44. Beyond the Block: Overcoming Creative Barriers

Uncovered: Life Beyond

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Last week we teased a book review for this episode, but--plot twist! We decided Julia Cameron's classic book, The Artist's Way deserves much more time than one episode. Instead, today we're discussing external and internal reasons we might doubt our creative abilities.
First, though, we catch up on each other's lives and congratulate Margaret Schrock on her recent publication, a natural prelude to our topic today! We begin by discussing some of the cultural and social messages many of us have received (especially in conservative religious communities) that tend to devalue artistic self-expression. It's not that we as individuals aren't creative, but that our creative interests are often directly or indirectly stifled, making it very difficult for us to strengthen our creative "muscle."
Over time, these external messages become internalized and continue to block our creativity even if we've consciously moved on to spaces that are more friendly to self-expression. We talk about the need to find and create communities that greet "baby steps" with cheers rather than criticism. Emotionally safe spaces like these help free us from thinking of art as a performance done for the approval of others. Rather, art becomes a way to explore, try something new, take artistic risks, and even fail just for the experience itself and what it can teach us about ourselves.
Do you have a community of creative support like this? Do you wish you had one? We've got great news for you! Listen to the end to hear all about what we have planned for the New Year. We hope you'll send us a text via the link above telling us you're interested and providing your email so we can keep you in the loop as our plans develop.
Show Notes
I'm So Glad You Left Me: 88 Stories of Courage, Self-Love and Personal Growth
The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron

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Kapitler

1. 44. Beyond the Block: Overcoming Creative Barriers (00:00:00)

2. Life Updates (00:01:29)

3. Congratulations to Margaret Schrock! (00:10:19)

4. External Creativity Blocks (00:12:32)

5. Internal Creativity Blocks (00:32:23)

6. Benefits of Nurturing Creativity and Growth (00:48:15)

7. Important Announcement (00:52:24)