By Sarah Meier
If there’s anything I could gift you as we glide (or skid) into the New Year, aside from true peace, health, and prosperity, it would likely be a visit from your personal muses of creativity. The courting of the muses has been part of many an artists’ process, but for many of us, tapping into our inner visionary isn’t part of an existing regular ritual. Considering how much of our existence relies on invention and innovation, shouldn’t it be?
Affirmations are a tool used by successful individuals in a range of industries; statements of faith that one returns to and repeats aloud daily, that deal with anything from increased financial flow, to self-love, or even the seeking of one true love. For the creative minded (which I think all of us are), I recommend using a morning mantra to prime yourself for spurts of inspiration or sparks of innovation.
Louise Hay, may she rest in peace, was a pivotal thought-leader that introduced many methods of attracting abundance. The following are her affirmations for Creativity:
In the infinity of life where I am,
all is perfect, whole, and complete.
My unique creative talents and abilities flow through me
and are expressed in deeply satisfying ways.
There are people out there who are always
looking for my services. I am always in demand
and can pick and choose what I want to do.
I earn good money doing what satisfies me.
My work is a joy and a pleasure.
All is well in my world.
As you may have noticed, the affirmations tackle with many an artists’ silent fears; that the ideas may dry out, that others may be more talented, that the starving artist stereotype will prevail, that we have to sell out or do work not in congruence with our true voice in order to survive. Repeating Louise’s or similar words of affirmation, with as much conviction as can be mustered up (ideally while looking in the mirror early in the morning) and making this a part of a daily routine, can do wonders in unraveling such fears. Over time, the mantra helps by eliminating blocks of all sorts—writer’s block, dried up fountains of inspiration, feelings of inadequacy—and infusing us with a renewed sense of wonder, and eager, rightful expression.
And it is in these times of instability that our expression is most crucial. Some of the greatest art was created out of times of discontent, and the voices needed to tip our world back into balance are those that present non-violent places and spaces for reflection and dialogue. Is art not precisely that?
So whatever it is that you have been meaning to create—your self-published digital novel, a printed photo book, a small business, or that DIY project for your home—I urge you to make room for it in 2018. Ideas are a renewable resource, and once you take real action on a creative endeavor, chances are that great concepts will continue to flow to and from you.