© 2020 Helen C Read
My days can be so full of distractions and busy activities!
Do you feel that way too?
Doesn’t it sometimes get in the way of the creative work we love?
I am challenging myself to make a daily habit ~ a discipline ~ of gratitude.
What does that have to do with art, you may be asking!
Well, Gratitude draws us out of our own sphere and expands our thinking. We see things in perspective, we are able to respond with more in our work… creating more joyfully and freely.
This is foundational to creativity.
We become more aware of and attuned to our environment. We begin to see things formerly overlooked. Small moments become gifts that are given for our pleasure or wonder or joy. This sense of receiving and thanking expands our hearts, our joy, our peace.
Creativity thrives in that internal environment.
Ancient wisdom tells us:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithfulness endures forever.”
Psalms 107:1
I believe God delights in our gratitude and we are recipients of His pleasure.
That sense of connection can fuel our creative work.
You know, discipline is a decision – but its a decision that needs a plan of action! Here are a few ideas:
1. Start the day with a specific thing to give thanks for.
2. Create a small “thanks journal”; a place to document these moments that we notice the small gifts given – the things that can easily escape our notice unless we are looking for them!
3. Create a work of art that expresses joyful gratitude
4. Speak gratitude over others … and you become their gift!
5. And this may be completely counter intuitive – begin to be grateful even for the trials in life… Why?? Well, it’s not easy – but its important to remember that we don’t see the end of the story yet ~ and value so often comes out of difficulty.
Let me start my voice of gratitude by saying I am thankful for you!
Your presence, your creativity, your encouragement just by being here and connecting.
The discipline of gratitude ~ it becomes a pathway to joyful creative work.
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© 2020 Helen C Read
Photo credit – Bench Accounting
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