In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, I’m offering a complimentary online Beautiful Ballet Barre+ class!
We will kick off a new season of mindful movement with a delicious, gentle, adaptive beginner and beyond level online ballet barre plus one or two optionally-freestanding exercises for adults.
Accompanied by lovely music, joyful and suitable to all levels and genders. Dancers will be encouraged to express themselves through classical dance movements, taking their own appropriate variations of standard ballet steps. Leave feeling inspired, empowered, and artistically stimulated.
Friday, March 8th at 8:00am CET/German time (9:00pm Thursday night in Hawai’i) on Zoom.
Workshop Structure
This year’s IWD theme is “Inspire Inclusion” and I intend to embody that commitment in this workshop and all of my offerings. It is an area of ongoing growth potential.
Once signed up for the Ballet Barre+ class, you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom Meeting prior to the session Friday morning German time.
We will dress comfortably in ballet slippers or socks and meet for one hour online with camera on or off depending on personal preference, microphone off unless you’ve got a question, which you may also pose in the chat.
Have water ready and/or beverage of your choice, as well as a mat and any props you may see suitable for floor work (options, not required).
Set up your device so that you can see and hear the Zoom video stream and move freely on a smooth surface while supported by a sturdy “barre” or counter, windowsill, chair or wall.
Exercises may be performed in standing, seated, or reclining positions with endless variations depending on dancers’ abilities and preferences. Blythe will be dancing on one side of their kitchen, with a counter and chair for support and ready to demonstrate various options.
I would additionally like to offer a sample of my other mindful movement offerings during Women’s History Month, including Yummy Gentle Yoga and considering offering an online version of my Barre a Terre/mat training course for those who would like to practice other techniques or can’t make it to the IWD class day/time.
The class will be led by Blythe Stephens, they/she, MFA in Dance, Certified Coaching Graduate, YTT200, Bliss Catalyst & Creator of A Blythe Coach: helping multi passionate creatives dance through their difficulties & take leaps of faith into fulfillment.
Hawai’i-raised and Cologne, Germany-based, Blythe collaborates with students and clients in-studio and online and would love to connect on social media @ablythecoach
How do you enjoy ballet, dance, or other mindful movement techniques in your daily practices?
Where is the growing edge of your artistic learning currently?
How are you celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month?
Let’s keep in touch, keep dancing, and let me know if I can be of service!
Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst they/them or she/her Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life
The first week in January being school & studio holidays and furthermore part of the 12 Days of Christmas, we continued to take time off from regular teaching and work duties, recovering from the holidays and completing our celebration of the years past and freshly arrived.
Early 2024 in Cologne, the mood was very winter wonderland, with more snow than I’ve seen in the years I’ve lived in Germany so far! It was a study in contrasts, with cozy cuddles indoors, deep inner work, sparkling fun, and jumping right out of my comfort zone and into my vision for the year!
January Mood & Timeline
My philosophy on January and the start to the new year is to go gently, allow myself to process, rest, celebrate, and plan at my own pace.
Only my online classes continued and it was lovely to meet in mindful movement through the holidays with my community there with few demands from elsewhere.
At home, we did some clearing, cleaning, and decluttering after the holidays, I finally conquered my paper pile tiger (a huge accomplishment!), Ela repaired my broken water bottle strap and some miscellaneous items to get the apartment and our personal affects shipshape. We also got out a good bit to socialize, adventure, and try new things to set the tone for the year.
Completion, reflection & planning were major themes of my month personally, including tallying data from the year past, tying up loose ends including applying to be reimbursed and receiving payment for medical bills through my insurance and other adulting responsibilities necessary to move forward unhindered.
Also made use of the time gestating new ideas, brainstorming, and thinking creatively about the future.
Teaching & Coaching
Once schools and studios were back in session, I returned to Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes for Ballet for all ages as well as covering for another teacher on vacation, and I went back to Henry Ford for Yoga plus new course: English through American films and music!
I taught a well-received trial Barre a Terre class at one2one Institut and will be having another to try another time slot in February. Online Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga have been ongoing, and I will continue to share as further offerings become available and my schedule evolves this spring and beyond.
Bullet Journaling & Planning
Bullet Journaling, reflection, planning, setups, and decorating are at this point a well-established part of my life and creative process, and even moreso as one year’s cycle transitions into the next.
In January I completed monthly & quarterly reflections in my 2023 books in order to finish digesting the year and set up my spreads for 2024, including Annual Collections and February setup (having set up January in December).
I was very much reflecting on 2023 even as I planned 2024, completing monthlies, quarterlies, and my reflection blog along with my 2023 Review BuJo Spread, 2024 Annual Book (setup flip to come) and February setups. Over the course of the month I started filling in 2024 Annual Book Collections, populated my Future Log for the year ahead, and kept January memories.
Creative Chosen Challenges
Hosting and participating in challenges and workshops was definitely a highlight of 2023 and will certainly be a part of 2024, too. Here are a few I participated in for January:
In December I participated, in January I wrote, and on February 2nd I finally published for Judith Peters’ aka Sympatexter‘s blogging challenge called “Jahresrückblog” (in German). Though it still took time to process my 2023, the challenge was a brilliant support for writing and sharing annual retrospective.
She also inspired me through this experience to start writing monthly personal reflection blogs like this one in addition to the expert articles and special challenges and projects I’ve been creating.
Twenty-Four 24s in 2024: Keeping Track of Projects & Practices
Measuring action towards my most important goals and habits that support my projects or areas of focus is a key objective for notebooks and journaling.
This particular game or approach was inspired by Jess, aka JashiiCorrin on YouTube, with a Bullet Journal spread to declare and track that I first set up for 2023. I wrote about my “Twenty-three 23’s in 2023” in my 2023 Review blog.
This year the general goal number being 24, for each of the 24 chosen metrics I mean to make at least 24 contributions, and in this way consistently support my major goals and most valued priorities. Some of the activities truly do fall about every two weeks, some being weekly or even daily (such as yoga practice, meditation, and reading), I will arrive at my goal at a different rate for each type of action, but each is something that I value and want to nurture.
Having set up my spreads for the 24 areas in my Annual Collections Bullet Journal, I’ve been keeping track of my efforts for each along the way, but won’t necessarily share results in every area in each monthly review blog. Instead, I’m thinking of reviewing them in more detail on a quarterly or seasonal basis, since I do content and business planning and looking at numbers such as social media growth at that interval. Some metrics I may not share in detail for personal or privacy reasons, and of course what measures are important to you will be different from my priorities, but I hope this sparks ideas for your own practice.
