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Cynthia Morris

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Creative Person’s Hierarchy of Needs

Creative people are often misunderstood. There are lots of reasons for this, and one of them is that we have different needs than others. But we don’t want to become too precious about them. (I can only create with my velvet-covered notebook and my Visconti pen, at sunset on a hill.)

But our satisfaction and our success hinges on having enough of these needs met so we can do our best creative work.

My coaching sessions with clients over the years have shown me that these don’t exist in any hierarchical or linear way. I envision them as a mind map, with some needs getting more attention than others depending on life’s flow.

The creative person’s hierarchy is a mind map of needs

Cynthia Morris Creative Person Hierarchy of Needs
Which of your needs are currently being met? Which are not? What is one small thing you can do to get one need met this week? 

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Friday Art: my life purpose, joy released and some dancing

It took a long time but I finally figured out my life purpose. If you haven’t heard it yet, here it is:
My mission is to love what I love, share that love, and inspire others to love what they love.
Simple! Love really is all there is.
So for YEARS I’ve wanted to make a dance video and show it. Because I LOVE to dance. But my inner critic and business manager teamed up with these questions:

Why? So you can show off?

How is that part of your business?

Is this your ego or is this something that will serve your audience?

Why? So you can show off?

And on and on until the dancing was just a private love affair I was having with myself.
cosmos flower watercolor Cynthia MorrisHow often does this happen to you? You have an original impulse: a sweet, innocent desire arises. And then your critical mind comes in with a bunch of logic and shuts the joy down.
Well, thank goodness we have friends who encourage us. My pal Kristoffer Carter posted in Facebook last month something about full-on self expression. So I put some music on and danced. And then the video came on and more dancing.
Then KC and I spontaneously challenged each other to a dance-off and the next thing you know my dance video is up on Facebook. And guess what happened?
My friends loved it. They felt the surge of courage and boldness that was required to post it. They felt the joy that I feel when I move my body to music. Best yet, people were encouraged to do their own bold things.
So it worked – my love and courage inspired others’ love and courage. And I remembered: Don’t hide the love. Don’t postpone joy. Show and share my love.
And you know what? I am showing off. I love being onstage. I love being in front of others and speaking, sharing, dancing…whatever. I love showing up and showing off. To deny that is to deny an essential part of me.
What does this have to do with art? I live and coach according to this:
“All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life.” – M.C. Richards
Here’s the video in case you want to feel the love and see my moves.

What about you? How can you ‘un-stifle’ yourself? How can you love more of what you love and share that love?

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Get back into the flow with your creative work

You’re in the groove with your writing or art project. Then, the holidays or some other change disrupts your flow. You and your beloved project grow distant, and the space between you molders in your heart. How to get back in the groove?
SpringTulipsAny change in our routine — holidays, vacations, visits from loved ones — can bring a slump in our creative work. Even when we’re completely into our book or art projects, there’s often an inertia that keeps us from getting back into the groove.
Shifting from one mode to another is a challenge for most creatives. We want to get into the flow, but there are a million things we need to do first. Then, when we’re in the flow, it’s hard to tear ourselves away and return to the ‘real’ world.
I coach all my clients on this. It’s one of the biggest problems we solve together – how to get back into the groove.
Here are three things that help my clients rekindle their dedication to their projects.
Take it easy. Let your return be as slow as it needs to, but be firm with yourself about getting back to your writing and creative pursuits. Build up to where you left off, if needed. Start with brief (10 minute) free-writes or similar warm-up exercises. I often invite my clients to have a 15-minute ‘date’ with their project, to get back in touch without pressure.
Connect to the love. What do you love about your writing practice, your exercise regime? You may take a few moments to jot down what you love about it. If you have already done this writing, take it out and revisit your passion.
Design new support structures. Make appointments with your mastermind partners and set up a meeting with your coach or writing buddies to design structure and accountability that works for you.
Beating yourself up over your lapse never works to get on track. Be kind to yourself as you resume your writing or other creative work.
What works for you to get back to the writing or art-making?

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Friday Art: 30 paintings in 30 days

I don’t know why I decided to paint 30 paintings in 30 days, due by March 13th. I just did, and I didn’t even announce it publicly.
I’m writing this a few days ahead of time; I’ll be traveling on the due date and am prepping beforehand. My  scanning system broke down (had to uninstall, upgrade, reinstall – didn’t work, can’t figure it out now) so I don’t think I’ll be able to post all the paintings. I’ve done 25 out of 30.

