LISTENING

I waited for the roar to arrive. 

In "Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert talks about the roar of inspiration as it rolled over the hills like a steam train, and I remember reading that line with excitement. 

YES! I want some of that! 

It sounded like bliss because I was questioning my voice, style, and creative ideas. 

If I heard a steam train, I'd know I was on the right path, and in my naivety, I waited for the roar to arrive. 

Listening to the quiet voice 

But now, I realise my inspiration is much quieter and generally comes from "what if" questions. 

• What if you captured the potatoes before you peeled and mashed them?

• What if you played with one colour for a month?

• What if you put these two images together?

• What if you put that bunch of eucalyptus leaves in your shopping basket?

They are soft and gentle ideas. 

I need to pay attention to hear them, but learning to listening to the quiet voice has made a difference in my creative muscle.

Listening takes time. 

You've spent years learning the basics and following technical instructions on what to do. You’ve followed the instructions to the letter.

Your voice/intuition/style/creativity is often left sitting on the shelf while you learnt this new skill.

It's quiet and unused, so you question it. Is this right? 

And when you look for inspiration, it's different from what you want to create, so again, doubt. 

This space is hard, and learning to listen is essential if you desire more from your craft.

It is this space that allows the viewer to see you and recognise you in your art. 

Listen to how your creativity shows up. 

You like to be heard, and so does your inspiration.

It might be a roar or a gentle whisper but know what it looks like for you. 

And when you hear it:

• Acknowledge the idea by writing it down or sending yourself a voice message. 

• Make time to play and have fun with your idea.

• Schedule an artist date and focus on the joy of making rather than whether it's good or needs improvement. 

• Be patient with yourself and your intuition.

• Trust the process and take small steps to grow.

 I'm left wondering what it will look like when you listen to your intuition and trust the process.