Be willing to dance with your own creative shadow and ignite inner transformation.
Dancing with the creative shadow is mysterious and alluring, like dabbling in magic without knowing the backstage insider tricks. Yet, it’s really just another aspect of you offering the ultimate invitation — to dive in and enjoy the ride of creative self-discovery. The question is, are you curious enough (or frustrated enough) to jump in and see what the shadow has to offer?
The creative shadow is the inner evolution of how you connect to your full authentic self, both the light and dark. You strive. Retreat. Go back full force and then sidestep a bit. It’s not a direct line, nor is it meant to be; it’s the unique development of your true creative expression. This powerful exchange is the initiation of the dance between what is concrete and forming, what is reality and possibility, and how you begin to feel what it’s like to connect with your own “drum beat” above all other noise. It’s powerful, beautiful and can even feel overwhelming at times.
And while it’s great basking in the glow of connecting with the real inner you, there is another very important step to take while working with the creative shadow; showing up and honoring your unique flow out in public where everyone can see!
Creative Shadow Transformation Point: Show me yours, I’ll show you Mine
This is the scariest part, right? Putting the real “you” into the world, shaking it around and telling people to come and see it? And in the case of your business, PAY to see it?
A willingness to dance with the creative shadow is what prepares you to fine tune your choices with confidence and show your authentic self. It really helps you discern where your heart is pulling you, despite what your mind is telling you is “right” or “wrong.” Then you get a better sense of where you, your business or your message, fit.
It’s in exploration of your inner creativity that you discover what’s driving you, playing with the possibilities and expressions without judgment. This dance brings you in touch with the light and dark aspects of yourself, which fuels your truest creative expression. Both aspects are equally valuable in showing you areas of growth, if you are willing to look at what’s under all the dust bunnies.
Are the most authentic connections always going to show up? No. Are you going to share yourself with some people who can’t relate, don’t care or turn up their nose? Maybe. All that shouldn’t change what is most important in the creative shadow dance — owning who you are with everyone, even when it isn’t easy. What it does teach you is how to be more discerning with WHAT you choose to share with whom. The world doesn’t need to know every detail of your inner creative space; its yours alone. Just be mindful of when it’s the fear of being vulnerable holding you back instead of mindfulness of how your audience would receive your insights.
Inner Confidence and Natural Glow
As you get more comfortable diving into the creative shadow again and again something else starts to emerge — a sense of comfort and pride in showing your real, true, colorful feathers. There is a natural glow and sense of confidence that is effortless. You see how far you’ve come and where your desire is bringing you next. No plotted out strategy or rules to follow, just a calling to greet creative opportunity and possibilities as they flows to you and through you.
The two most important tools for this creative shadow work are time and patience. The most essential questions you need to ask yourself, over and over; “Are you really ready to see the truth of who you are and own it?” Answers to both of these will change with you as life goes through its cycles, cracking open new layers for you to dance through. Each time you will move through with better tools and more colorful, expanded perspectives to build on.
So tell me, what is your one biggest obstacle to connecting with your creative shadow?
Immense Gratitude and Special Thanks: For those of you who’ve been reading my blog posts for a while, this is my 101st post. Over 100 times I’ve chosen to put my thoughts out there and you’ve chosen to read them. Thank you for honoring my creative expression (whoever you are). I hope you’ve been able to take away something from my insights that has cracked open your thinking, creative expression or your own heart in some way. Namaste.
Photo Credit: HannaPritchett on Flickr