Ebbs and Flows

I read a blog post recently written by my new and inspiring friend Tara Leaver. It was about the ebb and flow of the creative practice.  

Reading her words kind of brought me to my knees. She reminded me of the importance of giving myself space to breathe and permission to embrace the ebb and flow. I have had the consistent experience of ebb and flow throughout my 25years of art journaling, yet when the ebbs come, I undoubtedly feel like there is something “wrong” with me, and like I should “do something” about it. The way that Tara talks about it re-framed that for me and helped me to see those ebbing times as necessary and sacred periods of creative fertilization and rest. 

I just recently came out of a long ebb due to my concussion. This recovery period was a catalyst that brought with the great gift of bringing me back to the flow. Before my injury, for months, I would walk by my art table and feel like I "should" be making art. That would then, start a barrage of self-critical thoughts about not being or doing enough. The cycles of guilt and shame would kick in. We all know how productive and motivational those thoughts are...ha!

All joking aside, I wish that at that time (and so many others) I could have lovingly reminded myself that it was okay (and even productive) to be in a fallow period. If I could have seen then what was coming next, I would have bowed down and worshiped that ebb. Lesson learned....I hope! I am now profusely thanking that hiatus and embracing the fierce flow of creativity that is currently coursing through every facet of my life. I am also aware that it wont last forever and I am preparing myself to welcome the space of another ebb when it comes. I feel so grateful.

How do you handle the ebbs and flows in your art making or art journaling practice?