How the Souls Rose Upwards by Nicole Margaretten. Painting.
Sometimes it isn’t sunshine. Sometimes it’s darkness. Sometimes we just break down.
Getting out of a breakdown, revealing the light in your life once again, is a two-step process. Simple to explain, not as simple to enact.
First, wallow for a while. It depends on how deeply you’ve dropped into this darkness whether it’s wallowing for five minutes or six weeks. But take some time. You’ll know instinctively when it’s time for the second step.
Then, return to your creative home. Where is it that you first discovered your creativity? What medium or material set off your inspiration? Who taught you that one little thing about your work that changed you forever? Whatever moments in your creative past have seriously shaped you… those are where you go when you’re down. For me, it’s the ballet barre, preferably with pointe shoes in tow. Instantly, my soul feels full.
This is not a speedy process.
It takes time. It takes a gentle touch. It takes understanding. And it takes forgiving yourself fervently.
But if you can treat yourself softly and give yourself time, there will be a slow transition back to a joyful, enlivened you.
Wonderful article, you brought me back to those first evenings in high school when I learned to draw!