In any case, additional photos and video to come as I work in my own 2024 collections, and I’m finding this structure a lot of fun and really supportive so far.
“O” micro video choreos to TikTok and Instagram in January. P-Z still to go as the year progresses!
It’s an eclectic and inspiring community to be a part of and creating these short works and seeing what others are making certainly provides a stimulating creative motivator.
Yoga Visibility Challenge
Susanna Barkataki is a yoga teacher who I follow on social media and always feel called out by, in a good way, so I signed up for her Yoga Visibility Challenge in January.
Actually, I launched my Podcast, then the blog and YouTube Channel a few years ago specifically in order to practice exactly this sort of articulation, to share my knowledge and refine my message. By getting work out there, I have been figuring out how to best say what I’m here on this earth to.
Along the way, I’ve been more and more open about my own life experiences and perspective, and though this visibility feels very vulnerable, I know it is valuable to see others.
Fortunate in so many ways, the position I come from is one of privilege, as I’m a white American with multiple degrees and am read as female in alignment with my assignment at birth. Though I’ve long identified myself as queer sexually and my sense of my gender evolves as my consciousness expands, I’ve been lucky not to have been met with ridicule so far, blending in enough for acceptance, but know it’s possible.
Leading and intentionally lifting up others, I stand for diversity and inclusion and practice a pedagogy of emancipation, inquiry, anti-discrimination and bias of all kinds.
Hosting Workshops & Challenges
I hosted a few challenges in 2023, and I’ve got some exciting things to share with you this year as well!
Aside from trial classes in a new location, I didn’t teach any special workshops or host a challenge in January (again, focusing on rest and reflection). In February I’m collaborating again on Eating Disorders Awareness Week and will be sharing more 26.2.-3.4.2024 as well as taking part in International Women’s Day on March 8th, Dance Week, Coaching Week, the Spring Equinox, and more to be announced…
I published one video to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in January, though I was also preparing content for February and beyond:
Connecting through Email & Social Media
I sent four weekly Email Newsletters in January, was active on Instagram and Facebook, am using TikTok to post my Alphabet Superset videos. In 2024, I plan to review performance metrics and strategy on a quarterly basis. Each month and in my corresponding reflection blog articles, I just want to keep creating, sharing, and interacting.
The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing as well as my favorite work from other creators is to subscribe to my weekly email newsletter. Would love to be connected to you there, here, on social media, online or in-person!
Arts & Culture
Highlights in the areas of culture, art, and sport for January:
Saw a new sport live: Ice Hockey with the Cologne Haie or sharks and our neighbors, so much fun! Neither Ela nor I had ever attended a professional ice hockey game, and it was especially luxurious from the boxes.
Live dance performance: we had a getaway to Bonn to see “Twelve Ton Rose” by Trisha Brown performed by Ballet de Lorraine in Bonn, along with a Postmodern Art exhibit – beautifully done!
Began Tango Argentino beginner class at Tanzraum (Basic, Ocho…) where I’m learning to lead a pair or ballroom dance for the first time and Ela is following. It’s challenging, technical, exciting, and we’re having fun.
Media Musings
It sounds like fun to keep track of my favorite inputs on a monthly basis as well, such as what I’ve enjoyed reading, hearing, seeing, etc.
Happy to chat further about what I’m reading and enjoying as we mosey into the year, and to hear about what you recommend I read, listen to, see or otherwise experience next.
Books & Reading
I finished reading one novel in January, Emma Cline’s The Guest, which was such a hard-to-put-down thrilling trainwreck of a ride! Definitely for adults and probably not for everyone, so well-written and so unhinged.
Daily scripture (currently Bible, Quran), poetry (Rumi at the moment), and nonfiction readings (Better Living Through Birding, Yoga Through the Year…) continue to inspire, and I’ll be working my way slowly through several great works this year.
Music & Listening
One new playlist resulted from my music listening in January, Quantum Leaping into 2024, which is my balletic soundtrack to dance in the new year.
Continuing to actively work with playlists such as my in-progress
Songs that particularly stuck with me in January included some which vibe with my theme of leaping and flying, such as
“I’ll Fly with You”
“Fly Like an Eagle”
Viewing
This section is about Films & Series Seen, particularly outstanding YouTube videos watched and so forth.
“Good Grief” film, yes I cried
“The Menu” film, twisted but good, maybe a bit much with “Saltburn” late last year…
“Blue Eyed Samurai” is animated but violent, beautiful if you’re into that sort of thing (Ela was watching the series and I joined her)
“Bear” series is stressful but well-played (live-action kitchen drama, another Ela pick)
“Queer Eye” new season gave me a boost I needed, and reminded me (along with their IG account) during the Yoga Visibility Challenge, what an inspiration Jonathan Van Ness is and how I appreciate the Fab Five!
“Love on the Spectrum” is a sweet feel-good documentary
“Imbolc Yoga” from Moon Medicine on YouTube (35 minutes) was a particularly lovely practice
Questions for Reflection
How do you reflect on the year past, last month, or other periods of time?
What goals and intentions do you have for 2024?
What actions or habits must you practice regularly in alignment with your intended outcomes?
What creative inputs and media should I check out next?
How can I support you in going after your dreams this year?
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties, taking leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga & dance education
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
That’s the poem I shared when I declared my Word of the Year and practices to make it so.
Now how did it go?
In December I participated in Judith Peters’ aka Sympatexter’s blogging challenge called “Jahresrückblog,” in support of writing and sharing annual retrospective and reflection blog article. Love a bit of structured reflection and sharing insights that may be interesting or helpful to others!
As I’ve noted in previous years, it takes me a while to complete such a reflection process, so I didn’t click “publish” on the deadline of the challenge, but was well-served by the social media prompts, live and recorded support and community that the challenge provided.
Here I am now to share my thoughts on 2023, at least as I experienced it, and inspired to share more regular personal reflections of this nature in the form of monthly-ish blogs, in order to continue to connect with folks with similar values and interests for whom my work and being in the world resonates.
Here I’m reviewing my goals and intentions, highlights and lowlights, joys, lessons, and challenges of 2023, in order to move powerfully into 2024.
Review of My 2023 Goals
What became of my declarations for last year?
Following Amanda McKinney’s annual planning process, I had set larger annual goals in the areas of Life, Growth (Business), and Revenue. Spoiler alert, I didn’t reach any of them!
But! I still made progress in each area, just saw slower results than I had hoped for. These measurable differences and improvements were the gift of gathering all this data, as well as perspective on how regular actions contribute to results over time. Now I also have increased knowledge and experience to set and achieve better goals in the future.
