Feeling Stuck? 3 Ways Creativity Can Help
Many of the women who come to me for therapy report feeling stuck in some way – in their daily routines, their relationships (or lack thereof), their jobs, or their hopes and ambitions. Stuckness is uncomfortable and often the urge is to fight a way out, to plan, to strategize. All of that is fine, and can be helpful. But I think that what is just as – or perhaps more important – is creativity.
I love this quote by Kurt Vonnegut – “Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
In order to move through stuckness, we need to “experience becoming” – becoming something and someone new and different. It is as much a creative and physical endeavor as a cognitive and logistical one. So play, draw, dance – be creative in whatever way you feel drawn to – perhaps cooking, or coloring, or making friendship bracelets.
Being Creative Can Help You Feel Less Stuck
Being creative can help you:
Be authentic and honest. Often times, stuckness happens when we do things to please others (whether consciously or unconsciously). If you can be authentic in your creativity – which may mean “doing it badly” – you are allowing yourself to express your true self – desires, feelings, dreams, fears. Practicing authenticity in creative activities is good practice for life.
Experience a sense of flow and ease. Flow is sometimes referred to as “being in the pocket” by jazz musicians or “being in the zone” by athletes. When stuckness happens, flow and ease often disappear. You may notice this in an increased physical or emotional tightness/tension. Being creative allows for an easy flow of ideas, inspiration, and focus.
Re-capture the childhood magic of playtime. When you were a child, did you build blanket forts, play in the woods, make up elaborate stories, sled down hills? Do you remember how you felt doing these (or other) things? My guess is pretty good. Creativity allows us to feel the magic of play as adults – which I firmly believe that we all need.
How do you express your creativity? Do you write poetry, bake elaborate desserts, or grow herbs?
Leave me a comment below and let me know – I always love hearing how other people express their creativity in this busy, busy world! My recent favorites are soup making and adult coloring books.
About the Author
Maya is a music therapist and psychotherapist in NYC and online throughout New York State. She specializes in helping women with anxiety, childhood/intergenerational trauma and those who are highly sensitive (HSP) feel good enough, learn how to express their feelings without overwhelm, and show up in calm and confident ways in their work and relationships.
If you’re interested in working with Maya, you can learn more here or schedule your free phone consultation here.
You don’t have to stay stuck - it’s time to reclaim your rhythm.