I feel as though it is something quite separate.

The spirit of the Wonder Studio asks to be witnessed and I have to remind myself each time, I cross her threshold.