As we navigate these challenging times with rapid changes, it is so important to find ways to stay grounded and to stay connected with community. In addition to things like yoga and meditation, creative practices are so important.

Creative practices give us space to think differently, and help build resiliency. And creativity is essential to leadership, which will you support your organization and its clients.

Some ideas:

Join an organization with a creative mission: I have been a member of Creative Mornings and I love reading their newsletters and getting ideas, like this article on conscious networking. Their monthly events in Portland are also some of my favorite for connecting.

See live music: Whenever I go to a show, I am reminded of how much I enjoy being in community, and watching a performance. In the last few months, I’ve been to several amazing shows. This includes the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Sleeping at Last, and Guster, a favorite since college at Revolution Hall. It was a funny, creative performance with music from their 30+ year career. And fun fact, I’m from the same home town as one of the band members.

Make art: I try to attend weekly art groups for women in recovery, where we’re provided time to connect, 20 minutes to draw/paint/sit, and then time to share our art. I also try to pull out my water color pallet or work on a cross stitch as a break from digital devices.
Art Alchemy
Elements 4 Wellness

Do something that just brings you joy: And I challenge you to do it without checking your phone. For me that’s watching college basketball and the new Women’s Lacrosse League. Really focusing on the game, noticing the style of play, the referee calls, etc. I do best when I record a game, and want to watch it without spoilers and every media source from social media to text messages could be risky.

Go on an Artist’s Date: I think the term comes from Julia Cameron’s the Artist’s Way. But take yourself to a museum, book store, out for a delicious pastry, visit a garden, art supply store. Anywhere the spurs creativity.

What are you doing to stay grounded and creative?