When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
But now those days are gone, I'm not so self assured
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the groundJohn, Paul, George and Ringo. 1965
Hello folks,
Warm Monday morning greetings to you.
The second in this series of voice notes from a creative comrade and cheerleader is here. Today’s audio INKLINGS offering is looking at SUPPORT. When following our INKLINGS, our calls to create, make, write, dance, and play et., we need support, which can come in different forms.
SUP (from sub-) - ‘up from under’ + PORT (from portare) - ‘to carry’
I have enjoyed and been challenged by bringing these audio offerings together. They have required my own reflections on the themes and questions, so if you’re also finding them helpful and also a little spicey, I feel you! New insights have emerged. Because, like, how often do we actually ask ourselves “but what do I need right now?” and listen to the answer?
You may find an immediate inner jolt of “don’t be so selfish” or “i’m too busy for this.” Know that this is mental gatekeeping and safe-making from your splendid brain guardians at the prospect of engaging with a new and unknown thing (and is the very nature of creating). Reflecting on what kind of support we need, where it can be found and seeking it out can help us to do the things. We may also have some feelings arise that require our attention, whether through journalling (a personal favourite), spending some time sitting with a hand on the heart and breathing steadily, or in conversation with a trusted human.
Support, support, support.
We are not meant to do this alone. We are not alone.
Earth. Sky. Breath. Page. Speaking. Walking. Hugging. Human. Other than human. Guidance. Holding. Advice. Mentoring.
Head into the comments if you would like to offer your thoughts on SUPPORT to follow our INKLINGS.
ROOT + WRITE: A Seasonal Series
If you would like a held space to gently ROOT, WRITE, reconnect and refuel, head over the link below.
Writing to connect to body, place and season.
Writing to express ourselves.
Writing to reflect, dream and play.
Writing to hear our own wisdom and be guided.
Writing to fuel our engagement with the world.
ROOT + WRITE: A Seasonal Series begins by marking Samhain on October 26th. Held spaciously online, with offscreen activities incorporated, 10am - 3pm UK time. Tiered pricing and payment plans are abundantly available.
Show Notes
It isn’t all about production…
We forget that we need support, we deserve support,
and that support is a huge part of creative practice.
The myth of the artist in the garret on their own, living in the hermitage miles away from anybody else, isn't really how we function on the day-to-day.
Reflections:
Who are your cheerleaders right now?
Where do you find support?
What support do you need right now? (and also recognising the support we don't need.)
We need to be aware that people who are grappling with their own limiting ideas and beliefs about what it is to be an artist or what it is to make time and space for the inklings won't be able to offer us the support that we need. Feedback without kindness is criticism.
If you would like to go a little bit deeper into listening to your inklings and connecting with the earth, the seasons, your voice, and your creative inclinations, the Root and Write seasonal series kicks off at Samhain on October 26th.
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