Creative cycles

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks. Its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” ~Cynthia Occelli

Nature often reminds us that growth and creativity are preceded by change or “complete destruction.” This is especially true in the fall. Here in the Midwest, some of our trees are just starting to drop their leaves and seeds, and soon will stage a brilliant color show before shedding completely.

With that in mind, I’ve found that the best way through a creative block — or any sort of problem — is to clear or remove what’s getting in the way.

Sometimes we have to “undo” something, whether it’s an awkward paragraph in a story or a crooked seam in a piece of clothing. Sometimes we have to start from scratch. And when we need to work on changing ourselves, we start with shedding old habits or ideas that no longer serve us. What changes will you be making this fall? ~CL

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