Getting Past Blocks

You wish to make art but, suddenly, you can’t. Fret not, this is quite normal and it can be overcome. One or more things could be happening that are blocking your inspiration from coming in, passing through, and expressing itself.

It can indeed be alarming, however. You’re working on that project that you wish would succeed or working at a job that expects you to deliver. But then, what would normally come effortlessly to you isn’t coming at all. And you may be at a loss as to why.

What could be happening? You must take a moment. That’s right, set aside some time to dedicate to solving this issue. You ain’t getting anywhere without doing so. So come to terms with the fact that, to be productive, you must stop producing - or attempting to, anyway.

First and foremost, how exhausted are you? Did you overwork yourself? Get the rest that you require! Once you’ve done that, you can look at the potential causes of your block(s), which may be among the following:

- Paralyzing perfectionism. Often the main culprit. Waiting for everything to be perfect or meet the conditions for it to be before doing or accepting anything.

- Irritating environment. Too messy and noisy or, alternatively, too bland and void to withstand. 

- Blurred goals. How would you shoot without any clear aim?

- Stifled flow. You may have habituated yourself to strict rules and procedures that should now be revised or dropped entirely.

- Pending interruption. You just know, consciously or not, that an interruption is coming and you’d rather or ought to immerse in this. 

- Apparent pointlessness. It can be discouraging if it doesn’t bring any results we personally value.

- Loneliness. You might need to collaborate with others or at least socialize for a bit with people who truly feel like company.

- Joylessness. Since when has it become a chore? Make it exciting again. Remove more of what strips the joy and/or include more of what brings it. Or simply make way for it to happen on its own.

Furthermore, it may be that you have already emptied yourself of the good, great, or relevant concepts and ideas that you could bring to life. If that is so, it is time to fill yourself up. Seek inspiration once more. Look around, in and out, and get the sparks to make your own magic.

Can you think of more potential blocks getting in the way?

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI

An Unbearable Situation?

If you’re in a situation you’d rather not be in, take a deep breath and softly let it out.

Go for a walk and sit in a pleasant spot where you can be by yourself to let your feelings surface and your thoughts roam. If that’s not enough and you can afford it without too much trouble, get yourself far away for 2-3 days, in a safe and cozy place where you can be alone. Physical distance promotes psychological distance. And you’ll need that to view the situation objectively.

Through reflecting on it, you may find that:
a) The situation in itself isn’t so terrible and merely adjusting your values and judgments on it will let it be perceived as favorable. Sometimes we are indeed too idealistic and forget that nothing is perfect in every way and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
b) The situation really does have quite a few things that are harmful to you no matter how you look at it. But in such a case, dismissing it all together might not be the best solution and you could still choose to work on what it’s lacking.
c) The situation definitely isn’t for you and you should begin to break out of it, whether you have something better to switch it for or not.

Relax, though. Chances are you have time. Just try not to get further entangled in it unless and until you can be sure you can and will stick by it for longer.

There’s usually guilt and shame around making big changes - especially when promises, contracts, and other commitments are involved. But you, your loved ones, and those who love you should and would put your well-being first.

Thanksgiving Month

November arrives again!
And with it, like it or not, the Thanksgiving mood.
If you’d like to practice gratitude, you can indulge it with me.
I celebrate it with cultural and blessed content and vibes here and there.