Our group is exploring a non-judgmental space for creativity. We use mindfulness to explore our ability to be creative without judgment. We talk about creative moments and ideas, we share our ideas, feelings and insights. We notice obstacles we encounter as we engage creatively in the world. We allow ourselves to be playful and explore creative mediums individually and collaboratively. We encourage and learn from each other. We believe everyone is creative and that it is healthy to engage in the world creatively.
What we do?- Ground ourselves in the present moment
- Warrior’s Exchange (mindful speech practice) or reflective conversation
- writing prompts (from "The Artist Way" and other inspiring exercises)
- Hands-on Activity: Sketching, drawing, origami, photography, video etc. [offer yr own]
- Share a creative thing we made
- Tell about a creative moment we had
- -home assignment (hands-on/reflective)
- Tea & Cookies!
Why do this?This type of exploration may help us to better understand our relationship to creativity, to notice our obstacles and judgments, to share our fears with others and get support, to share our inspirations with others, to expand our creative endeavors and reach out beyond our comfort zone of creativity, give us courage and motivation to explore arts or interests we haven't thought of before, or deepen our friendly relationship towards creative parts of our lives that already exist. It might also teach us about our common fears and obstacles, and our individual uniqueness.
Being creative and feeling safe to explore is important to human development and wellbeing. When we feel we can freely express who we truly are, we feel better and we radiate more joy to others around us.
What to Bring?You don’t need to bring anything. But if you like to, you are welcome to bring a notebook, inspiring quotes, questions for contemplation, a piece of art/craft you made or care for, an insight or something you want to share.
How we do it?We engage in a ‘Warrior’s Exchage’. A practice of mindful speech in which everyone is equal and we are trying to be present, open, non-judgmental and loving. We base our talk and reflection on being in the present. This requires a practice of meditation.
What have we done so far?Introduced ourselves and shared our intention in being in this group. Discussed the format and style of the group and came to conclusions and decisions on how to proceed. Created a vision together. We used writing prompts to learn more about our creative fantasies. We shared ideas about what we would like to create. We started to think and plan collaborative projects together. We had a home-assignment to proceed and put into action a specific creative fantasy we had in mind but were stuck with. We visited Liz’s studio and saw handy crafts she makes. Got introduced to her puppets and their personal life. We discussed puppets as objects who become subjects. We meditated on a mug and explored our projections of it. We drew on a small piece of paper and wrote an affirmation we liked, about our ability to be creative and open. We shared our feelings and perceptions about our own creativity and about artists that inspired us. We shared some of the creative things we made with the group.
Specifically: I am currently working on exploring film-making by simply videotaping occasionally to become familiar with a camera. So far I filmed 5 short videos of my subway trip to the group meeting, and one video clip of the puppets’ Liz and Pauline.
Liz is exploring the project of puppet burlesque. She has met with a puppeteer and is now choosing the music and the materials she needs for her performance. This performance may, in turn, be filmed by me. Pauline is interested in participatory art, to include the audience and perhaps to make the scenery of the burlesque show. So this has become an individual project which is also collaborative.
Some Helpful Quotes We used Louis Hay’s “Wisdom Cards” of inspiring affirmations (in the 12/5 meeting w/Una)
“I freely express who I am: It is my birthright to express myself in ways that are fulfilling to me.”
“I dwell on positive thoughts: If good comes into my life and I deny it by saying, “I don’t believe it,” I literally push my good away.”
“I open new doors to life: My spiritual growth comes in ways I don’t quite expect. I know I am always safe.”
More:
“I am willing to learn something new every day: I cannot learn other people’s lessons for them. They must do the work themselves, and they will do it when they are ready.”
“I am good enough: I am not restricted by old, limiting beliefs from my family or from society.”
“I am willing to see my magnificence: If I think that I am a bad person, I get a negative feeling. However, if I change the thought, the feeling disappears.”
“I have unlimited potential: Loving myself and thinking joyful, happy thoughts is the quickest way to create a wonderful life.”
We also explored and enjoyed the book: “How to Avoid Making Art: or anything else you enjoy” by Julia Cameron. [buy it on Amazon: 42 used from $0.61].
Reading List
Click to explore even if you won’t buy, just to see it.
*The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron; [150 used from $2.54]
*Wisdom Cards - by Louise Hay
True Perception: The Path of Dharma Art by Chogyam Trungpa and Judith L. Lief
The Zen of Creativity: Cultivating Your Artistic Life - by John Daido Loori
Schedule:
1) Sunday 11/21 3-5pm. Pauline, Liz, Yael [RMAC] [2 hrs]
2) Sunday 11/28 3-4pm, Pauline, Yael [RMAC] [1hr?]
3) Sunday 12/5 6pm, Yael, Liz & Una [Chelsea Studios= CS] [2 hrs]
4) Wed. 12/8, 6:30pm, Yael & Liz [CS] [2 hrs]
5) Wed. 12/15 6:50pm, Yael & Liz & Pauline [CS] [3 hrs]
6) Wed. 12/22 6:50, Yael & Pauline (+Jim? + Danny?), RMAC or TeaSpot [?] [1hr]
We will not be meeting from the 23rd of December until Jan. 15th.
Then, one, two or three of these options may happen:
1) We will continue to meet as a small group
2) We will have a public group in Shambhala Center
3) We will have a public group at the IDP Center
This is
our stixy group if you'd like to add anything,
email me and I will give you the password.