You could say it was a challenging year for me personally, and I know I’m not alone in that, but I am here to celebrate what wins there were and what I’ve learned and enjoyed along the way.
2023 Outcomes
Life: My lived experience, interactions and influence on others was my highest priority. Creating and witnessing my Word of the Year, Beauty, was my intention in this area, and I DID indeed create and witness beauty plentifully! Made strides connecting, sharing love, adventuring and celebrating, traveling, and practicing rituals and habits. When things were difficult or I felt low, I sought support and kept in mind the intrinsic beauty of life and the small moments even in the midst of struggle, pain, or loss. I deeply appreciated, savored, and celebrated everything that is beautiful and that I’m grateful for in life, including my love, family, friends, and community, nature and art! I was blessed with rich cultural experiences, travel, and adventure.
Growth: I didn’t reach my 1,000 subscriber goal for YouTube, but did end 2023 with 495 subs, and in January of 2024 I reached the 500 sub milestone! This is nothing close to viral or even profitable, but I find sharing and connecting with people through the channel as well as my blog and social media very beneficial in terms of refining my message and connecting with likeminded folks. As YouTube pointed out, that’s enough people to fill a jumbo jet 🙂 This was not enough, yet, to translate into large gains in clients or students, but I have seen growth in enrollment as well. I increased the number and type of my offerings and still wrote and created quite a bit, so feeling proud of my efforts overall. Will continue with perseverance and strategy.
Revenue: I’m not sharing financial details here in this article, but like my other stated goals, I saw distinct growth, albeit not yet at the scale I desired. New opportunities continue to present themselves and I am so grateful to be able to do work I’m passionate about! Continuing to work to give myself grace with transitioning to a new country, language and life through global pandemic.
Annual Glows + Grows
As with my reflections on other periods of time, in Daily Logs, Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly Reflections, I take note of what went well, what was challenging, surprises and challenges, highlights and lowlights.
I vent it all, then see what trends and themes I can suss out.
Glows: Highlights & Accomplishments
As we saw, I did not hit all of the targets I set though process was made. There were some standout moments related to my intentions, as well as delights and enriching experiences that arrived over the course of the year.
Getaways to Bochum in at the start of the year, to the Mosel wine region with friends in September, to Amsterdam with my cousins in June
Other cousins visited Cologne in October and of my best friends visited Cologne in December
Classes and offerings growing, Barre a Terre, teaching and coaching in new locations and demographics, further possibilities unfolding
“Alice im Wunderland Ballett” was a success with Tanzschule Tanzraum at the Urania Theatre in Cologne, so proud of all the students!
Hosted new challenges and workshops: “International Women’s Day Yoga,” “Get Down Daily,” “Ignite the Spark of Creativity,” “Transitions & Translations,”
Emceed for the first time for West Hawai’i Dance Theatre’s “Rikki Tikki Tavi Ballet”
Participated in challenges new and old: Camp NaNoWriMo/Memoir, Self-Care September, A Year of Planning, Alphabet Superset creative challenge still in progress, learning to use TikTok
Adulting: Started collecting profit using the PROFIT FIRST system, Granted a 3-year work visa in Germany, Applied for the Kunstler Sozialkasse and Techniker Krankenkasse, Solved credit card issue, switched Spotify to YouTube for music, bought a Deutschland Ticket subscription for unfettered travel
Arts & Culture – was treated to live performances including “Nutcracker,” “Rikki Tikki Tavi,” and “Navy Blue”
Sports – started practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong, watching Sumo Championships, Women’s World Cup finals, Eddie Aikau surf competition
Ela returned to Karate after working hard to recover from knee injury and surgery
Bathroom repair after flooding late 2022 finally complete
Received a copy of a history of one side of my family from a distant cousin: The Kernahan Clan, still need to read it and follow-up
Had a blast on my Artist’s Dates, bought stationery, played in my journals and got creative, especially enjoyed traveling with my new Artist’s Roll for my colored pencils and a few other items
Grows: Lowlights, Loss & Lessons
This was a bit of a theme of the year for me, unforeseen challenges, grieving, letting go, hanging in there, starting again. It was not the easiest year for me emotionally, and I know I’m not alone in this. It was overall a beautiful, wonderful year and I don’t want to complain, but also want to be honest and authentic about my experience and not ignore the difficult parts.
Wars in Ukraine and Gaza are shaking our world, sending refugees and trauma. Save the children, call for a ceasefire, peace on earth.
My Great Aunt Kathie, with whom I was not especially close but who was dearly beloved in my family and was my Tutu’s last living sibling, passed away this year
A studio where I teach suddenly lost a dear custodian, Guiseppe, with whom I often chatted and whose family is left bereft
3 beloved family dogs passed
One of my aunts was diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment
I had my own health scare and had to be treated for Hemorrhoids, a much more common condition than I realized
Our bathroom flooding repairs took all year
Challenges and goals that I did not complete as intended: Inktober52 (3/52 drawings), Nikolais/Louis reading and explorations, coaching client acquisition, business card distribution, sample sessions, content creation and networking at the level I intended (yet)
Unsuccessful university teaching position application (I believe I am qualified and do love teaching in higher education, but I’m also happy to work outside of the system)
Did not publish Somatics and Ballet or other academic articles to blog (yet)
Did not participate in a dance research conference but would like to in the future
Zoom video recording problem which created difficulties for my video workflow and beyond, technical issues aplenty
Very slow/delayed on monthly, quarterly reflection, still haven’t broken down expenses categories for budgeting, paying taxes and recordkeeping very stressful, need a better system for this
Did not take steps towards getting my German Drivers License
Intentional Habits & Practices
In service to my overarching long-term goals, I had announced twenty-three focus areas or more regular habits/practices. This was playfully inspired by JashiiCorrin on YouTube, with a Bullet Journal spread to declare and track. For each of the 23 chosen actions, I meant to make at least 23 contributions, and in this way consistently support of my major goals and most valued priorities.
23 Twenty-Threes in 2023
I met quite a few of my 23 targets, and missed a bunch as well…
Here are the practices I prioritized:
Practice Yoga – as this is meant to be a daily ritual, I practiced yoga many more than 23 times, rather 318 sessions and it continues to be there exactly when and how I need it
Meditate – 299 sessions
Gratitude & Abundance – 365 days
Morning Pages – 189 entries
Classes Taught – 417 including online, in-studio, and at a new school location!
