| When we're in the creative flow, we can | | | | ability to problem solve, concentrate and connect |
| sometimes forget we even have a body, | | | | ideas. |
| because our minds are exploding with color, | | | | The Creative Cycle and Self-Care |
| sounds, words and images. But when unhealthy | | | | Touring with a band, rehearsing for a show or |
| habits sap your body of its vitality and strength, | | | | burning the midnight oil to finish a painting before a |
| your creativity and productivity will be sapped as | | | | gallery opening, are all examples of extraordinary |
| well. | | | | circumstances where we might relax our self-care |
| What could be more frustrating than the | | | | discipline and adopt a whole new set of rules. |
| interruption of your creative flow by an uninvited | | | | Then, when the show or tour is over or the piece |
| headache, back spasm, dullness of mind or the | | | | is finished, we sometimes sink into an |
| "shakes"? | | | | anti-climactic "low" or a period of transition before |
| I once heard the expression that as a guitar | | | | we get back into the creative flow again. |
| player, I'm a "small muscle athlete" - meaning I | | | | The daily practices you keep when things are |
| need to warm up those muscles and treat them | | | | "normal" will build resilience for the times when |
| well. Perhaps as artists we're ALL small muscle | | | | these extraordinary circumstances come up. |
| athletes. After all, we do need a good measure of | | | | They also build habits and healthy living skills that |
| physical endurance to get through our creative | | | | you can draw on when life gets more challenging. |
| tasks. | | | | Put it into play |
| Whether it's sitting hunched over an easel, the | | | | One of the best practices for a healthy body, |
| repetitive movements of playing a musical | | | | mind and spirit is to get enough sleep and rest. |
| instrument, the stamina to stand and walk on | | | | Tonight, end your evening activities a half hour |
| stage throughout an entire show or sitting at a | | | | early and spend that time winding down. Release |
| computer keyboard for most of the day, our | | | | the worries of the day by writing or speaking |
| creative tools all require the use of the body. | | | | about them. Calm yourself with a bath, tea, |
| To keep that body strong and resilient takes daily | | | | massage, music or a good read that doesn't |
| attention. | | | | remind you of your work. |
| Day-to-day self-care practices such as getting | | | | We can all come up with reasons why we can't |
| enough sleep, eating three healthy and balanced | | | | exercise, we can't make different food choices |
| meals that are evenly timed throughout the day | | | | and we can't focus more on our health. |
| (plus healthy snacks if you need them), moving | | | | You have a unique creative gift to share with the |
| your body actively and drinking enough water are | | | | world, but your creativity relies on a sound mind |
| all essential for taking care of your body. | | | | and body. |
| Taking care of the body also affects the mind. | | | | So which of your reasons for not taking care of |
| Fatigue, malnutrition, inactivity and dehydration will | | | | yourself are more important than that? |
| all have adverse effects on the mind and the | | | | (c) Linda Dessau, 2005. |