These journals & your post is just lovely. I missed it. This concept of flow state got me thinking abt Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy. Have you read abt this, Elizabeth? In the midst of the suffering in concentration camps, Frankl was thinking abt how the meaning of life comes from finding your true purpose. As Viktor would work in the camps, he would run each of his patient’s cases in his mind & re-think the diagnosis & line of treatment. He was a psychiatrist. This is what carried him through those insane years. Just gives me chills thinking abt it.
Thank you Annada. You make a very powerful comparison to Victor Frankl. To have been able to tap into a deeper state and find meaning in the horror was extraordinary. I appreciate your readership 💕
Liz, Your insights into creativity and how it works are inspiring. I’ve been sitting at the easel more since returning from the retreat. Planning a new recipe (in my creativity journal you gave us!). Wherever and however creativity takes us, we should follow it. Personally, for me, fiddly and detailed is my zen. Rather than simple. I think motivation is individualized, and whatever gives you that little burst of excitement, you should follow. Thank you my friend for reminding us so we keep that passage open. 🥰
I am inspired to go finish my late newsletter this week! Your writing is all encompassing and this topic is one I need to really dive into. I know I'm happier, more satisfied, and fulfilled when I give myself time to allow creativity to blossom, but it's always one of the first things I let fall away when life gets busy.
It’s such a lovely soup—I highly recommend it. I admit one of my modifications was to put less garlic than called for in the original recipe…I’m more of a “garlic as a condiment” rather than a full-on ingredient kind of cook! 😊
This was the perfect boost to start my morning writing ritual —my creative life “recipe,” it seems! I wish I’d been present for your full presentation.
This makes fascinating reading Elizabeth - as I sometimes ask myself - who am I writing for? - myself or my readers. I feel it is important to be true to oneself. You have given me food for thought - thank you.
It’s true, isn’t it? I have been writing on Substack for a long time and it’s really been in the last year—maybe even the last few months—that I’ve tried to let go of what readers expect and really write for me.
When I posted Mark’s last assignment I honestly thought I would lose subscribers because it is quite a bit different than what I usually post, and it’s turned out to be one of my most popular posts!
Thanks for reading and commenting; I appreciate it 💕
During the holidays, my son came to visit. He’s studying abroad and is training to become an elementary school teacher—hopefully he’ll soon be teaching young children.
We slowed down a bit during those days and had many long conversations. We didn’t explicitly talk about “creativity” or “flow,” but in a way, that’s exactly what we kept circling around. How he might inspire young children at school to be themselves. How to let go of the pressure to perform and the need for perfection. And ultimately, how to simply be who we are.
He’s leaving today, and this morning I read this article that I’d like to share with him. It somehow puts into words what I’ve been feeling these past days.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so glad to hear that there are people, like your son, going into education with a deep seated desire to inspire and teach these critical life skills. The best of luck to him as he starts this exciting journey! 💕
I’ve been thinking a lot about the impact of surrounding ourselves with creative people who are unencumbered with inhibition because they somehow learned, probably by fire, certainly by years, to shed the “shoulds” and just be their unapologetic selves. For me, the impact to my ability to do the same and let creativity flow from that space, is huge. You are one of those people. The ripple effect cannot be measured… but it’s there and we are all better for it.
Let things be imperfect is one I need to practice more! This was such a fun exercise at the retreat and I love my notebook. Thanks for sharing your delish soup recipe - it was such a hit!
These journals & your post is just lovely. I missed it. This concept of flow state got me thinking abt Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy. Have you read abt this, Elizabeth? In the midst of the suffering in concentration camps, Frankl was thinking abt how the meaning of life comes from finding your true purpose. As Viktor would work in the camps, he would run each of his patient’s cases in his mind & re-think the diagnosis & line of treatment. He was a psychiatrist. This is what carried him through those insane years. Just gives me chills thinking abt it.
