Reclaiming Creativity
Below are some comments about a Reclaiming Creativity Gather-in led by Cynthia Johnston in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:
Cynthia said many great things about childhood hurts, like isolation and ridicule, that shape artists’ oppression. I approached a “safe harbor” in which I could recall how I had been ridiculed and humiliated when I said something an authority figure didn’t care for [like].
I am not alone. I have fellow artists in RC. I have allies on the journey to re-emergence.
Coburg, Victoria, Australia
What Cynthia said about all of us being born with the ability to come up with [think of] fresh, new ideas and to make things, on our own [alone] or with others, resonated with me. I love creating with others. It’s my most fun way of being together—whether it be with songs or skits, an RC workshop, culinary delights, or being with my clients at work.
Caulfield, Victoria, Australia
I see a strong parallel between reclaiming creativity and doing RC family work. All of us, especially creators, benefit from relaxed attention from counselors and allies who can be with us not only when we show our brilliance but also when we are hesitant, unsure, undecided, and at risk of acting on feeling discouraged. The same “special time” skills that young people need are just what artists need for themselves.
You who play that splendid chord
who wield that patient brush
who dance that daring dance
who try a “perfect” page
who mould a close-curved clay
who hurl your caution in the air
& risk a crushing crashing
below a netless swing
You lift us up
You make us whole
You soothe our souls
You prod our too-proud
consciences covered all
in certainty and reasons.
You trip the light exquisite
and leave nothing for yourself
except redemption.
North Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
Reprinted from the newsletter of the
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, RC Community