Creativity Springing From Our Winters
Article by Carolyn Jayne

Carolyn Jayne, MA is a Holistic counselor/Teacher and Reiki practitioner specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy.  Carolyn shares her healing journey with many diverse audiences to inspire others towards more soulful living.

Editors Note:Carolyn not only inspires me with her writing but also her artwork. I posted images on-line for your enjoyment.  (please do not use any images without the artists permission)  I have been the lucky recipient of many original cards designed by Carolyn embellished with glitter. To receive one is to feel valued and worthy. Recently I received a hand painted tile covered with vibrant colored teacups...again a one of a kind original I will always treasure.
See Art Work

Our mythology and literature enriches us with image of Spring symbolizing Rebirth.  As well as Faith in what is not yet seen but promises to be. Beneath the still frozen soil thaws tiny seeds of life preparing to sprout. Our creative life is similar to Nature's process. But in a culture that rarely heeds the wisdom of nature, we often forget that our Creativity (In whatever form she may take) is as organic and indeed as dependable as the season's themselves. Like winter's transition to Spring, our cycles of gestation, inspiration, production and harvest must be honored if we are to remain in healthy relationships with our bodies, minds and spirits.

In today's world it is easy to succumb to the Myth that our creativity must be "constant"and "productive".  Our very worth seems dependent on the "products" we create. "Is it good enough?" we ask. "Am I good enough?" we lament.  "Keep working" - push through the resistance" are modern mantras we chant while staving off any of winter's indulgences. But when we observe Nature, we see the futility of ignoring Her laws. Daffodils do not bloom in December's ice; they patiently wait for the mud and sun of March.  Imagine if we had such trust and faith in our own inner "Natures?"

What would it be like to befriend our "downtime?" (You know those days, weeks or perhaps even months when the motivation and inspiration to Do or Create anything is no where to be found)  What would it feel like to honor our slothfulness, to honor our "creative hibernation's" (amidst all the pressure within and around us not to) As if they were our absolutely essential to life winters?  Maybe we begin to heal all our judgements about "non-action".  Perhaps we could even embrace our "inactivity" and recognize Natures - our natures - inherent wisdom in consciously Stopping.  Maybe our bodies and psyches would not need to get ill-diseased in order for us to stop: For when Nature stops for a while, she always comes Marching back with vibrancy, color, fragrance and sound.

Sometimes we fear "what if I never get up or lose weight or begin to paint or whatever..." but remember even when Winter decides to tenaciously hold on (snowstorms in May). She is eventually pushed out by the onslaught of Springs Pageantry. Nature has not failed us yet and we are nature.  We've just forgotten that.  If we can begin to relax into our winter times (the discomfort and all) we will reap the creative rewards of a nourished sense of life and inspiration.  Let's face it, Spring is unpredictable. Spring is often mucky and muddy. But spring is teeming with the abundance of growing life and so are we when we allow our own unpredictability and "Murkiness" to guide us out of our winters.  Let us rejoice in the coming Spring 2001, but let us also give thanks for the Winter before her. 

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