7 habits for creative consistency
I share these seven habits because they all combine both polarities in one activity, moment or mind-set. They all contain masculine and feminine energy. The creative process is an interplay between feminine and masculine energy, two polarities between energetic diversion and concentration.
These habits will help you establish creative consistency through structure with ease.
#1 EMBRACE A STATE OF WONDER
In a state of wonder you are curious, open and grateful. You perceive the mystical in the mundane and the potential in anything and everything that is. It is a state of consciousness between focused attention (masculine energy) and open awareness (feminine energy).
You can train this state of being listening closer and deeper to yourself and what is around you, carrying contemplation and meditation into every day life.
#2 REFLECTIVE JOURNALING
Instead of writing freely (like the popular morning pages) this type of journaling has a focus: a prompt, a question a topic. This way the practice channeling the vastness and openness of creative energy (feminine energy) into a certain direction (masculine energy). You are able to work through resistance or blockages and receive new insights in this very simple way.
#3 EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Emotional regulation is one part holding space for your emotion (masculine energy) and one part allowing the flow of emotions to happen (feminine energy). It is so closely intertwined one does not go without the other. In the creative process it is important to face any emotions coming up but also to allow yourself to take up space with your emotions and your creations, to speak up and share your work.
#4 PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT
The masculine way to practice your craft is by learning and improving your skillset. The feminine way to practice your craft is the practice of imagination and creation itself through aimless play. The second way is most often neglected especially once you create as a profession — but it is equally as important! It is the balance between the capability to actively create and the awareness to perceive the potential of an idea and possibilities.
#5 SHARE YOUR WORK
This is part of the 7 habits, because that is what it should be: a habit. You need to practice publishing and sharing your work to learn to finish the work (masculine energy) and let go of the work (feminine energy). Sharing is the antidote to perfectionism and procrastination. It is the real kicker that expands your comfort zone.
It might help to think about it this way: Your work does not represent you. It only represents the current moment. The more you share, the less one project actually means. And: The idea came to you to be created through you, it wants to be given back to our collective consciousness in physical form.
6# IMPLEMENT AND ASSESS SYSTEMS
To create with consistency you need structure. When it comes to any systems (goals, processes, habits) it is about a balance of sticking with something (masculine energy) and flexibly adapting things (feminine energy). One incredibly powerful practice is radical quitting. Revisit any structures (even these habits) and reevaluate the purpose. Is this keeping you in your comfort zone? Is it time for a shift?
7# EMBODYING YOUR ESSENCE
Living and creating an aligned, authentic and intentional life is all about embodiment: fully feeling yourself (feminine energy) and acting accordingly (masculine energy). Embodiment is the difference between knowledge and wisdom, it is lived out knowledge. It is the alignment between your inner and outer reality. It is how life feels successful and fulfilling at the same time.
How? It is a decision in every moment to show up as your whole self. All other habits support you in doing this with ease.