We need more creativity and less consuming

This “always busy” mode partly comes from an underlying cultural belief that our economy cannot grow unless we are always consuming. Yet, it’s becoming clear that the financial crisis is being caused by the over-consumption of things we can’t afford such as cheap mortgages. The environmental crisis is being caused by the over-consumption of things we can’t afford such as the earth’s resources. The health crisis is being caused by the over-consumption of things we can’t afford, such as calories. It seems as if the whole underlying belief of endless consumption is the problem.

Maybe what we really need are some new ideas. More creativity and less consuming.

What would it take to give yourself some “down time”?

A great way to kill creative inspiration is to have no “down time”. If your whole life is about rushing from one obligation to the next, there is no chance for greater wisdom to enter your consciousness. Even if you only take 10 minutes at the beginning of every day to sit quietly uninterrupted, it can make all the difference. Walking silently by the ocean or in nature is another great way to reconnect to your creativity. Be warned however, that you may first need to pay heed to the shadows of your life before you can find peace. Peace sometimes needs to be earned. You may need to allow the negative voices to die away first, and sometimes those voices will fight to hold on.

Breathe through it, hold the hand of the part of you that needs to die away. All things must eventually die to make room for the next. Make a habit of quiet time and you will create space for inspiration and for what’s the next best step.

Sometimes having guidance, a supportive community, a natural setting and a break from your regular life—to REALLY reinvent your life. If so, join us for our Artistry of Change 4-day retreat at Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC, Canada, October 1-4, 2009.