Bullet Journal Spreads – at least 104, including annual collections, monthly and weekly spreads, and quarterly reflections, plus special events and trips
Books Read – I actually enjoyed reading 35 books and I’m very happy with this. My goal for reading is not maximum consumption, but maximum appreciation of the benefits of reading books and a balance of pleasure and growth. Diversity in topics and genres as well as turning to reading material that is just for the fun of it. When it comes to nonfiction, I tend to read slowly, take a lot of notes, and try to integrate what I learn into my life as I go. Currently I plan to record and share what were my favorite books and other media of 2023, to come…
Send Email Newsletters – 45, a top priority is to stay in touch with my inner circle of students, clients, and likeminded creatives
Write Articles – 14, less than desired, partly also do to technical snafus with video publishing process, also just allowed myself to get derailed by life stuff
Videos Published – 17, much lower than I expected due to unforseen technical difficulties and other circumstances
Dance Improvisation – several times per week, 52+
Choreography – 19, very much supported by participating in Alphabet Superset
Artist’s Dates – weekly, about 52
Physical Therapy – about twice weekly, 52+
Non-Priorities / Did not meet objective
Letters Sent – 13 (I love pen-palling but struggle to get out cards and letters as I wish to do)
Podcasts Published – 4, though I did reach episode 100! Decided to let this take a back burner to other content types this year as I took on new roles in other areas
Drawings – 3, also decided to let Inktober52 go
Poems – 11, kept my practice going
Music Practice – stopped tracking
Micro Workout – stopped tracking
(Not tracking Student or Client numbers or Income here)
Key 2023 Themes for Me
Theme 1: Family
I most cherish special times with family this year, mine and Ela’s. So grateful to be able to travel to be with my parents, and that a couple of my cousins could come to Europe, meeting us in the Netherlands or at home in Cologne. Got to spend quality time with a couple of my cousins’ delightful growing children and I treasure the memories.
But possibly our family’s biggest news of the year is the birth of Ela’s sister’s child, baby Adem in the spring. He is absolutely the best and we’re eating him up. Not sharing photos of him online, so you will have to imagine his wide, curious eyes, huge cheeks, and dear smile!
I was blessed with a wealth of special concerts, performances, galleries and museums, travel adventures, new sports and more! Planning to pass along recommendations for my favorite reads, viewing, and events in an upcoming blog.
My 3 Favorite Blog Articles of the Year
Of my writings this year, I’d like to recommend a few that I think are particularly valuable in retrospect:
As I shared, creative challenges were a big highlight of my year, if you’re wanting to see how they could support your goals as well, my Chosen Challenges Blog is here
Storytelling, whether in-person, on video, or written was everywhere in 2023 and I was working to become a better nonfiction writer (it’s ongoing), through Camp Memoir and readings, which I reflected on in Writing True Stories to Reflect & Connect
My Goals for 2024
My big-picture, long-term goals haven’t changed this year, but I will be continuing to pursue them in patient, persistent, and strategic ways. I’ve also chosen 24 24’s for 2024 and will be sharing these intended actions and how I’m tracking and supporting them in the future.
Having already declared a Word of the Year in this article, next up will be jumping into action and creating systems to support the journey of the coming year. Glad to be on this journey together!
Questions for Reflection
How do you reflect on the year past?
What goals and intentions do you have for 2024?
How can I support you in going after your dreams this year?
Resources for Further Exploration
I’ve got oodles more free resources for you here on the blog, on the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel, on social media and live! The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing as well as my favorite work from other creators is to subscribe to my weekly email newsletter. Would love to be connected to you there, here, on social media, online or in-person!
Blog article-wise, here are some others you might find interesting:
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties, taking leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga & dance education
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
Courage to Jump (and Fall) Creates Possibility to Fly
2024 is a leap year and both the dynamic term “leap year” and idea of a whole additional juicy day in the year during which to experience and accomplish things inspired me to choose LEAP as my year’s stand or intention.
As a dancer, it’s an apt analogy, though I no longer physically leap quite like I once did. Courageously following my heart regardless of fear has become my personal practice. Choosing a guiding word or phrase each year has also been a part of my intention-setting process since 2015, thanks to my friend Liz, and I also shared about my 2023 Word and intentions on Instagram, YouTube, and here on the blog.
As 2023 came to an end, I circled in and landed on Leap as my word for the coming year. Through contemplation and free-association, all sorts of connections arose. I thought of the flying creatures I love such as birds and butterflies, the nurturance and training in the nest and transformation in the chrysalis that then make taking to the sky possible, after a first courageous step into the unknown.
Skies and celestial imagery, stars and our sun, the moon and planets, wind and weather patterns all came to mind. Mind, intuition and spirit got to work forging connections and planting seeds for future creation. I considered how this word could connect to and fuel my projects, goals, short- and long-term vision. What leaps do I want to take this year? How do I want to help others to take their own quantum leaps?
Alignment with Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values
Being able to take such leaps has to do with Freedom, one of my core values which is deeply connected to my Purpose of Joy, Essence of Buoyant (!), Creative, Curious, Love, & Leader, my Mission to inspire, equip, and liberate, Vision to support my community to live extraordinary lives through coaching, dance and mindful movement education… even my Artist’s Prayer includes “loving my neighbors, helping them to fly as birds!”
None of us is free until we are all free, and my work includes an intersectional commitment to emancipation for all.
For me personally to take leaps of faith and freedom, I will keep exercising and trusting my voice, expressing my message, and engaging in supports and challenges that help me do so. Empowering and uplifting myself and others starts within and then moves out into the world.
My role as a Bliss Catalyst and Quantum Leap Launcher is to assist others in navigating their own courageous moves, whether they be artistic, athletic, professional, or personal.
Staying Present to Our Intentions
Staying grounded in this intention informs my attitude and choices throughout the year and helps me get oriented again when I get lost in the circumstances of everyday life, from mundane details to sudden crises or worldwide drama.
Writing out my word and poem in my Bullet Journal and collaging imagery means I have positive associations with it, will interact with it daily and be reminded or where I’m coming from in 2024. This way it can influence my decisions and actions and how I influence others.
This specific approach appeals to and motivates me, but this will take a different shape for each individual person and process.
Finding Luck and Synchronicity
Choosing a theme, intention, or word for the year also provides a connecting thread for all of my experiences, influences, and resources. My intuition and awareness are on alert for helpful inputs and inspirations. In my daily reading and media consumption, synchronicity has already started popping up all over in the books, poems, articles, conversations, artworks, and experiences in nature I encounter. A few of these are captured in the photo above, and I’ll keep collecting them in my Bullet Journal, music and video playlists, and second brain as the year continues.
