I’ve discovered that I have a tendency to be an idea hoarder.
I like being an idea person. I love the creative energy that it stimulates. But I can let it sabotage me if I am not careful.
The other day I was feeling pretty bogged down. The ideas were flowing, but I couldn’t move. I was confused on where to start and what was most important.
I decided to do a doodle about it. I pulled out my Creative Wisdom Doodle Deck and picked the Empowership card.
After closing my eyes, connecting with my breath, calming down my mind, and finding a more centered place, I began the first doodle.
The instructions said to capture the situation with whatever images came up as I thought about it. I saw my bewildered face staring up at all the ideas which didn’t emit any kind of light. Instead, they created a hovering dark cloud.
Then, I did another doodle. The instructions for this one said to just let my marker go as I thought about the situation. What would it look like to be more empowered?
After 5 minutes, the image felt complete and I stepped back to have a look at what piece of wisdom the doodle might have to offer.
I love the message that appeared: Take the ideas that are nearest to your heart and hold on to them. Let the rest - even if they are good - go.
Sigh. That feels a little sad, but much more manageable. I also take solace in the perspective that Elizabeth Gilbert shared in Big Magic.
She sees ideas as little entities of their own. They find us, but if we can’t make them work, we have to let them go so they can find someone else. In this way, the idea lives on.
What ideas are closest to your heart? Which ones do you need to let go so they can live on with someone else?
If you are curious about how doodling might help you with your stuck points, you are in luck. Our quarterly Creative Wisdom Doodle-Shop is coming up on February 15 and you can register here.