Creativity: Connecting to Your Confidence & Clarity

by Denise Palmisano

When I saw this photo, (see newsletter of 6/6/2010) I felt a sense of calm and connection. I was immediately transported back to when I was in 6th grade taking an oil painting class. The teacher encouraged us to just paint what we saw. She meant, translate what we saw in the pear on the table with our paints onto the canvas. She didn't say paint the pear exactly as it is on the table. Or, at least that's how I listened what she said. I don't remember any judgments on her part that we missed the mark on capturing the actual size or color of the pear. That obviously wasn't the point of her class. That was my first experience that I can trace back to a moment of creativity, confidence and clarity. Can you connect to your first expression of creativity? What did you feel when you brought an experience from the inside to life on the outside?

I experienced freedom and acceptance. There weren't any rules or confines to what could emerge. It was an invitation to allow the experience of how I was moved to be captured in the colors and strokes that I used. What a feeling! I knew what I felt and that confidence had me engaged and alive.  I didn't have to sensor or stress over what colors I used or what it was supposed to look like. This was both light and fun as well as deep and authentic. Imagine that, even to this day, I associate fun with freedom and acceptance.  In the state of creating, possibilities are unlimited.  I am able to connect to me and to the outer world.  My authenticity is a demonstration of my confidence and clarity of what is wanting to be brought forth.  I don't have to explain it, justify it or make excuses for it.  Creativity is me inside out.

So, for me, my first canvas probably wouldn't have won an award but it opened my eyes, heart and soul to listen for the stirrings deep inside wanting to emerge. My experience was enough to teach me that within each of us is a stirring, a yearning.  There is something inside of you wanting to be brought forth, born, created, demonstrated, exhibited, presented, illustrated, etc.

It might be an idea, a concept, a recipe, art, woodworking, sculpting, painting, sewing, knitting, drawing, building, creating a new game with the kids, photography, building a model car, landscaping, designing a house, public speaking, teaching, mentoring, writing a book, poetry, taking piano lessons, etc.

What is that stirring and yearning inside of you? What could you do this week to bring forth your freedom and acceptance to pour out an expression of your creativity, confidence and clarity?

We are all born with curiosity.  Reclaim your desire to discover, play, create, dream and experience your heart and soul's desire.  The world is waiting for your authentic expression!

I would love to hear what you created!  Drop me a line at denise@empoweringpotential.com