Thoughts on mindful creativity.
I was doing a guided meditation last week and Jalaluddin Rumi’s poem The Guest House was recited. This poem often comes up in mindfulness work and it wasn’t the first time I had heard it while trying to center myself.
But this meditation was the first time I had heard The Guest House in quite a long time, and I really connected with what Rumi was trying to express.
It made me think about how I use my emotions when I’m creating my art. I thought about my past experiences and how I used my pain to create my Self Help series…
It was a time when I was less mindful but more aware, yet it helped me so much as I tried to heal from
How I used my emotions and pain to create my photo series Self Help... it was a time I was less mindful and aware... but also a time that helped me so much.
Here's a copy of The Guest House just in case you’ve never read it:
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
This poem is a reminder not to resist the thoughts and emotions passing through you, but rather to meet them with courage, warmth, and respect. Rumi is asking the reader to embrace the uncertainty of life with a mindful attitude.
Sometimes life can get difficult and stressful. You may be frustrated or angry and be waiting patiently for something to leave your life before you can put your life back in order. If we follow that path we give the stressful things in our lives power over us. But if we embrace what life has to offer with the right attitude and cherishing every moment given to us, we can gain power over those things that try to command us.
If you welcome each emotion and let it guide you and channel it into your art… if you let it move through you, you can create things that are amazing.
It has always been my opinion that the best art is that which embodies the emotions of its creator.
I have painted with anger and aggression in me and created a mess. But I have also created with anger and have made some of my favorite pieces.
I now aim to create with all of my emotions present. Not ruling me, but flowing through me onto my canvas.
Next time you’re angry or upset, happy or scared, consider heading to your work space. Observe the emotions flowing through you and try to channel them into your work.
...and remember feel free to send me what you create!
You can always reach me at ideas@carolynmara.com, or DM me on Instagram or TikTok!
P.S. Here is a piece of work I created with anger!
All images in this post taken virtually by Audrey Blake Photography.