May your year also be blessed with support for taking leaps of faith into your wildest dreams!
Questions for Reflection
What is your Word(s) of the Year?
Which small action(s) will you take today to embody it?
How will you return to your intention when life inevitably carries you away?
If you’d like to actually learn to leap like a ballerina in the air, you’ll want to work on your splits on the floor and I explain how in the Go Bananas for the Splits Blog Article
Acknowledging the subtle and dramatic changes from season-to-season is one of the ways I like to celebrate life. Seasonal rituals help me celebrate each transition, acknowledge how I’ve learned and grown and what it’s time to let go. Today is the day before the autumn equinox if you’re here in real time, a great time to start your ritual, or you can take inspiration anytime.
September in Cologne sees the earliest leaves changing from green to yellow, the dry crunch underfoot, nuts and berries aplenty even in the heart of the city. Outside my door hazelnuts are falling onto the cobblestones, cars rolling over pop them open and the pigeons gorge themselves.
How we each best enjoy the distinct times of year is personal. I’m sharing some rituals I find especially meaningful and enjoyable around the time of the Fall or Autumnal Equinox. This designates the point in the year (once in fall, once in spring) where day and night are of equal length, in this case the official transition into the cooler part of the year in the northern hemisphere. For academics and others, fall can feel like another new year, a time of launching projects and ideas, to return to our purpose refreshed after summer frolicking.
I invite you to craft your own ideal celebration and let me know how you get festive whether simple or elaborate, solo or with others.
Summer-to-Autumn Menu
Here I’ll provide just a few examples of practices that you might like to incorporate into your own seasonal ritual or everyday life.
I also like to create a fall/seasonal Bucket List, Reading list, collection of Film, Show. Music, Media favorites and the like, but will leave such goodies for a future article.
Some places to look depending on your time or particular Equinox interests:
Nature – go for a walk or be outdoors
Yoga & Mindful Movement – choose a more strenuous or relaxing practice depending on what you need and feels good
Breath & Mantra – great ways to ground and be present
Poetry & Inspiring Reading – read or listen to favorite seasonal poems or what suits the mood
Music – play or sing a tune, put on a track or playlist to set the tone
Cleaning, Decluttering & Organizing – take small steps toward a cozy and comfortable living space
Cooking, Baking, Food & Eating – for me, it’s eating seasonal ingredients and dishes, cooking comfort foods, baking easy muffins, cookies, and treats
Creativity – setting up seasonal projects, refocusing for the next period, planning in fun and play for my Artist Child, outlets for my mature artistic voice, and enchanting offerings for my students and clients
Any other rituals of your choosing, or just take a nap and rest up for a new season!
Equinox / Fall Yoga Practice Ideas
As the hours of daylight grow fewer, it is a great time to shift our yoga practice to more restful, restorative, and yin practices, releasing some of summer’s high energy and intensity and nurturing the body and soul and aiming for balance.
Any of the practices from my Yoga ReTREAT 5-day virtual retreat would also be lovely part of a summer-to-autumn equinox ritual or regular morning routine. My whole library of recorded yoga practices is available on the Yogalicious playlist on YouTube.
Fall Deep Breathing
You may with to do a breath practice such as my Autumn Release Lion Breath Yoga:
Check out my Beautiful Breathing Yoga Pranayama playlist with a growing collection of breathwork practices to relax, balance, and energize.
Autumn Equinox Meditations
Get present to a new season with a delicious mediation:
Or do a relaxing Yoga Nidra or Non-Sleep Deep Rest practice like this one:
Fall Poetry Faves
Oh I love to swoon to the poetry of autumn as well as to inspirational readings of a spiritual, nonfiction, or fiction variety. Here are a few Fall Poetry Faves and I’m always collecting new poems and songs that move me.
Fanciful Fall Dancing
Dancing in nature, around a fire, or anywhere is also a great way to let go of stagnant energy and the past, be present, and move into the future.
You can write to remember, refer to, and keep, to let go of, burn, or destroy, or even to share! Creative writing can serve many purposes in your Equinox ritual or any transition of life. Some of my favorite ways to use writing in my practice are in my Reflective practice through journaling blog article.
This is also a great time of year to focus on gratitude and blessings, and I like to keep gratitude and abundance logs in digital and analog forms.
If you really want to go for it with your writing this season,
Thank you for reading, I am glad you are here and I look forward to hearing about your own favorite fall rituals and traditions!
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties, taking leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga & dance education
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
The time is ripe for a new creative challenge, and one crossed my path just recently that I’m excited to jump into, Struthless’ “Alphabet Superset” Challenge!
Encompassing 26 weeks of letter inspiration plus breaks, and lots of structures of support for all artists and creators regardless of medium or experience level, it’s shaping up to be an inspirational and rampantly productive time.
All are welcome to the burgeoning supportive community and participation is free.
Here is Struthless’ original invitation video to introduce the project:
How the Program Works
In the words of Struthless, “You probably want to know what you’re getting yourself into! For a summary of the project, check out this Overview.
For a breakdown of what you’ll be doing, have a read of How it Works.
This will let you know what to do next.”
A-Week begins on Monday the 4th of September, and making art together in real time is going to be powerful, but you can also jump in anytime.
Create whatever sort of alphabet challenge you like and Struthless will provide helpful resources to narrow your focus and generate juicy parameters for prolific creativity.
This challenge is a fairly big commitment, so if it is for you I look forward to seeing what you get up to, but if you’d prefer a shorter-term but still concentrated creative challenge, there are a few ideas below under Resources for further Exploration.
The variety of projects I’ve seen folks taking on so far is astounding! That said, it’s good for each project to have a tight focus to create lots of ideas and ultimately a cohesive body of work. A range of examples is also provided in the worksheets provided when you join the challenge.
Here’s what the details are shaping up to look like for me, with the assistance of the worksheets in the program and my current curiosity:
10-20 Second Weekly Small Space Video Micro-Choreographies
Shared to TikTok (@blythelydancing), IG and/or Facebook, YouTube (all @ablythecoach)
Sharing to social media for the purposes of the Alphabet Superset challenge, I have no expectations or intention of trying to go “viral.” This goal is not concerned with metrics of social media performance or external “success”, but in order to have a playful form of accountability and build community with other creators within the project.
Purpose of Participation
Although dance is my specialty, this format is outside of my comfort zone, so I wanted to use the motivation and shared risk-taking joie de vivre to propel me to continue to be a learner in the form, along with my students. Full disclosure: I’ve avoided participating in TikTok until now, so this will be my first contribution to the platform!
