How to Create When It Feels Like Everything Is Falling Apart
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity and how to cultivate my creative energy despite everything going on.
Part of it’s because right now, with the rise of AI, there’s a broad push for us to outsource our creativity to machines…and I could go on an entire tirade here, but I don’t want to waste my time or energy, except to say that I believe creativity is sacred. I believe our innate creative force is what keeps us alive, and that the lack of creativity in all of our lives is what drives so many people to despair…and the reason so many despair is due to how society is currently structured.
However, we can fight against despair by being creative.
One of the books I’ve been reading that explores this is called CREATIVITY: FLOW and the PSYCHOLOGY of DISCOVERY and INVENTION. It’s by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (RIP), the Hungarian-American psychologist who came up with the concept of flow, the highly focused mental state where people are so absorbed by whatever they’re working on that nothing else seems to matter. Essentially my favorite!
In his book, which is based on nearly one hundred 100 interviews with creative people in every field over thirty years of research, Csikszentmihalyi uses flow theory to explain the creative process, and to show how creativity can enrich us all. One of the sections I loved was on cultivating creative energy.
How to cultivate creative energy, according to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi:
Try to be surprised by something every day.
For me, I find surprise by listening to music, by walking in nature, by interacting with other people, by reading books, etc.
Try to surprise one person every day—send a card; call a friend; make something.
This morning, I was loving the Early With Eva Walker show on KEXP—where, in case you missed it, for the past week plus, all of Eva’s playlists have been focused on celebrating the Artemis II mission. I sent a text to Eva at KEXP to let her know how much I appreciated her celebrating Splashdown Friday. I was thrilled when she gave me a shoutout on air!
Write down what surprised you and how you surprised others.
This is about paying attention. For example, yesterday I made progress on three projects I am NOW really excited about. Previously, I found them overwhelming AF. Before I went to bed, I wrote down what it felt like to make progress on those tasks. First on a post-it, and then in my journal because I was so excited. I woke up this morning still thrilled about what I’m working on. Writing about my surprise fed my excitement, which then in turn fed my creative energy for my projects today.
Follow what sparks your interest. Right now for me, it’s journaling, Pilates (both teaching and practicing), listening to music, drawing, gardening, sewing, learning about other people. Hence the interviews. Also reading physical books. Reading on Substack. I could go on…but instead I’d encourage you to make your own list. What inspires you? Feel free to share in the comments. I promise—just the act of typing will inspire you!
However, it’s all good and well for me to tell you that you need to be creative. To tell you how to do it. But remember, creativity is a discipline. You have to invest time to be creative. And no one has much time. But small bursts help.
For example, this morning I had a meeting first thing, and then I had to work, but I took 10 minutes after my meeting, right before work, to make a drawing in my drawing journal, an activity that was both inspiring and relaxing. Just the act of sketching the spirea outside my office window gave me the fuel to accomplish my other tasks.
And it MUST be noted: I don’t look at the news or social media in the morning. I deleted my news app. I only look at screens after I’ve worked…often around lunch. That’s my hack to survive right now.
Fellow Substacker Lois Mac put it best:
What I’m Watching:
Honestly, I’ve been streaming a lot less (cultivating creative energy), but I really loved SONG SUNG BLUE, the Neil Diamond cover band biopic. I loved the story, the set design, the casting. Especially of Ella Anderson, who stars in the adaptation of my friend Julia Scheeres’ memoir Jesus Land (I wrote about visiting the JL set here). Also Michael Imperioli. I loved that Kate Hudson’s face moved! That the Eddie Vedder character wore a Cramps t-shirt. That my husband, a car dude, did not complain ONCE about the car sounds or choices (though love this take here). Loved the realistic portrayal of how hard it is to make money playing music. And of course, I loved all the Neil Diamond.
And yes, I do know the Trevor Noah joke about “Sweet Caroline.” EVERGREEN. Saw him deliver it in Atlanta:).
I also started Black Rabbit on Netflix last night. I’m Gen X, and grew up watching Jude Law and Jason Bateman, Love the way they are playing against type!
What I’m Reading:
Just finished Blob by Maggie Su. Quick, fun read. Been taking my time reading Creativity and The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm because I love them both so much, but should finish this weekend. About to start Kin by Tayari Jones (can’t wait!) and Butter by Asako Yuzuki. I recently purchased Blob, Kin, and Butter at Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Park, Florida, a great bookstore if you’re in the area!
What I’m Listening To:
Very excited to see Fabulous Bird and Blue Stars this Sunday in Athens. Really love new to me artist Julia Barfield, who is playing Athens twice this weekend, and who will be interviewed in this space very soon. I saw Julia open for Don Chambers a few weeks ago at the Dead Beat Club. Was INCREDIBLE! Was thrilled the next week, when she played right after me at Hendershot’s on March 31st, at the show where we told founding owner Seth Hendershot, goodbye. I was reading from a new essay I’m so excited about, “Murmuration”, which will be published (fingers crossed) very soon. Good luck, Seth and Jenn! Congrats to new Hendershot’s owners Lexi and Dave!
I’m hoping to make it to Drivn’ n Cryin’ at the 40 Watt Saturday. I’m very excited for Kevn Kinney’s new album. My buddy Gordon Lamb put it best in Flagpole:
A real fabric store—I’m envious!