Thank you for sharing this information, Anne! I know that when I am distracted by anything going on unexpectedly—with my sons or siblings, for example, or my spouse—it is impossible for me to get into that creative zone. The exercises/techniques that I have learned to let go of issues that are beyond my control have been helpful. And the creative practices help. It’s like part of a cycle that’s good and healthy, versus being in the anxiety/blocked creative which is a very negative cycle! I appreciate your sharing what are learning. ❤️
Thanks Anne. This is so helpful. I have heard of the left brain right brain theory in psychology and well-being discourse. Oh I do love to reside in the left brain, but it ain't doing me any favours!
This post resonated with me so much at this time! I am finally in my new home after months of moves, sickness, and renovation and finally loving it. The funny thing is that the renovation is not complete but my creativity for my perfumery work has exploded. I am working on a men's fragrance line next and surrounded by male energy, the earthy, woody smells of construction work and the closeness of my 100 year old home has inspired those ideas. I have let go of the fear of failure and anxiety over it - at least for the moment 🙃 🤗
Oh, Anne. This spoke to me so deeply. I have barely touched my creative work the past few years, I think because of all of the major upheavals that have been happening, including a move and four major surgeries across three family members. My anxiety and stress have been through the roof, and my ability to get into that creative space has been almost nil. It's a pattern I've noticed before, but never so clearly as now. Thank you for giving me some hope! (My scholarly writing is, for some reason, easier to do under stress - maybe because it leans on the logical and analytical?)
Interesting--yes, it makes sense that the scholarly writing can go on. I certainly found it more accessible over the years of what I now see was a very dysregulated nervous system. I hope you find your way back to less anxiety and more creativity soon!
This really resonated with me. I'm a musician, and for years I was plagued by anxiety that would actually stop me from being able to practise effectively - the little voice would judge me for not getting something right, during the perfect moment where I could correct the mistake. I would be so fearful of getting things wrong when on my own, let alone in front of others.
But recently I had turned a corner. I found a community where I could play without judgement (folk music is brilliant for this!) and my confidence made its way back to me in the fog of mental ill health. I also discovered writing, and have even had an article published in a journal ❤️
Incidentally, I'm also in Manchester too - obviously there no pressure because we don't know each other... but I'm always up for a coffee co-working session if that works for you? (Remotely or otherwise!). I know of a few lovely places to sit think and write ❤️
I'm so glad you are finding your way out of the anxiety and into the music and writing!! And thanks for the invite. I'm not in Manchester at the moment, and headed to a month in Paris soon. But I appreciate it!
Another book recommendation from you going on my TBR list! I love hearing about your journey and adventures in creativity. I have some thoughts on it too - can I send you a longer message/email?
A very helpful and enlightening post. It is helping me process events of many years ago. Consideration. Revelation. And very encouraging of my creative side.
Thank you Anne, what a helpful and inspiring post, and I’m glad to hear that you’re making such good progress in your health and creativity.
It’s funny, I recently bought Martha Becks ‘ Steering by starlight’ , I had considered buying the book you mentioned here but didn’t think I have anxiety, but reading this ( and a couple of other things recently ) and now I can feel that this book might have been a better buy.
I had been reading about how your nervous system deals with uncertainty in the same way as it does fear; I feel like I am dealing with a whole load of uncertainty right now ( my partner has Cancer and the prognosis was 5 years, about 4 years ago …… BUT ! ) and my mind seems to have got stuck in freeze mode !!!!!
Our nervous system responds to everything around us and in our modern world gets dysregulated often. Learning about how to calm it has changed my life!
Such a critical topic for us to understand during this uncertain time. Creativity is what we need MOST as we face our complex challenges and the added heaviness it brings, but it's the FIRST thing that shuts down when we are worried. Thank you for sharing this clear explanation and your own process, Anne.
This was such an interesting read for many reasons. The first being surprised by the picture of the view from your window. When I think of the UK I don’t picture tall buildings but rather fields of grass with cottages here and there. The second thing that interested me was the intertwining of recovery from trauma and its effect on creativity. I look forward to reading more about this.
My struggle with creativity has been almost identical to what you describe. I've got Martha Beck's book and I have access to some very good energy healing (lucky me!). You've given me a dose of hope. I can't thank you enough!
Thank you for sharing this information, Anne! I know that when I am distracted by anything going on unexpectedly—with my sons or siblings, for example, or my spouse—it is impossible for me to get into that creative zone. The exercises/techniques that I have learned to let go of issues that are beyond my control have been helpful. And the creative practices help. It’s like part of a cycle that’s good and healthy, versus being in the anxiety/blocked creative which is a very negative cycle! I appreciate your sharing what are learning. ❤️
Pressed button accidentally. Continuing: lack of awareness of passage of time is truly being in the moment.
I learned to "be here now" after accepting a stigmatized humble beginning (a lengthy process) and even treating it with humor.
