Day 67 - part 5 - Imagination in Action

McNiff starts off part 5 with a reminder of one’s blocks are ‘something' wanting to be 'something else' rather than what is happening in the present moment.  And one’s most reliable way to deal with the blocks is to accept them as they are.  Blocks are the fears one has about the creative process.  He states “trying to deny them increases their negative power.”  What he found helpful for his clients was to first notice any expectations.  A shift of thinking for one to “let go” of preoccupation with the outcome, to see the possibility for creative expression with persistence, exploring new and different techniques.  One needs to feel safe to explore new ways of expressing their creative visions.  Most often people avoid this part of the creative process for fear of being ridiculed, failing, or ruining their reputation in the community.  Finding a safe community can be somewhat daunting.  These safe communities are built with a direct set of principles and guidelines to support everyone, unconditionally.  Knowing one’s common response may be to judge harshly, one first must be willing to be aware of the self judgment.  Safety is the first goal.  Becoming aware of the patterns of resistance as these are a normal part of life. 

I encourage you to buy a copy of Imagination in Action for a better understanding of your own creative process.  Whether you're a master artist or beginning artist, this is an excellent book. 

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