CREATIVITY AWAKENED MY LIFE FORCE!

Creativity means different things to different people. There are definitely no barriers when it comes to being creative and how it is expressed depends on the individual at any given time. Whether it be a creative thought or idea, creating a product or service that solves a problem; or creative movements of a dancer or gymnast perhaps or maybe a writer using words to create a picture to its readers; Or that of an artist who uses paint, chalk or other mediums to express their inner world and is able to stimulate the senses of the observer. The point I’m trying to make is that no matter the art form, what’s more important is how it makes us “feel”. That process of a seed = thought can (if nurtured) grow into a “thing”, a powerful thing that generates feeling…that holds the energy to change lives, including our own.  

I have found that whenever I have become disconnected from myself; one of the ways to reconnect is to do something creative to quiet my mind and allow the creative force to flow through. I was fourteen attending Montego Bay High School for Girls when I had my 1st encounter with a sewing machine and a wonderful teacher (who also happened to be British!) noticed my presence. It was the one place that I found solace and tranquility when all else surrounding me was a total mess…internally, I was a total wreck!

And yet there, in that moment, each Friday morning in the Clothing and Textile class; I was at peace. Interestingly in alignment with self and the unseen, it was the only subject that I managed to get an A+ grade in. 

It took me another ten years to remind myself of that feeling…and bought my first sewing machine when I was twenty-six. At that time, I was preparing for a six week vacation and wanted to make a few outfits to personalize just how special this trip meant to me. It was empowering to know I remembered how to maneuver around that piece of machinery which had brought me much joy all those years ago.

The rumbling sound of a sewing machine is a pleasurable rhythm that zones out all my mental chatter…it helps me focus and tune in to that peaceful sweet spot within…

It is in these moments where I’m sitting in the eye of the storm. Calm. Here, there is Oneness…where no words are required or intrusive thoughts welcomed. It's simply Creative Intelligence working through me, it can almost feel like I am in that of a trance. When the item/s are completed I am always in awe of the results. I am amazed and full of gratitude how in the silence of my being, creativity unfolds like that of a springtime blossom. I witness the bag or the hat beautifully forming organically before my very eyes…yes almost magically because I do not use a pattern; simply going with the flow without knowing how it will evolve during the process while I stitch one scrap fabric together with another…I simply love the art of patch-working!

I then acknowledge that it is Divine Source Energy, that Creative Higher Self within at work; and all is well. I have found that if you find time to participate in regular activities that support your well being in this way, you are affirming self love and care by valuing the time you spend with yourself. No rushing off anywhere, or being distracted by the constant busyness of our modern day lives…

As a Creative I enjoy applying my art-form to making patchwork bags, hats and clothing. I get ridiculously excited patch-working paper to do flooring and/or decoupaging small furnishings. Exploring the numerous ways of incorporating patchwork ignites my imagination each time I embark on a creative project that uses reclaimed materials; paper, fabric and wood in particular. It generates a real sense of satisfaction knowing I have made something unique, yet beautiful from thrown away resources. No two products are exactly the same. I take pride in their individual authenticity.

Unfortunately and to the detriment of humanity we live in a throwaway society; from people to things!

I was an unwanted child and eventually thrown away by my foundational family; discarded without care. Until one day I decided to salvage all the pieces I could find and over the years, I’ve been slowly patching myself together more stronger and unique than before…It was due to these experiences of abandonment and rejection that lead me down a path of Restoration and Re-building by Re-educating my inner world therefore transforming my outer world experiences.

I recall a time in my life as a young mother of two, homeless and hungry in a foreign country and my saving grace was the encounter of a young woman who met my creativity. This moment took place in the waiting room of the Greyhound bus station in Seattle WA. I was panicking, worrying while trying to settle the girls down to sleep at the station that night! Yep, I know and that’s a story for another day. Anyway I was wearing, with pride, the first hat I had ever made (cut from an old hessian dress I loved and wasn’t quite ready to fully let go of). This stranger approached me to not only offer a compliment, but to my surprise also offered a price for the hat! 

Reluctantly but with gratitude I took it off my head and made my very first sale!  Needless to say it was the sale of that interestingly put together hat which brought us dinner and a place to sleep for a few nights…

What gets your creative juices flowing? 

When was the last time you emerged yourself in that space? 

I would love to hear from you…Please leave a comment