I intend to explore what’s possible with the vertical/portrait smart phone video orientation, as well as size-, location-, and viewpoint-specific choreography, and popular music. Also here to encourage others to dance, move, and create in their own way!
The whole challenge will help keep my knowledge of today’s dances and dance students up-to-date, while also refining my own artistic voice.
Structures for Success
Here’s where participating in a structured creative challenge is full of juicy potential! Struthless has provided some really fun and helpful worksheets for those who join the free challenge, so I definitely recommend signing up and using those if it piques your interest.
In addition, I am also using:
A Bullet Journal and Dry-Erase Board, a Morning Pages Notebook, stationery supplies
A variety of settings to inspire movement
Real-Life Community
Online Community (IG, TT, Email Newsletter subscribers)
Questions for Reflection
In what media do you create or wish to?
Will you join me in giving the Alphabet Superset or another creative challenge a go?
What structures of support do you need to help you succeed at the challenge?
Resources for further Exploration
Feel free to reach out to me via email or on Instagram @ablythecoach, I’d love to hear what you’re creating and I’m grateful we’re connected.
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
“When we really listen to people talk about themselves, we get to learn about ourselves and it’s beautiful and it’s interesting and it wouldn’t happen in any other way.”
Hello again! In my last blog article, “Let’s Write! Camp NaNoWriMo & Creative Structure,” I declared my participation in the writing challenge Camp NaNoWriMo this July, focusing on developing real-life personal memoir-type stories. In the past I’ve done tons of academic writing, dabbled in fiction and poetry, and I’ve been working through my blog and email newsletter to refine my voice further, but had yet to dig in and develop any of my true stories that I’ve journaled about over the years.
Yes, it was emotional to take the memoir route, looking at my own personal history, diving into true experiences of growth and personal transformation, large and small. I wanted to use the challenge as an opportunity to both study and practice storytelling techniques, so I set a few goals for the focused month, developing habits I can carry forward to enrich my creative practice and life.
Here I’m sharing my results, what I learned from participating in Camp NaNoWriMo this year, and benefits you too might glean from such a personal writing practice.
Goals and Results
My goals and outcomes for Camp NaNo / Memoir July 2023 were:
Finish ReadingStoryworthy book by Matthew Dicks (I did, they also have a great YouTube Channel, and I found a lot of other great memoir resources online as well!)
Daily Story Ideas (generated 38/31)
Weekly Story rough drafts (wrote 5/4)
Continue to practice the new writing strategies I learned
Create a second draft/polish one story (in-progress, see below)
Blog about it
Tracking Writing Progress
Creating spreads in my Bullet Journal makes keeping track of my efforts more fun, so I set up a handy place to measure my progress towards my goals:
Writing Stories Improves Your Life
In the “Personal Writing as a Method for Change, featuring Michelle Tea“ podcast on shewrites.com, writer Michelle Tea: “The challenge is to remember exactly what happened, get to some sort of truth or some sort of heart of the situation and really play with language to basically manipulate my reader. So that’s what I’m doing when I’m writing memoir.” (about 7:30) Both Tea and Dicks express the importance of getting at the gems of truth, value, and learning from our personal experiences in processing them to share. It can take time to heal from some
In the book I chose to guide my storytelling growth, Storyworthy, author Matthew Dicks talks about how writing, such as his daily exercise called “Homework for Life,” and his “Crash and Burn” freewriting session that resembles Morning Pages, provides an opportunity for reflection, growth in understanding, and can even stretch our and our audience’s perception of time.
Here’s how you do Homework for Life: “Five minutes a day is all I’m asking. At the end of every day, take a moment and sit down. Reflect upon your day. Find your most storyworthy moment, even if it doesn’t feel very storyworthy. Write it down. Not the whole story, but a few sentences at most. As you start to see importance and meaning in each day, you suddenly understand your importance to this world.” (Storyworthy p.58)
Yes, each of our stories matter!
Writing Stories Stretches Time
Dicks claims, and I have experienced to be true, at least at moments: “As you begin to take stock of your days, find those moments — see them and record them — time will begin to slow down for you. The pace of your life will relax.” (Storyworthy p.53-4) Just as sketching can deepen how we see the world, what we witness and perceive, so can crafting stories from our lives.
Storytelling Time Travels Your Audience
Storytelling can create a sense of time travel for listeners/readers, as Dicks explains: “If I am doing my job well and telling an excellent story, you may, for just a moment, forget that you exist in the present time and space and travel back to the year and location that I am describing. My goal as a storyteller is to make my audience forget that the present moment exists. I want them to forget that I exist.” (Storyworthy p.291)
Write Rough Drafts
I decided to take Matthew Dicks’ advice to focus on small moments, and underdog experiences in storytelling–not necessarily the big life-changing or success stories we might first think of.
That in mind, I wrote out a few of the ideas I came up with as free-writes, then typed them up and began the editing process. None are yet refined, but I thought I’d share one of the stories-in-progress here just for giggles:
Biscotti at the Bridal Expo
It’s 2019 and my girlfriend Ela and I attend the Cologne Bridal Expo at Koeln Messe (the trade fair), having received tickets from her ex, who wanted to show her appreciation for Ela and another friend’s helping her prepare the graphics for her Grillmaster Hang Vietnamese street food booth. I have been working very hard to integrate myself into a new country and culture, cried through German language intensive courses, toiled to be sensitive and understood in my teaching, in applying for my work visa, in the grocery store, learning the customs and showing respect to the best of my ability, but I am still new to Germany, far from fluent.
We take the subway across the river, walk through the entryway, festooned with a massive multicolored balloon arch, several other dazzling examples of which are also on display, the competing concepts jostling for attention. We make our way to the booth, which looks awesome with slick yet distinct ambiance evocative of a fantasy Eastern street scene I have yet to experience in real life, with colors of wood, bamboo, green plants, and eye-catching graphics. We all embrace, congratulate the team on getting everything together for the expo, and sample Hang’s delicious appetizers. Her summer rolls are to die for, and we toast with tea. Definitely recommend!
We then drift around all manner of booths to the stage area where our eyes are treated to fashion shows, we listen to live music from harp to Schlager (German hits), peep at diamonds and decorations, view and taste everything Germany’s wedding market has to offer. I reflect that though I’ve been married twice, I have yet to attend such a grand exhibition of wedding wares, and what a funny perspective that is from which to view the festivities.
After much serpentine wandering, I’m wending my way to the back left corner of the huge hall. I pull up to a biscotti booth, where the crispy oblong cookies are appealingly arranged, the array of flavors shining through polished glass jars.
