Reawakening Creativity: The Good That Came From Shelter In Place
I was feeling extremely out of sorts after a few weeks of shelter in place. The walls of my Manhattan apartment were beginning to close in on me. My emotions were all over the place – up, down and sideways. I decided that it was the perfect time to pick up some of my old hobbies and interests – one was learning Spanish, and the other was some sort of creative expression. I chose visual journaling after being introduced to Stacy Christopher, who teaches the craft. I decided to take one of her great workshops; I thought it would be helpful not only as a creative outlet, but also as a way of relaxing and organizing my thoughts.
That wonderful beginning turned into this — Stacy and I thought it would be fun to interview each other about visual journaling, and share some examples with you!
Stacy Interviews Alan
Stacy: How has visual journaling empowered you to create and be creative?
Alan: In so many ways! I used to draw and paint, all through high school. I even taught crafts at a summer camp. What always got me stuck was when I would compare myself to the kids who were great at it. I would tell myself that because I was never going to be a pro, what was the point? So I would stop. But something has shifted recently. I mostly have released the need to compare, and the self-judgment – and as a result, I am finding that I actually am loving it, and I even have some talent! So I am continuing to grow and stretch myself, and it has become a highlight of my day.
S: What are some of the unexpected benefits you've noticed from being a visual journaler?
A: I sleep better. My thoughts are more organized, and I feel less stress. I find myself more present. I even use it to track my clients’ progress, and to map out trainings.
S: Why do you look forward to the time you spend journaling now? Can you describe the feeling and why it's become a highlight of your day?
A: I am so excited every day to put pen or brush to paper. I am constantly scanning my environment and memory for things to draw. It is “me” time, and I look forward to it daily!
S: What are the top things you love most about working with me?
A: I love working with Stacy. Not only am I learning a craft, she inspires me with her artwork, and she is incredibly wise and supportive. She is a spiritual teacher, as well, and helps me access my own wisdom and intuition through my art. This is more than just drawing and painting! It is a master class in self-discovery and expression.
selections from alan's visual journal
Alan Interviews Stacy
Alan: Can you describe visual journaling?
Stacy: Visual journaling is the practice of documenting and sketching your thoughts, feelings, ideas, memories, processes and even dreams for the future in a visual way.
A: Who it’s for and the benefits?
S: My clients tend to be people who've achieved a level of success yet are in inquiry about their next evolution, whether it be scaling their joy, passion or business. They know something bigger is out there for them, and visual journaling is the way they get connected to their road map there.
It's a practice that benefits everyone, though. Our brains are exhausted in this overly verbal world and crave a respite of simplicity. With visual journaling, the brain gets that rest it’s craving, that drink of water it needs. And once it starts getting replenished, the brain begins gifting back.
A: What got you into it?
S: I’ve always been a visual and creative person with a past that includes fashion, design, writing and rock n roll. My collision with visual journaling was just a matter of time lol. However, as a transformational and intuitive life coach, I found myself leaning more and more toward visually creative methods with my one-one-one clients. When I started seeing how much more quickly they evolved with visual work, I knew I was on to something.
A: Do you need to be artistic?
S: Not in the least, other than the fact I believe we're all artists. Somewhere along the way, most people develop a narrative on whether or not they get to be creative. I adore capturing the ones who believe they can't. From my past in the music industry, one of my favorite things to do with my visual journaling clients is find their inner rock star and bring it out.
A: Why is it useful now?
S: Now, more than EVER, people need this. It’s 100x better than smoking a joint with all the similar benefits of chilling out. It's soothing to the nervous system, it increases brain health and clarity, it’s addictive in the best of ways, and it contributes to great sex. Who doesn't need all of that right now?
A: What inspires you about your work?
S: Seeing people come home to themselves and their deep desires.
A: Share one or two client success stories!
S: One rock star client recently had to cancel an international tour. He landed at home, anxious and antsy. Within a week he was balanced and relaxed, in just a few weeks more he'd written an entire album. It was more connected, powerful and inspired than anything he'd written over the past 10 years.
Another client recently used visual journaling to close an $18k deal, simply by sketching out the idea using my method and texting to the client. The client responded with an immediate yes. Another client recently launched a non-profit that she'd been dreaming about for years. It wasn’t until we put it in visual form that she could actually see how the pieces could come together.
Then there are all the other client stories that don't seem directly related but happen so frequently I know it's a result of the work - after being with me a short time and getting the basics of visual journaling, I see my clients have unexpected opportunities pop up. I attribute it to the increased clarity and focus that comes from the work.
selections from stacy’s visual journal
For more information about visual journaling, or to get on the waiting list for the next introductory session (beginning Monday, August 10, 12:30-2:00 p.m. PDT), visit www.startwithartintro.com. To inquire about one-on-one packages, email stacy@stacychristopher.com. Tell her Alan sent you!
Stacy Christopher is a visual journaling expert who helps heart-centered leaders find their joy and passion. She teaches visual journaling as a source of meditation and as an effective, alchemical tool to call deepest desires into reality. She is a wife, mom, healer and muse who loves living by the ocean and being visited daily by her two wild scrub jays.