Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? I’ve been creating since I was a young girl. My mom is an artist and my dad was often inventing something, so perhaps this type of self-expression was inevitable? I started dancing onstage at four and devoted my youth to ballet. Over the years, I became various characters: Alice lost in Wonderland, Clara with her beloved nutcracker, a bluebird by Snow White’s side. Every performance was an opportunity to create a new world or experience for the audience, and that brought me deep joy. At home, my little sister and I would reenact what we observed on our family outings. This went on till I was 12, almost 13. We’d get all ruffled when friends called this “playing pretend.” The scenes we recreated seemed meaningful and real. Saying it was pretend felt dismissive to our little hearts.
I love what Erika writes here: It’s important that my heart and mind are attuned and responsive to creativity’s call.
I think we do place a lot of emphasis on what "things" can get us there. But it is, for me, also a slowing down. Inviting more ease.
Yes! And often just asking ourselves “Am I in flow or not yet?” can help us get there!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share, Heidi!! I had lots of fun reflecting and writing.