A few people are currently gathered talking to the lady in an apron inside the booth, her hair drawn back into a smart chignon. Taking it all in, I consider which variety to try, and draw one out. I bite into its gratifying expected crunch and wish I had a coffee to go with it as well.
The booth person turns to me, a silver tray of tiny cut-up pieces of biscotti in one hand, tongs with to distribute them in the other, her eyes widening, her face transforming to one of horror, her mouth uttering, all too late, “NEIN!”
But the time to stop me has passed. I’m caught red-handed, the dry texture aleady sucking the moisture from my mouth. Instantly, heat rises to flush my cheeks and chest, turning fully red as I chew and swallow my biscotti bite in shame. All eyes in the group are on me, and only then does my party find their way back to my side.
Deeply embarrassed by my faux pas, indignant at my confusion, and hysterically tickled at the absurdity of the whole situation, I erupt into laughter, scarfing the rest of the biscotti as I round the corner, explaining the shameful debacle that just ensued.
Despite my efforts to blend, I still can’t fully escape coming across as inconsiderate or entitled, even rude. My fear come true, I still, and apparently always will, manage to fulfill many people’s expectations of a “rude American”!
I’m grateful there is no penalty, no long-term consequences for such minor foreigner foibles. However, I am left with the knowledge that try as I might, however experienced or sophisticated I work to become, I will always experience embarrassingly human slip-ups! Learning a new language and moving to a new country as an adult is proving terrifying, humbling, and hilarious.
Next Steps after NaNo
Going forward, I’d like to continue to generate story ideas by doing my Homework for Life, to develop stories to eventually share, and to apply the storytelling tactics I’ve been learning. I’ll share some of my stories on the blog, and hope to eventually publish them in other contexts as well as publish a memoir. The daily habits and storyteller’s ear will continue to be my focus, the enhancement of my quality of life and observation, with lofty goals to inspire.
Considering if I want to participate in NaNoWriMo in November, the next Camp NaNo in April, and what other structures I’d like to support my writing in the future.
Questions for Reflection
Do you have an existing “Homework for Life” practice or will you take it on?
Which of your stories are waiting to be told?
What stories do you find most engaging to hear told or to read?
Which practices help you slow down time when life gets frenetic?
What support do you need to take your next creative plunge?
Back in the year 2019, having freshly moved from Honolulu, Hawai’i to Cologne, Germany, I began integrating into a new country, learning the language, and teaching. It was still prior to global pandemic, before I started publishing this blog in 2020, and with I wanted to do something to inspire my creativity as well as take steps toward a few long-held goals, such as a full-length ballet idea and the desire to publish books.
Knowing that due to years of higher education, I’m much more practiced with writing essays and dry academic writing (regardless of how scintillating I may find the topics) than more creative compositions, I decided to jump into fiction writing for a change. Thanks to social media, I learned of National Novel Writing Month and took on the challenge to write a novel in a month.
Although I didn’t “win” the challenge that November according to the standard 50,000-word goal, I came closer than ever before with a 18,600-word partial novella and the experience spurred me on to participate in and host further creative challenges, ultimately nurturing lasting habits, inspiration, and a growing body of work.
In 2021 I went on to write a Haiku poem every single day, this year I doodled my way through an Inktober adventure which I also discuss in my Charming Chosen Challenges article, and this July I’m excited to join Camp NaNoWriMo, a more casual writing challenge that takes place in April and July.
What is Camp NaNoWriMo?
According to nanowrimo.org, a rich resource for writing, both novels and other genres:
“Camp NaNoWriMo is your next, great writing adventure. Each April and July, tackle your own creative goal in the company of our global writing community.”
You can create your own online profile for free, set and track your goal, connect with other writers, and receive motivation and accountability on your journey as an author. NaNoWriMo also have a very informative YouTube channel.
My Camp Goals
For Camp NaNoWriMo I’ve landed on a new challenge to develop true stories from my life that could form the beginning of a memoir. I started by announcing my intention to participate on Instagram (@ablythecoach), opening up a new Evernote document and Bullet Journal spread dedicated to brainstorming for the challenge, and will continue to update my social media and email newsletter subscribers on my progress.
This time around, on the official website, I set my project up as a 1,000 Words goal. What that really means on a daily basis, is that I plan to develop the skill and habit of nonfiction storytelling through the following habits:
Keep reading and working exercises from Storyworthy book by Matthew Dicks, for story ideas and crafting techniques
Collect Daily Acorns / story ideas (31+ in July) using Homework for Life (noticing story moments in everyday life, in memories), Crash and Burn (which is a freewriting exercise a lot like Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way that I already do weekdays but can always use more effectively), and First Last Best Worst from Storyworthy
Craft weekly Short Story Drafts (4 in July)
Notes from NaNoWriMo 2019
As I mentioned in the introduction, in 2019 I participated in National Novel Writing Month and began to write my first novella! At the end of the month I still felt that it’s far from complete, but I did write fiction every single day and produced the bones of my first longer work of fiction. I wrote this reflection at the time, in December 2019, but didn’t get around to sharing it here on the blog until now:
“The plotline and characters in their current form are already serving as a libretto for a ballet that I’m choreographing, and I also will go back and edit and add on to the story to flesh it out as a standalone work once I’ve had a break to get perspective on it.
I took on the NaNoWriMo challenge in order to fuel my daily writing habit and to stretch myself creatively in a new way. It worked splendidly! With all I had going on last month, I committed to working on my book for one hour per day, every day, and not to the full official word count of at least 50,000 words. Maybe next year… It was thrilling to go around imagining characters and settings, key scenes, and dialogue. Getting inside the heads of different people and their relationships, what’s important to them and the events of their lives was a magical way to spend any spare thinking moments I had, and to produce work on this project consistently.
In the end, I came up to about 18,600 words, which is a whole lot more than any other fiction I have written in the past, and to be honest I haven’t written a creative story since I was a child. Academic papers? By the boxful (I can prove it). Books and books of personal journaling, plus some scattered poetry, sure. But to pursue a work of fiction this deep, this fast, was all new to me. It was a huge challenge to show up to write every single day, and I did miss a couple of sessions due to illness, the hours for which I subsequently made up.
I got Chris Baty’s (one of the NaNoWriMo founders) book, No Plot? No Problem! A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days for my Kindle and it was a fun and inspiring read. Next time I take on NaNoWriMo, I’ll follow the his suggested schedule for preparing in October to jumpstart my month. As it was, I just did a tiny bit of research and thought about characters and point-of-view and then jumped right in. I also indulged in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear and it is providing ongoing encouragement to realize my creative imagination. I love books about writing and making art, as well as nonfiction on all the topics that interest me, and of course novels, fine and performing arts. I’m great at taking in inputs and information, consolidating, organizing, and cross-referencing, the challenge is to then create my own output. There’s a balance to strike between the two, always learning from written and live sources and also sharing my own ideas and impressions.
