Why do we get stuck in our Creative Life? It’s pretty easy to tie ourselves in knots trying to think our way out of problems. Creative types think a lot, sensitive, intuitive types think even more. In today’s episode, we explore some of the different ways our own thinking (psychology) can hold us back.

Ever heard yourself say the sentence “I just need to …(fill the gap) ‘have more time’ ‘ be in the mood’ ‘make more money’ ‘work harder’ ‘do more research’ These kinds of statements masquerade as self-awareness and self-responsibility, when they are in fact a heavy condition weighing us down and preventing us from knowing our next ‘inspired action.’

Join us as we talk through more examples of mental traps such as; ‘uprooting’ (self-rejection), ‘surrender’ (active flow or passive procrastination?), 'beliefs' (there is a right way to do something) and more.

Creative Challenge. Let us know in the comments what resonates and subscribe for more! This week's Creative Challenge: Part 1) Plant some seeds! What creative ideas are circulating in your system? Set them free with this journaling exercise. Set a timer for 5 minutes and run wild with every suggestion that comes up, it can just be words or feelings, and does not have to be fully formed ideas- it's just a seed! Take your favourite idea and blow it up to it's most expanded vision- just for fun. Part 2) Unconscious agreements audit: Now you’ve got your ideas… “what's stopping you?” What do you (just) need to do? Start this journal exercise (5 mins) with the sentence template: “I just need to…. (fill in the gap) Set the timer for 5 minutes and go for it, start writing. You'll be surprised to find a whole bunch of things that you ‘think’ you need to have or do, before you can move forwards. We all have these non-specific goals clouding our vision- it’s good to know what we unconsciously believe we need. It helps us see things differently and brings us closer to our next inspired action step. If you want to go further; consider taking your findings from both these exercises into a creative coaching session with a trained listener or a friend that listens with the intention to spot non-measurable goals- the fast track for breaking out of mental traps.

About The Hosts:

Gemma Kauffman
Intuitive and introspective, Gemma credits her recent decade of ‘wrestling with complexity’ (aka abstract painting) for connecting her with her deepest desires and for making it through the initiation of maiden to mother. She loves deep conversation and pondering the mysteries of self-expression; which she experiences as a portal or cosmic mirror. Since a spiritual awakening on a volcanic island, Gemma has been following the threads of art life and encouraging others to do the same. Future self? It used to be Kate Bush, Cloudbusting.... these days.. ??? You can see Gemma’s paintings https://www.riseart.com/artist/128610... https://www.gemmakauffman.com/ https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GemmaKau...

Angela Levesque
As a prolific wordsmith, transformational guide and digital wizard, Angela Levesque spends a lot of her time listening to the whispers of the Universe. Translating those whispers into stories, classes, art, insights, and meditations has been her life's work. She is a lover of problem-solving and thinking on her feet. And is always willing to dive off the cliff and learn how to fly on the way down if the creative force beckons. The latest incarnation of her life’s work can be found at https://chaosandlight.com/ or read her Substack at https://substack.com/@chaosandlight
Music credit: Music Credit: MarbleSpace