Judgy Voices

Have you ever felt pressure to come up with something original, but struggled? Is there a judgy voice that chides you for doing the same thing over and over, or for coming up empty?

Mine sounds like this:
“What’s with all the paintings of houses? Where’s the deep political statement?” and
“Why do you keep making star mosaics? After 20 years, don’t you think you could come up with something more complicated and … creative?”

Maybe you’re new at a craft, and copying others’ work seems like your only option — a distinctly unimaginative one at that. I’m with you!

Cultivating Originality

Welcome to today’s podcast episode, an exploration of originality: what it actually means, how to cultivate it in your artwork, and and how to live it daily. I hope that the approach offered here will come as a huge relief, as it did for me!

Plus, there’s homework. 👇🏽 🤓📝

Let’s dig in! Enjoy the 34 minute listen 🎧, then I’d love, as always, to hear what resonated. 💖

Episode Notes

> For a refresher on what heART❤️SCHOOL is all about, click here. (If you’re keeping track, this is the start of Module 7 and our acronym letter is O, as in Originality.)

> The quote I centered this episode around was attributed to Cynthia Bourgeault the first time I heard it:

“Original” doesn’t mean “First in time,” it means “Closest to the origin.”

> Props also to Acharya Shunya for the thorough introduction and invitation to holistic wellness in her book, Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom. I mention this in the episode (again ☺️).

> Oh, and by the way, I did seek and gain permission from Elena and Natalie to share their stories of quitting, and same from my friend Gayle for mentioning our recent “I love…” poem exchange. ❤️📝

Love-ing Homework

Speaking of… there are two homework assignments, which I describe in more detail in the podcast. 🤓 The first is about moving toward your source; the second is about removing obstacles from the path.

1. Write an “I love …” poem. If the word poem stresses you out, think of it as a list. The sample in the photo above, from about 20 years ago, gives you a snippet of my life back then!

2. Find something to quit — something that can free up space for more important soul work. 💫 You might examine your calendar for unpleasant “shoulds” to ditch. Examples from me and both of my kids are in the episode, along with a helpful mantra.

“Original” Mosaics for Sale 😬

I’ve finally accepted the fact that I just like making star mosaics! Sure, they’re simple, and yes, I have the skills to create more complicated, impressive designs. But no more apologies. They have character, and I love how they seem to be dancing. Click here or on the photo below to visit the new “Mosaics” section in my online shop. Maybe your garden or mantle could use a pop of color? Maybe someone in your life has been a star lately?

Until next time, shine on, ✨
Pam

P.S. Don’t forget about the Doodling Lunatics 🖍🌙 virtual meet-up on Friday, March 4th, 5:30 pm Pacific time. More about that here. It’s a great way to practice originality in a very safe space.