Before it even arrived, I knew August was going to bring a creative drought. I could feel it in my bones. I was prepared. That doesn’t mean I liked that it was coming. But I embraced and accepted the reality of it and am now reaping the benefits of my creativity’s return
I’ve come to learn that creative droughts are always temporary and usually necessary. Without these quiet periods, we’d be running nonstop on full throttle, which isn’t sustainable. These droughts give us a chance to recharge and rejuvenate, which allows the creative force to return in full when we’re rested and ready to receive it.
Since I knew August was going to be a quiet month, I made rest a priority. Sure, I still kept my business going, worked with clients, and did my bookkeeping, but I didn’t force anything new to come out if it wasn’t ready.
The result? A hum-dinger of a creative flood at the end of the month.
First, I got this video idea as a homage to my newest mentor.
Second, this new class poured out of me over three days, coming together in a fun and effortless way.
Third, I clearly see a new trajectory for my business, and I have the energy to make it happen.
The video was my warm-up. The new class got me in a full-on creative groove. And the third part is going to take some serious energy and creative power to execute. I’m ready for it.
I can clearly see why August needed to be a quiet month. I needed a month of rest to have enough energy to pull this all off.
So what happens from here? Well, I’m going to allow the energy to surge through my veins (no, that’s not caffeine, it’s a flood of inspiration driving me). I’m going to make these ideas happen. And, I can predict another drought will come in 6 to 8 weeks, after I’ve tapped out my energetic reserves and launched myself into this new trajectory.
This is how creativity and energy flow. Learn to ride the creative flood when it comes and be patient throughout the droughts. Being aware of these rhythms allows you to stay in the flow of your creative cycle, so you’re not fighting the influx or the recession of that energy.
Here is how you can handle creative droughts as they arrive in your life and business.
First, admit what’s happening. If you deny the drought, you’ll resist its presence, which is worse than the drought itself.
Second, feel into your body. How long does it tell you the drought will last? A few days, a month, longer? Don’t force the answer to be what you think it should be; allow the truth to come forward. You have no control over the deadline. Instead, use this information to prepare for how ever long the drought will last.
Third, honor the drought’s presence and decide what will take creativity’s place for the duration. Does your body need rest? Exercise? Some time away? Whatever you need, allow that to become your priority for the duration of the drought.
Lastly, be prepared for the creative flood when it arrives. If you truly honored the drought, you will be flooded with creativity and energy. It make take you for a wild ride.
How have you experienced creative cycles in your life and business? How do you work with them?
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