Prompt for creative flow
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco describes creative flow as a process of disappearing. And that can free us from the expectations and ego that hold us back.
When you’re in the act of creating, when you’re actually focused on that one song, and that focus is allowing you to disappear…there isn’t anyone else’s image of who you are to compete with. In fact, even the image you have of yourself can take a breather. —Jeff Tweedy, How to Write One Song
Here’s a prompt for finding your own creative flow:
When was the last time you felt yourself disappear into an activity?
What were you doing?
Who were you with?
What do you remember seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching?
How might you recreate this in some small way in the days ahead?
You want to begin to remember what it feels like—to you personally— to be in creative flow. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s just an exploration. Likewise, there is no correct way to recreate flow in the future. You aren’t trying to wake up tomorrow and be Van Gogh; you’re trying to wake up and be more you.
Possible resistance:
“I can’t remember a time like that.”
You aren’t alone with this, and you don’t have to fix anything. Sometimes, we just need to sit with an absence and honor it. It’s okay. This is all part of your creative story, and you can trust that. 🖤
“I’m not creative like that.”
There 100% is not a right way to be creative. Use a different framework—focused, jazzed, losing track of time (or something else entirely)—that’s more recognizable to your experience. The first time I ever heard someone talk about being in flow, they were talking about their dog walking job!
“This brings up a painful memory.”
You contain the wisdom here. Honor it, even (especially) if that means stepping away. Trust your instincts. Consider this a win.
“I don’t know where to start with recreating creative flow in my life today.”
You have begun that process simply by being here with these questions. That can be enough for today.
Gently, if you feel up to it, explore your feelings around this. Do you feel confused, sad, resentful, frustrated, bored, or even content? Do you feel judgment? Whatever it is, it’s okay. Shining some light on this can take away its power, or bring clarity (or both).
For practical ideas, explore your senses. Could you light a candle that takes you back to that place, use a special colored pen, or wear an old-favorite tee-shirt? Maybe today you reach out to say hello to the friend by your side in this memory. Tiny actions like these can unlock the next stage. But most importantly, wherever you are with this, it’s all good. It’s all enough. There’s no rush.
Journaling tip:
Sometimes I like to draw instead of writing words, or I just sit in a quiet space and reflect. Whatever works!
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