It’s September. It’s been a while since I prepared my classroom for the frolicking first graders who scurried into my room clamoring for my attention, with
enthusiasm
and energy
and pure, unbridled joy.
I miss them.
I miss framing their artwork and
tracing their letters so that we could marvel at the script of a six-year-old hand.
I miss the poetry in their words,
the splash of color on their paintings.
I even miss the chatter.
A teacher of small children has a HUGE responsibility.
She plants seeds of social consciousness,
nurtures the artist,
woos the writer.
In recent years, in my work with women who appear to be “waiting” for their children to
grow up,
leave the nest,
and become self-supporting successful contributing members of society,
I’ve noticed a holding pattern that reminds me of my years in the classroom.
As a teacher and facilitator of ARTful expression in my students, I frequently (well, always) put my own creative endeavors on the back burner. Only recently have I noticed the glee with which I discover hidden talents or even just the desire to explore an art form. There is a striking parallel between my own experience as a teacher of small children and the experience of my clients.
We all seem to be W A I T I N G for the right time or the right space in which to explore our craft.
I suggest we stop waiting.
I believe there is a direct relationship between our vitality and the degree to which we engage in creative pursuits. I’d like to explore this. In depth. Will you join me?
Here’s a little poem to get you started. I hope you come away with curiosity and perhaps a desire to carve out some time for your art, whatever that may be. And, f you want to engage in this process with a “tribe at your side,” be sure to enroll in my upcoming Well Nourished Woman program. I have a knack for drawing out the artist within, both in food and in life.
19 thoughts on “A Walk Down Memory Lane”
What a fabulous invitation for pure enjoyment!
Yes, Bonnie, I love that you see this as an invitation! I look forward to having you in my Inner Circle.
Love the poem. And love the idea of mixing food and creativity. Cooking is my creative outlet actually. That is when I feel the most like an artist.
I love that, Angela. That’s when I feel most like an artist, too. I am just now beginning to see how important it is for me to take that art and expand it into other areas of my life as well. Or, at the very least, to start noticing the artist when she shows up.
I believe Julia Cameron would appreciate this poem. Sometimes we need permission to play. If we do it enough, it can become a default!
It’s truly a “practice” isn’t it, Keddy? And yes, “permission” is a recurring theme that shows up both in my work and in my life.
I think you’re right there is a huge relationship between vitality and creativity. I notice that when I’m being creative I also have more energy for life along with more enthusiasm. Now I’m off to see if a poem will emerge from me! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I would love to see what emerges, Tabitha. I love your poetry. Those are the posts I am drawn to. . .
Yay! PLAY!! the way I LOVE to do!! particularly with women like YOUUUUUUuuuuuu!
You draw it forth in such delight, as no doubt you did with your wee ones….
clamoring for your love and attention… a
all the while bringing them back to themselves and creation!
Truly, I am looking so FORWARD to the light, lilt of play I feel in this piece… with food, with poetry, with paint… and most especially with youuuuuuuuuuu…. my dear friend, Sue Ann!
Sue Ann, you’ve just given me permission to stop waiting and start playing! (Not that I need permission, of course, but sometimes it takes a “nourisher/teacher” such as yourself to point me in the right direction.) I feel like sharpening a #2 pencil — a whole bunch of them. 🙂 LOVE this post!
Kim, YOU inspire ME every day with your words.
Sue Ann, what an amazing poem! I think I’m going to print it out and hang it right next to my desk as a reminder.
Thank you, Karen! I am enjoying your August Break photos and oh how I love a good story. . .
Lovely guidance.
Lovely feedback!
Love this Sue Ann, and I feel it in the air, as I’ve been inspired lately to start writing in CRAYON in my journal! Yes crayon! It’s been such beautiful colorful creative fun!
I’m so in a holding pattern waiting for the last two to launch so that maybe there will be just a little time for me and feeling oh, so guilty any time I step out and take a minute that’s just for me…what am I waiting for?
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to
your weblog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours
and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Thank you!
Thank you for asking and yes, please do, with links back to the article you are quoting from. Thank you so much!