We As Creators

Intentions – Boundless Creativity

Have you ever come across a book where you found yourself saying, “I wrote that!” All the words resonate with you on a higher level and knowing. It’s as if you co-authored it coming into your physicality…all ego aside.

Recently, a participant in a jewelry class I was facilitating brought a book to share that she checked out from the library, crafting calm-projects and practices for creativity and contemplation by Maggie Oman Shannon. Looking through it I could tell this book held much wisdom. After class I picked up the book at a local bookstore, went home and created a space for embracing the wisdom, creativity and energy within crafting calm.

In Maggie’s Introduction, and throughout the book, she shares simple yet profound reflections on creating.

The soulful statement that I hope this book makes is that whether you call yourself an artist or a craftsperson, both or neither, we are all creative. We are all creators. We are all creations of creator. It is to this that this book speaks–how we can stoke our deepest sense of ourselves and the Divine by employing the inherent flame that lies deep within each of us: creativity.

I see this essence when facilitating expressive arts classes. There is a creative spark that’s lit and participants voice this with an I wish the class could go longer, I could do this everyday, oh thank you so much, and this is fun! When we connect with the creator within us, we are at home with our Divinity. And that feels amazing. It’s light, at ease and timeless. It’s available to us when we are present.

It doesn’t matter if we are creating a craft or another life modality, the act of creating extends out to all creations; creating a meal, a vacation itinerary, a new space to relax, foundations for a new business, peace within a relationship, or a musical composition, we are all creators.

 At first glance, some of these crafts and suggested spiritual practices might seem simple, even simplistic. But everything–including the simple act of breathing–always offers an invitation to go deeper. The key, the alchemical ingredient that changes an activity from craft to spiritual craft, is one’s intention. How one consciously chooses to dedicate his or her creative time–and to what or whom one dedicates that creative time–is what turns an ordinary crafting experience into an experience of the holy.  

Intention is powerful. In this moment create an intention for what you have in front of you – maybe it’s a garden that needs weeding, a blog that needs completion or meal preparation for family and friends. How will what you are creating serve others and your well Be-ing?  As I begin _____________________, my intentions are _________________________. Apply this throughout your day and see how the energy of the world around you shifts. As Maggie Oman Shannon expresses it, crafting calm.

What are you presently and intentionally creating?

Enjoy the creative journey!

With Sweet Grace.