Where’s the Pleasure?
2013
We’ve all been there.
Every single one of us has had the experience of sitting in front of a project we need or want to be doing with that chest-constrictingly painful feeling of blockage. There’s a tightness, a restriction, an obstruction taking place, resulting in the inability to eke out even the tineest dribble of satisfying work.
And we’ve all been on the other side too—of the spirit-lifting joy that comes with riding a wave of creativity. We might be just going about our business when this feeling arises, but more likely we’re plugging away at our usual work when something seems to lift us from below and carry us along with it. It’s a wonder and a delight, to be sure, and it’s how most of us imagine creative work should ideally look.
But if these are two ends of a spectrum, in between them lies the wide range of experience where we most often fall. We can tilt more toward one end or another at different times in our lives, depending on our circumstances. And, of course, the most powerful and influential of these circumstances is what’s going on in our minds.
During times of resistance to our creative work, we’re often stopped by fear, procrastination or just plain inertia. There are tools to help get beyond these issues, of course, but much of the time we may not even realize we feel blocked. We tell ourselves that we’re busy or we’re tired or we’ll do it when things settle down. But in the meantime weeks or months or even years may pass by without the right time ever coming along.
And when that happens it’s time to delve deeper. What’s at the root of the story? What are the repetitive, mantra-like—possibly even unconscious—thoughts which hold you back from the work you’d most like to do?
Because thoughts are very often the beginning of behavior, a shift in thought can often make a dramatic impact. When your thoughts are in harmony with the greater needs of your whole self, you’re free to respond openly, genuinely, respectfully to the creative urges you feel.
After all, our most meaningful and impactful creative work comes from that place of wholeness. It’s only when we’re able to lean into the dance of wholeness—of the natural integration of our minds, bodies, emotions and spirits—that the work will flow in the way we most yearn for.
The most important aspect of any of this is, as ever, attention. Attention to your thoughts, feelings and urges will help guide you in all that you do, but is absolutely vital when it comes to creative work. What pulls you? What wants to be done, said, sung, painted, danced? In what way are you comfortable letting it move through you? What small thing could you do today that would feel good, fun, revitalizing?
Because the way to cultivate any lasting habit is make it feel good. Where’s the pleasure? Find that and you’re well on your way.