I definitely needed a bit of a break after my intensive stint of writing, and now I will direct my writing time to reflecting on 2019, brainstorming for the new year and decade ahead, this blog, my German writing skills, and poetry. 2020 excites me greatly and I believe there are wonderful things awaiting all of us. As a sort of teaser for the novel I started, which will be born once it’s good and ready, I thought I’d share one of the poems I wrote to accompany the text, perhaps at the beginning of each chapter. It’s a pirate story, and I don’t want to share too many details yet, so here is just a hint:
_ Let’s light this wretched world on fire, Flaming out against the dark.
Not yet sure when or two what extent I may share the stories I write during Camp, we shall see where the practice takes me. Would you be interested in true stories from my life?
You’re always more than welcome to reach out to me via email or on Instagram @ablythecoach, I’d love to hear what you’re creating, and I’m grateful we’re connected.
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst she/her or they/them A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
As part of my birthday celebration this year I decided to indulge in sharing, in no particular order, this collection of incomplete, unjustified, and unsolicited pieces of advice!
The bite-sized nuggets come from a wide variety of influences from family and mentors to thinkers and celebrities and my own observations and beliefs.
Lessons & Advice, Meaning of Life
I’ve been thinking about the meaning of life, a la The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which I am reminded that I really would like to re-read.
Usually careful to cite sources, provide context and justification, as well as practical applications, in this case I’ve cast all that aside. Instead, I’ve just compiled, willy-nilly, some of what I consider to be the most important lessons I’ve learned so far. Some might be thought trite, some are redundant, and there are certainly important lessons I’ve failed to include. However all have provided meaning and motivation to me at some point.
Concepts I’ve listed here are also included in my work here in my articles, in my classes and coaching, online on YouTube and social media. Some will bear elaboration in future offerings and I’d love to know what piques your interest.
Want to make creativity a daily ritual and see your self-realization soar?
Regular artistic explorations can help build a habit of joyful creative expression, and each activity can help grow your ability to feel inspired and produce abundant work.
According to “Making Art is Good for Your Health” on npr.org, “‘The act of creation can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood,’ says Girija Kaimal, a professor at Drexel University and a leading researcher in art therapy. ‘And flexing our creative side can give us a stronger sense of agency — the ability to solve problems by imagining possible solutions.'”
The bite-sized artistic practices to follow were originally presented as my “Ignite the Spark of Your Creativity” Challenge on Instagram in celebration of International Coaching Week.
Use the six prompts that below to ignite your creative spark and be amazed by the cumulative and far-reaching impacts such regular practices can have in your life.
Freewriting is the first creative prompt, and is valuable regardless of your preferred artistic medium. One way to free write is called Morning Pages and comes from Julia Cameron’s _The Artist’s Way_ book and program. Cameron writes:
“Every morning, set your clock one-half hour early; get up and write three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness morning writing. do not reread these pages or allow anyone else to read them. Ideally, stick these pages in a large manila envelope, or hide them somewhere. Welcome to the morning pages. They will change you.” (_The Artist’s Way_ p.96)
You could also respond to specific prompts, such as recording observations from your five senses, or trying out these Writing Exercises for Poets from Reedsy. The main thing is to get words flowing onto paper, and save any editing for another time.
The second prompt is to move through an Egg Improvisation–or several–as described in _The Creative Habit_ by Twyla Tharp: “The exercise I call Egg is a great way to start a creative session. It couldn’t be simpler: I sit on the floor, bring my knees to my chest, curl my head down to my knees, and try to make myself as small as I can. In this minimalized shrunken state, I have nowhere else to go; I cannot become smaller, I can only expand and grow. And so it becomes a ritual of discovery for me. If I lift my head and straighten my back I become Tall Egg. If I stretch out my legs and point my toes, forming an L-shape, I become Jackknife Egg. I stick with it as long as it remains interesting, sometimes going through as many as a hundred positions. I’ve been doing this daily for years and I usually find something new in the process.” (_The Creative Habit_ p.112) Tharp herself emphasizes, as with each of the prompts I suggest in this article, that this improvisation does not require specialized skills or ability and can be fruitful for all sorts of creative folks: “I like the Egg routine because it is so basic. You don’t need to know anything or be in particularly good shape to do it (although some stretching is a definite help). The only requirement is a commitment to the process. The starting Egg position is your home base and you are setting out to see see how far you can travel from home.” (_The Creative Habit_ p.113)
Next is to get crafty, assembling scrap papers, ephemera (gift wrap, cards, tickets, maps, stamps, stickers…), a glue stick or other adhesive and arrange a mixed media collage. Collage using found images, textures, and text, which could take the shape of a mood or vision board, a multi-media mosaic, decorations in a journal, or whatever you want. Cut out your favorite bits using scissors or tear with your hands, try out different configurations, consider color and texture, allow the product to be perfectly imperfect.
It could be a joyful noise or reflect any kind of mood your feeling, prompt four is to sing, play body percussion or an instrument. Devise a rhythm, write a song, make a beat or a playlist.
My RISE Up in Love Playlist has some favorite feel-good tracks and I find pieces of music and playlists can amplify inspiration to dance and create with other media.
The fifth prompt has us getting sketchy and drawing on paper with pencil or ink, in the form of a landscape, still life, cartoon, caricature, dance shapes and movements, abstract, or doodle.
Regardless of the artistic merits of your creation, there is evidence that Drawing helps you think, and it engages us visually and kinesthetically. So dash out a little sketch and get familiar with exercising your brain in this way.
A further way to ignite your creativity is seek out human sources of creative inspiration and community. You could seek out collaborators in your local community or online, such as on social media or the HITRECORD App, which is loaded with stimulating prompts and ideas for a range of media and genres.
Next Steps
Once ignited, keep the fire of your inspiration burning with daily practice.
Fuel the fire by showing up for your creative rituals regularly, reflecting with the questions below, digging into the resources for further exploration, joining me on my email newsletter, in upcoming workshops and live classes in-studio and online!
Questions for Reflection
What lights you up?
Which media did your inner Artist Child particularly enjoy?
Which practices will you continue to fuel the fire if your creativity?
With whom will you creatively collaborate?
How can I support you in making your artistic mark?