Hey, Brave One, it’s Flourishing Friday! Got a challenge that could use a whoosh of fresh, creative energy? Today’s 5-minute practice is for you (jump to the practice below).
Follow along in the video above, featuring my alter-ego Queen Poopicina’s crappy accent, spontaneous song, and potty-mouth ‘Holy Sh*t’ 💩 version of the tool. Or scroll down to the 💗 HeartsQuest (non-poo) version of the steps.
Do you enjoy drawing? Or did you stop around age 11?
That’s the age when many of us decide we suck at things we love. It’s Brave to re-open those channels of creativity.
Even if you have no prior art experience, today’s practice shifts perspective, so you can see things differently. Your brain will make new connections, sparking innovative solutions.
I’m writing a script for a short film competition. Only 5 minutes long, it’s loosely based on my experiences overcoming fears of singing in public, my passion for singing for the ocean, and dear friends who live with cancer.
I worked through story ideas with friends who suggested fabulous ways to add depth, stakes, and surprise.1 I visited locations and shot reference videos. I love the script, but it will be a challenge to film. Not likely to get far in the competition. My Monkeys of Indecision and Despair almost talked me out of doing it for the deadline.
“You don’t have enough time to get notes! So it’ll be a sh*tty first draft. It’s gonna be way too hard to shoot this on the water. Mermaids singing in the wind? Right! They’re gonna pick something more straightforward. Why even bother?
Sometimes you just gotta go for it! And let go of any attachment to an outcome.
My creative process is about listening, following flirts of intuition, and staying open. I threw out half of my ideas as fresh scenes emerged. Whatever you’re playing with, in your creative work or your life, may the Crayon Tool inspire a new solution.
Today’s 5-minute Practice: The Crayon
The Crayon Tool: How can I uncover a new, creative solution?
GRAB some paper and an actual crayon (or any writing tool). Or, use your imagination.
ENVISION holding a crayon in your non-dominant hand. For 90% of us, it’s the left.
BREATHE deeply and consider a challenge you’re facing. ASK for insights, guidance, or any suggested steps you might take next.
DRAW or write whatever arises naturally. Try not to judge, no matter how messy it looks. It’s a secret message from your unconscious mind. Keep your hand moving until it feels done.
REFLECT on the images or ideas that appear. “This looks like... which reminds me...”
Make it Real: Trust your creative side
EXPLORE: Share any insights with a friend or journal. If you wish, you could share your drawing as well.
CREATE: Make a beautiful love note to your future self. Show her how you’re learning and growing.
MANIFEST: In the next 3 days, take action on any clues or new perspectives that showed up. What concrete steps can you take on your path?
🗣️ How about you? (comments make my Heart sing 🥰)
Do you like to draw? If not, do you wish you could?
Do you work your challenges extra hard, like me (a proper overthinker)?
What helps you balance your busy mind? What awakens a sense of play?
Thank you for drawing with the Crayon Tool. If you find this encouraging, please drop a heart 💗 When you share and subscribe it truly helps more brave souls find us.
Joy of the Week: Walking these 120 stairs (twice a day feels great).
Brave Creatives face the Monkeys of Fear when we share our work. 🙉🙊🙈 Let’s befriend our inner Monkeys so we can express what’s in our hearts with more confidence and kindness. 💗
Create Like a Kid Again