An Exchange of Energy

For quite a while now I have been working on protecting my energy and channeling it proactively in ways that promote positivity and flourishing in my life. Directing a lot of it toward creativity never fails to lift me up and propel me forward. I attribute this to a fulfilling feeling of being empowered to choose what I feel called to do. And as many of my dear readers and students know, I have felt called to share the good feeling of wholeness that comes from transforming art supplies into something you love (and then sharing it if you want to ;)

To me, this feels like a really worthwhile use and direction for my energy, adding to this good feeling. I have come to understand that this pursuit is supported by what is known as a "generative drive." It seems like it's a fairly recent concept, discussed on podcasts, mainly with psychologist, Dr. Paul Conti. Features of it include (among others): 1) the need or desire to create something, bring something new into the world, such as a new idea, a piece of art, or a solution to a problem; 2) the use of your agency to actively pursue meaningful endeavors with a sense of purpose; and 3) a positive outward engagement with the world and a concern for others that goes beyond your own gratification.

I am so grateful that I've found this path, and am able to pursue it. And I'm truly grateful to everyone who has engaged with me in this exchange of energy - that includes you.

I was talking with my friend Tara recently, about one of the issues I face as an artist and teacher. My relationship with money growing up was severely fraught (for reasons that this blog post can't cover right now, but I'm sure many of you can relate), and I still carry many limiting beliefs around it. I was telling Tara how it's been difficult for me to transform a heart-based activity like art into a business venture. Whether it's pricing my own work, classes, etc., or accepting compensation from other businesses as a teacher, I have confronted the challenge of trying to translate what I do into dollars and cents in a way that allows me to generate income. Tara said: "It's an exchange of energy," just so matter-of-factly, that my heart exploded and my face lit up (judging from her reaction). Now I had a new way to think about money - one that made profound sense to me! What she said gave me an immediate understanding of how all the energy I put into creating the art that I make, and producing all my classes, is worth something in that exchange.

And I want to thank each and every subscriber to my website. I try to make it enticing to subscribe with collage downloads and class discounts; and it is one of the simplest and least costly (to you) ways to support an artist teacher like me. But the reality is that you're giving me your attention. I don't take this for granted. I truly appreciate that you've welcomed writings like this to your inbox.

I just uploaded a new PDF collage download that you can access here. New subscribers will receive the link to it, and you may have received the old one previously. You are in my thoughts, and I feel so fortunate that you are a valuable part of the exchange of energy that is Juicy*S Art - my heart-based art business. Thank you, friends.