thriving in solitude and community

“We must do our work for its own sake, not for fortune or attention or applause.” ― Steven Pressfield

For many of us, cultivating creative courage starts in solitude, when we dare to tell ourselves the truth, and explore what's going on in our inner worlds. We risk the initial discomfort of self-discovery for the hope and meaning it provides, not for the fortune or attention or applause. When we focus on the extrinsic factors, we often find ourselves blocked, cut off from the inspiration that motivated us in the first place.

Whether you write for your own healing or to show up in the world in a more authentic and purposeful way, it's a practice that becomes easier when you find a way to take the pressure off, so it doesn't feel like work. If you're struggling with writing, forget about your goals for awhile and go back to a time when writing was a way to free your imagination, or a way to connect with someone, or whatever positive impact it has had on your life. Go back to that feeling and try writing from that place. Maybe you go back to being a child with your first diary. Or writing a love letter to your first love. No expectations. No judgments. Just curiosity and acceptance. Imagine what could bloom in that environment.

Last night in Creative Courage, we talked about how our ideas are seeds that need healthy soil, water and sunlight to grow and thrive. For example, if the soil gets too dry or lacks nutrients, those factors will affect how it grows. Likewise, if we don't nurture our mental and physical health, this will affect how our thoughts and ideas develop, and how we express ourselves overall. So just like taking care of a plant, we can keep our creative lives healthy by prioritizing our overall wellness.

We practice creative self-discovery for our own sake, first. And then sometimes we reach a point where we find ourselves asking what else we need, and the answer is—to connect.  

Did you know that some plants help each other grow? According to a study by The University of Portsmouth, when you plant compatible plants near each other, they can mutually benefit from each other’s attributes. The study shows that planting different types of plants close to each other can boost growth, repel pests, and even improve the flavor of your harvest. Other benefits include a "positive cascade" of effects in the environment, including supporting insect and soil life, and providing a greater range of fruit types for birds and mammals. 

I believe that creative community operates in a similar way. Our shared values bring us together, making us compatible without explanation. We come seeking connection, and we mutually benefit from each other's attributes. Feeling seen, heard, and supported creates a positive cascade, or a ripple effect in the environment, as we go back to our lives inspired and overflowing, with a greater range of fruit to offer in all aspects of our lives.  

So when I find myself thinking about fortune, attention, or applause as a source of motivation, I know I'm off track. I do, however, embrace my need for connection, the sharing of values and humanity. Being a part of those conversations inspires me to keep writing.