If you’ve even remotely been aware of astrology at any point this summer, you’ve heard that we have been plagued by several entities deciding to tailspin us into Retrograde activity. This time, Mercury was not the only main character as Venus Retrograde has taken center stage this summer 2023. All the loud celebrity relationship issues, the main character energy of the masses, and pushback on the powers that be have been evidence enough that the cosmos are quite busy.
For me, I’ve transmuted the unfortunate energies into quite the creative fuel for myself. Thus far, the podcast hasn’t skipped a beat, and I’ve even launched a YouTube channel. The YouTube content will be perfect for those of you who want to experience a less vulgar version of me with the same sage advice and wittiness for the masses.
So, allow me to tell you how I’ve been cultivating my creativity during Super Retrograde 2023:
Creativity Captured
First, I BOUGHT A CAMERA.
There were a couple of thoughts that went into me getting the camera. Mostly, I wanted to be able to capture good quality video, especially if I was going to do YouTube. I researched good beginner cameras that wouldn’t require me to sell feet pics to afford them, and I landed on the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR.
I have no idea what I’m doing yet, but I’m enjoying the process. If you’re interested in purchasing the camera, here’s a link to purchase it on Amazon. (If you do purchase, I’ll make a small commission on the sale). Here are some of the pictures I’ve taken on the camera thus far worth sharing:
Creativity, Canva, and YouTube
The process of creating my first YouTube video was not as straightforward as I thought it would be. I did this whole cute thing speaking by the water at the park and got home to play the videos I recorded and heard all kinds of craziness in the background. I had to find a program that would edit out sirens, and apparently, the super soft breeze blowing in the background sounded like I sat the whole production inside a raging wind tunnel.
THEN, editing the video?! Canva is truly my best friend. If you recognize anything I post that looks like a Canva template, yes, it is. And I’m not doing much to hide that. Hours and crossed eyes later, I created the video below. So, oblige me and watch it, why don’t cha? Let me know what you think!
Reading for Creatives
In addition to getting out there and actually doing the things, I will always consult people who have done the things before me. It’s an important part of my praxis. I also require inspiration to keep the fire of creativity burning. In those moments where it’s not enough to believe in myself, I crack open a good book and let the words bring my mental into a space where I feel inspired and ready to create all over again.
The Artist’s Way
I’ve been reading and discussing The Artist’s Way with trusted friends who are at various points in their journeys as artists and creatives. I’m appreciating the book for the structure it provides in the form of weekly readings and exercises. The tools in the book really help to curate the journey of finding your inner artist and the creativity within.
When I first picked up the book, I thought it would be purely theoretical, but I love that it has such practical application and requires the level of engagement that it does. Julia Cameron requires you to really implement what she is stretching our minds to consider about ourselves and the possibilities for our new creative worlds.
The Universe Has Your Back
This read was recommended to me by my therapist during our last session after needing to pause our services temporarily. She wanted to make sure I had some tools to take with me as I made plans to rebuild my life in ways that would address some of the things discussed in our sessions. I love a therapist with a plan and some tools *wink wink.* I look forward to when I can resume sessions with her. In the meantime, this book has been taking me on a journey of trusting that I am currently on the path I’m intended to be on, to have the life that will keep me well & fulfilled.
Creativity at Home: Target Finds
I’ve finally had some time to set up things in my apartment after a long while of only kind of being unpacked since I moved in several months ago. I honestly never quite understood the love y’all had for Target, but recently, I went in to get one very specific thing and left with all the things I absolutely did not need. If you could only see my “to buy” list now.
Look at these cute pillows I got! I also convinced myself I needed wine coasters because… why not?
With all the picture-taking, reading, reorganizing, and decorating. I’ve been journaling all the ideas that have come to my head, and this blog post is just one of the ways I’m holding myself accountable to all I feel like creating.
What are some of the ways you cultivate your creativity?
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