Hi,
This is Jasmine Bristow and this is a guided meditation for artists or creators or anyone who is experiencing resistance,
Anxiety or doubt around creating and the creative process.
So you can start by finding yourself a comfortable seated position where you can sit upright with a sense of being alert but at the same time being open,
Being relaxed.
And if it feels comfortable you can gently close your eyes.
If that ever feels uncomfortable you can keep them open,
Just soften your gaze so you're not focused on anything in particular.
And begin by taking a few breaths that are deeper than normal,
Slowing down the inhales and lengthening the exhales.
See if you can make each breath a little longer than the last.
Softening the lungs and the belly as they expand on the in-breath and allowing the body to soften and settle on the out-breaths.
And take one more deep slow breath and then allow it to come to a more natural cadence,
Finding an easy flow.
So you're shifting from controlling and moving the breath purposefully to sitting back from the breath and allowing it to come and go.
And see if you can begin to simply observe that coming and going of the breath without the need to control it.
Almost as if you were sitting on the shore watching waves gently roll in and roll out.
Now we're going to shift into the visualization.
So I want you to imagine yourself sitting in your creative space,
Like you're about to get started for the day.
Maybe you have a goal or an idea or a project that you want to get started on.
So maybe you're sitting at a writing desk or maybe you're at your easel.
I want you to really imagine yourself sitting down to get started,
Sitting down to begin the creative process.
And all of a sudden you hear a knock at the door.
So you walk over to the door,
You open it and standing there hoping to come in are resistance and doubt.
So just immediately notice what arises for you as you stand there facing these uninvited guests.
What do you observe happening in your body?
Perhaps you might notice tension arise or a tightening.
You might notice your breath shortens a little.
Now I want you to imagine yourself,
See yourself opening the door wide,
Standing aside and welcoming them in.
So resistance and doubt,
They waltz in and start hanging out there in your creative space.
And again,
Just notice how it feels.
Notice if there's any thoughts that arise.
What is it like to have them here,
To have them show up in your creative space?
Now I want you to see yourself heading back to your seat,
Back to the place that you create,
Taking a deep breath and just beginning,
Whether you're writing or painting,
Whatever your creative process is,
Acknowledging that resistance is here,
That doubt is here and so are you.
Even in the presence of these doubts,
Notice what it's like to create,
To lean into your creative energy and be in your creative space,
All while knowing that resistance and doubt are nearby.
And as you lean more into the creative process,
You might notice other things showing up,
Like maybe energy shows up,
Maybe inspiration or excitement show up,
Maybe second guessing shows up,
Maybe joy or flow.
So for the next few moments,
I really just want you to see yourself,
Let yourself experience being in creation and breathe that in,
Even with your uninvited guests.
And then gently let that image,
That visualization start to go,
Start to fade and come back to feeling yourself in the seat where you are now,
In this present moment.
Perhaps feel your feet on the floor,
Feel the pressure where you make contact with the chair,
Maybe at your back or on your legs.
Before we come to a close,
I want to invite you to take a moment to acknowledge yourself for taking time today to foster your creativity.
And then take another big deep breath.
And if you want to,
You can gently start to move your body in any particular way that feels good.
You could wriggle your fingers or toes,
Or roll your shoulders back,
Stretch your neck,
Bringing yourself back into the room around you.
There's no rush.
Even once your eyes are open,
You can take a moment to sit and take in the space.
Thanks so much for sitting with me,
For joining me.
I really hope you found this helpful.
And I wish you all the best in your creative endeavors.
I'll see you next time.