We are the stops in our lives; others seem more willimg to be open to us. Accepting ourselves is the bear but, indeed, freeing.
Brava for your journey.
Always love your words of wisdom, Miki!! ❤️
I love the insight about creativity and time
This really spoke to me this AM. Thank you.
Thanks Anne. This is so helpful. I have heard of the left brain right brain theory in psychology and well-being discourse. Oh I do love to reside in the left brain, but it ain't doing me any favours!
This post resonated with me so much at this time! I am finally in my new home after months of moves, sickness, and renovation and finally loving it. The funny thing is that the renovation is not complete but my creativity for my perfumery work has exploded. I am working on a men's fragrance line next and surrounded by male energy, the earthy, woody smells of construction work and the closeness of my 100 year old home has inspired those ideas. I have let go of the fear of failure and anxiety over it - at least for the moment 🙃 🤗
Sounds very exciting, Sharon! Enjoy your new home and all that male energy. :)
And how serendipitous that you were working with Jeanette Winterson while all of this hurting and healing was happening!
Oh, Anne. This spoke to me so deeply. I have barely touched my creative work the past few years, I think because of all of the major upheavals that have been happening, including a move and four major surgeries across three family members. My anxiety and stress have been through the roof, and my ability to get into that creative space has been almost nil. It's a pattern I've noticed before, but never so clearly as now. Thank you for giving me some hope! (My scholarly writing is, for some reason, easier to do under stress - maybe because it leans on the logical and analytical?)
Interesting--yes, it makes sense that the scholarly writing can go on. I certainly found it more accessible over the years of what I now see was a very dysregulated nervous system. I hope you find your way back to less anxiety and more creativity soon!
Thank you! I hope so, too. 🫂❤️
This really resonated with me. I'm a musician, and for years I was plagued by anxiety that would actually stop me from being able to practise effectively - the little voice would judge me for not getting something right, during the perfect moment where I could correct the mistake. I would be so fearful of getting things wrong when on my own, let alone in front of others.
But recently I had turned a corner. I found a community where I could play without judgement (folk music is brilliant for this!) and my confidence made its way back to me in the fog of mental ill health. I also discovered writing, and have even had an article published in a journal ❤️
Incidentally, I'm also in Manchester too - obviously there no pressure because we don't know each other... but I'm always up for a coffee co-working session if that works for you? (Remotely or otherwise!). I know of a few lovely places to sit think and write ❤️
I'm so glad you are finding your way out of the anxiety and into the music and writing!! And thanks for the invite. I'm not in Manchester at the moment, and headed to a month in Paris soon. But I appreciate it!
Ooh this sounds so exciting - what takes you to Paris?
Definitely - that sounds like a lovely time ☺️
My daughter! The best reason of all. :)
Enjoy Paris Anne. I just love it and hope to visit it again end of 🌞
Another book recommendation from you going on my TBR list! I love hearing about your journey and adventures in creativity. I have some thoughts on it too - can I send you a longer message/email?
Yes, of course. You can simply hit reply or DM me in Substack.
A very helpful and enlightening post. It is helping me process events of many years ago. Consideration. Revelation. And very encouraging of my creative side.
Thank you Anne, what a helpful and inspiring post, and I’m glad to hear that you’re making such good progress in your health and creativity.
It’s funny, I recently bought Martha Becks ‘ Steering by starlight’ , I had considered buying the book you mentioned here but didn’t think I have anxiety, but reading this ( and a couple of other things recently ) and now I can feel that this book might have been a better buy.
I had been reading about how your nervous system deals with uncertainty in the same way as it does fear; I feel like I am dealing with a whole load of uncertainty right now ( my partner has Cancer and the prognosis was 5 years, about 4 years ago …… BUT ! ) and my mind seems to have got stuck in freeze mode !!!!!
So, again, thank you for this.
Our nervous system responds to everything around us and in our modern world gets dysregulated often. Learning about how to calm it has changed my life!
Such a critical topic for us to understand during this uncertain time. Creativity is what we need MOST as we face our complex challenges and the added heaviness it brings, but it's the FIRST thing that shuts down when we are worried. Thank you for sharing this clear explanation and your own process, Anne.
So true! I think so many are in freeze, terrified about all of the uncertainty in the world today. We need creative thinking more than ever!
This was such an interesting read for many reasons. The first being surprised by the picture of the view from your window. When I think of the UK I don’t picture tall buildings but rather fields of grass with cottages here and there. The second thing that interested me was the intertwining of recovery from trauma and its effect on creativity. I look forward to reading more about this.
My struggle with creativity has been almost identical to what you describe. I've got Martha Beck's book and I have access to some very good energy healing (lucky me!). You've given me a dose of hope. I can't thank you enough!
I'm so glad you already have the book are pursuing energy healing. You are on a good path!
That book sounds absolutely fascinating. Glad to hear your mending, and thus creativity, are in the flow. I've added it to my TBR. TY.