Meet my new best friend, Two-balls In-a-sock. This is what is enabling me to get back at the computer to write. I place it under my head and rest flat on my back. Then I slowly roll it down my spine one inch at a time, resting in each delicious pressure point along the way. Ahhh, the sweet relief!

As someone who is creating constantly, this activity can take a toll on my physical body. There is significant tension that builds in the neck, shoulders, and back. Long days of writing can cause my feet to swell. The old carpal tunnel slowly begins to resurface. I have to remind myself to take breaks and to take breaks often. My dear friend, Mr. T’BIAS can make a good break extraordinary.

Taking breaks from your creating is not only a good idea for your physical body, but your mental conditioning and general well being as well. It’s good to change your scenery. Take a short walk outside and stretch your legs. Let the sun shine on you. Allow your eyes to receive a different kind of light for a few minutes. These shifts in environment do not have to be long, but they should be frequent. It’s not an excuse to procrastinate finishing a project, it’s an integral part of the creative process, so indulge yourself. Make the break an experience of its own.

Taking breaks from your creating is not only a good idea for your physical body, but your mental conditioning and general well being as well.

When I facilitate a class, I like to incorporate a variety of experiences. To me, the creative experience is not just about sitting still and painting. That is part of it, of course, a very yummy and important part, but there is so much more to living a creative life. There may be discussions, visualizations, or small exercises that lead up to something else.

Your creativity is a natural cycle. It requires space. You need a physical space for creating in and you also need spaces away from this creating space. Separating yourself from your creative projects helps you to build discernment and detachment from them. The reality is that anything you create is not actually a part of you, no matter how close you may feel to it. As creators in the throws of our passion, we sometimes forget this. We become immersed in specific project tasks and forget we are part of a greater creative process.

Your creativity is a natural cycle. It requires space.

Your body is always your home base.

So my Creating Exercise for you to try is:

Pay attention to the space around your creating time. Be aware of the length of time you spend at the computer, the easel, or behind the camera. Be willing to walk away from it on a regular basis. Understand that you are not abandoning your project, you are separating yourself from it for the greater good of its outcome. This space and time away is necessary. It, too, is nurturing your creative life-force. Pay attention to your thoughts. When they become muddled or confused, don’t press them.

Listen to your body, especially when you feel discomfort. Your body is always your home base. It may need your loving attention and perhaps a break. If you listen carefully, it will tell you exactly what it needs. It may be that it really just needs two rubber balls in a sock to lie on for a while. Or maybe, something entirely different.

Your Creativity Coach,

Bonnie Kelso is the creator of The ABCs of Conscious Creating online coaching course and the author of Vitalize Your Creative Life. She uses energy healing and creating exercises to connect people to their higher “creative” selves. For more information about her Creative Services or to schedule a consultation please contact her at Bonnie@CreatingYourExperience.com. Are you ready to get started right now? Do you have 5 Minutes?