Kindling the Creative Spark
— by
Katharine Sullivan “
To go into solitude, a man needs to retire
as much from his
chamber as from society. I am not solitary whilst I read and
write, though nobody is with me. But if a man would be alone,
let him look at the stars. …One might think the atmosphere
was made transparent with this design, to give man, in the
heavenly bodies, the perpetual presence of the sublime. ...every
night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe
with the admonishing smile…The stars awaken a certain
reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible;
but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the
mind is open to their influence.”
—
Ralph
Waldo Emerson, Nature
What helps you to recharge your spirit, body, mind and heart?
From
what well within do you draw your creative spark? What activities,
ways of being, ‘rituals’ do you use
to kindle that spark? One of my primary nourishments for my
creativity is quiet time in Nature.
Recently, I co-facilitated
a course entitled, Contemplative Journey: Inner and Outer
Landscapes,
through the Grand
Canyon Field Institute (GCFI) at Grand Canyon National
Park. “We’re
embarking on an inner rim-to-rim hike,” creatively
stated Eve Watson, participant in this course, led by Naropa
University
professors Deborah Bowman and Deb Piranian, and myself. We
began with each person sharing what they hoped to receive from
the course. Responses included “learning about the canyon
and myself,” “rest and playful rejuvenation,” “community
with others,” “tapping into my creativity,” and “perspective
on life and remembering what’s important to me.” Thus
began four days of facilitating the pursuit of our participants’ goals.
Through walking and sitting meditation, poetry reading and
writing, hiking, yoga on the rim, nature sensory and observation
activities, naturalist walks, group sharing, and much more,
participants had the chance to connect with the canyon and
connect with themselves. The course offered many opportunities
for both solitude and community, as well as creative
expression and exploration in a nonjudgmental and playful atmosphere.
Participants had time to reflect on their lives and to see
how nature offers lessons and metaphors for living a balanced
life. Creative or artistic expertise wasn’t needed to
enjoy this class. It was inspiring to me how the mix of connection
with nature, compassionate facilitation, and quiet time brought
out the best in each of us.
During a poetry session one participant wrote:
"Desert: heat waves
roll across
Still, parched land in a white-hot blaze.
Lightning slashes! Rain scours.
Sharp, spicy scent of sagebrush
Pushed skyward by gray-green fingers of velvet:
Gifts for the Bringer of Life.”
— Sharon Williams, 2003 GCFI "Contemplative Journey" participant |
I was awestruck by the
depth and beauty of the creative expression that came from our time together.
Take a moment to reflect on what helps you to
connect with your creativity. Is it time in Nature? Quiet time
in a sacred
sanctuary? A free spirited ride on your motorcycle or bicycle?
A certain piece of music or poetry? That perfect cup of tea
in the garden? Ask yourself, “What small creative rekindling
time can I weave into my week? What special recharge time can
I weave into my month?” Write them in your planner right
now, an appointment with your creative self, a commitment to
nurturing your creative spark!
To learn more about the Grand
Canyon Field Institute's
backpacking, walking and educational courses that enrich body,
mind, heart and spirit
contact them at 800.858.2808 and request a course catalog.
© 2003 Katharine M. Sullivan,
M.S.
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