Thank you Annada. You make a very powerful comparison to Victor Frankl. To have been able to tap into a deeper state and find meaning in the horror was extraordinary. I appreciate your readership 💕
Liz, Your insights into creativity and how it works are inspiring. I’ve been sitting at the easel more since returning from the retreat. Planning a new recipe (in my creativity journal you gave us!). Wherever and however creativity takes us, we should follow it. Personally, for me, fiddly and detailed is my zen. Rather than simple. I think motivation is individualized, and whatever gives you that little burst of excitement, you should follow. Thank you my friend for reminding us so we keep that passage open. 🥰
I am inspired to go finish my late newsletter this week! Your writing is all encompassing and this topic is one I need to really dive into. I know I'm happier, more satisfied, and fulfilled when I give myself time to allow creativity to blossom, but it's always one of the first things I let fall away when life gets busy.
So true for many of us, I think. The hard part is sitting in the stillness and letting the creativity hum like bees in the background, making honey 💕
Those journal’s covers are so pretty! And I’m always up for a cauliflower soup that tastes like garlic and rosemary :)
It’s such a lovely soup—I highly recommend it. I admit one of my modifications was to put less garlic than called for in the original recipe…I’m more of a “garlic as a condiment” rather than a full-on ingredient kind of cook! 😊
Oh my gosh this sounds so wonderful and I'm really sad I couldn't be there. Saving my sheckels for next time.
And thanks for the recipe, I've just added cauliflower to the grocery list.
Thank you Mira! It was really great and we will do this again for sure—you must try to come.
Yes! I really want to.
This was the perfect boost to start my morning writing ritual —my creative life “recipe,” it seems! I wish I’d been present for your full presentation.
Everyone in the group made for an inspiring weekend. You were missed! 💕
This makes fascinating reading Elizabeth - as I sometimes ask myself - who am I writing for? - myself or my readers. I feel it is important to be true to oneself. You have given me food for thought - thank you.
It’s true, isn’t it? I have been writing on Substack for a long time and it’s really been in the last year—maybe even the last few months—that I’ve tried to let go of what readers expect and really write for me.
When I posted Mark’s last assignment I honestly thought I would lose subscribers because it is quite a bit different than what I usually post, and it’s turned out to be one of my most popular posts!
Thanks for reading and commenting; I appreciate it 💕
It seems that Rebecca and you were a great inspiration because the covers are just lovely. Add that to the list of your many talents.
Ah but I am only shining a light on what is already there! 🤓💕
During the holidays, my son came to visit. He’s studying abroad and is training to become an elementary school teacher—hopefully he’ll soon be teaching young children.
We slowed down a bit during those days and had many long conversations. We didn’t explicitly talk about “creativity” or “flow,” but in a way, that’s exactly what we kept circling around. How he might inspire young children at school to be themselves. How to let go of the pressure to perform and the need for perfection. And ultimately, how to simply be who we are.
He’s leaving today, and this morning I read this article that I’d like to share with him. It somehow puts into words what I’ve been feeling these past days.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so glad to hear that there are people, like your son, going into education with a deep seated desire to inspire and teach these critical life skills. The best of luck to him as he starts this exciting journey! 💕
I’ve been thinking a lot about the impact of surrounding ourselves with creative people who are unencumbered with inhibition because they somehow learned, probably by fire, certainly by years, to shed the “shoulds” and just be their unapologetic selves. For me, the impact to my ability to do the same and let creativity flow from that space, is huge. You are one of those people. The ripple effect cannot be measured… but it’s there and we are all better for it.
Couldn’t agree more. Ripple effect may be my favourite natural phenomenon! I love being in your circle to catch the waves 💕
Let things be imperfect is one I need to practice more! This was such a fun exercise at the retreat and I love my notebook. Thanks for sharing your delish soup recipe - it was such a hit!
I loved your creativity Betty—both on the cover and inside!
I love your thoughts on this ... just 3 things
Thank you Rachel! Gotta keep it simple 💕
I need that!