 
It would be easy to not post but I love the progress I’ve made and I want to share this process. I’ve discovered that making isn’t the hard part; it’s sharing. Scanning, developing, resizing, tagging, cataloguing and posting takes a lot of time – X 30. This is one of the reasons I dread any kind of daily posting requirement.
Ten of these are for students in my Write Your Paris Stories class, a little gift for the first to enroll. The rest are just paintings of things I love. To call them paintings is a bit of a stretch – I see them as sketches. I wanted to practice my drawing and my light and shadow techniques. I shall continue these studies.
They’re not all successes, but there are several I love. Which are your favorites?
[photospace]

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Our stories define us and connect us

These days. we’re encouraged to ‘tell our story’. The story of how we started. The story of how we got to where we are. The story of our business and who we’re here to serve.
By sharing these stories publicly, we’re able to connect to others. But telling our stories isn’t just a good idea for our blog or business efforts. Writing our own stories connects us to our past and our future.
Telling our stories – even to ourselves – gives us the chance to see who we’ve been, the choices we’ve made and how we’ve lived our lives. When we write our stories, we see ourselves as characters. With a bit of creative distance, we can develop compassion for our choices, for our fumbles, for our disastrous relationships.
Reflecting on choices we’ve made gives us the chance to make new stories. Stories that suit the truth of who we really are. Through writing our stories, we understand the arc of our lives better.
As I start the Write Your Paris Stories class today, I already see how much this city has formed me. I arrived in Paris for the first time at age 17, fresh from the Ohio countryside.

In France for my junior year with friend Bryan.
In France for my junior year with friend Bryan.

In three short weeks, I changed. I saw things I’d never seen before – a big city with monumental charm swooped into my heart and claimed me forever. It’s not all pretty, though. Every good story has plenty of drama and pain, and Paris has served up my share of that.
I’m looking forward to teaching this class and also to being a student. Because I know that writing our stories – or making any art – even if it’s just for us, has enormous value. I look forward to the surprises and insights that await me in those well-known tales I’ve lived.
Each of us is an intricate, deep web of stories that define our lives. Finding the ones that we need and want to tell is where we get to bring our creativity to bear.
What stories define you? What stories do you tell to connect with others?
If writing your Paris stories is appealing to you, please join our online writing class. It’s never too late!

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Friday Art: Flower Shrine Photo Essay

It’s a rainy Friday in Denver, a rare and beautiful thing. I’m supposed to be recording the lessons for Write Your Paris Stories, but Friday Art hadn’t been posted yet.
I went to Creative Mornings Denver and afterward, braved the incredible clusterfuck that is Trader Joe’s parking. Why? Why! For the cheap eats? No. For the flowers.
Since drawing and painting my CSA share last year, I’ve changed flowers from luxury item to necessity. Flowers are the love of my life, a daily, elegant love that fuels both my heart and my art.
With the arrival of Trader Joe’s, I am happy to say I can fill my home and office with beauty for $20 each week.

Flower Shrines

I think of the flowers all around the house as shrines. Every time I see and smell the flowers I feel a rush of appreciation and joy. A recent strengths test indicated that my top strength is appreciation of beauty/excellence.
I love drawing and painting flowers. Photographing them isn’t as easy. But today, on this rainy Friday, my flower shrines were making me so happy, I had to share them with you.
Enjoy! Maybe go make your own flower shrine.
OfficeflowersCynthia Morris photo stock Show Your Work Austin KleonCynthia Morris photo meditation shrine flowers calla lilyOffice shrine Cynthia Morris photo Frances Clements FawcettCynthia Morris photo kitchen shrineCynthia Morris flower calla lily photoCynthia Morris flower photo stockNotDeadYet

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L to R: Office Co-Worker; Stock with Show Your Art by Austin Kleon, just arrived!; Meditation Shrine; Office Shrine 2: Not Dead Yet; Kitchen Sponge Puja; Home Shrine; Lounge with Stock; Not Dead Yet

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One invisible thing that makes all writing and art succeed

As I prepared the lessons for my upcoming Write Your Paris Stories class, I considered what makes a good story. Many elements contribute to a fictional or non-fiction story: setting, character, plot, point of view, voice, etc.
But there’s something underneath all that that really makes any story work: emotion. In a recent memoir class I took, the teacher started with emotion. She asked us to consider what the predominant emotion was running through the story.
MariageFreres-1My art mentor emphasizes the need for feeling to be present in every single art piece. Bringing feeling to writing or art isn’t easy. I hear her, I get it, but actually doing it? Still working on that.
My suspicion is that feeling shows up in the stroke of the pen or in the color added. With writing, it’s a bit more conscious, which words you choose and how you arrange them.
Ultimately a good story or piece of art moves us emotionally. Like a good dinner party, all the elements need to be in place – the food, the people, the hostess, the table, etc. But it’s the overall mood and feeling of the evening that makes it work, that makes it memorable. It’s the same for story.
This is one of the things we’ll be exploring as we craft our stories in my Write Your Paris Stories online class. It’s been awhile since I taught the craft of writing, and I cannot believe how fun it’s been to develop the class and write the lessons.
If you look at a recent story or piece of art you created, can you tell what predominant emotion it evokes? How do you get feeling into your work?

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Friday Art: creative blocks can lead to boons

Confession: In January I was in a bit of a slump with my art. I just didn’t feel motivated or interested like I usually am.
My art mentor Marianne helped me understand that feeling creative blocks is normal for artists, and that winter may have something to do with it.
This is certainly something I’ve seen with my clients and friends. We can feel an undeniable pull to rest and retreat during the dark days of winter, and in any other season as well. The problem comes when we make ourselves wrong and freak out about it. I accepted Marianne’s reminder and released the pressure on myself.
Finally, inspiration returned and I went back to the studio. Around Valentine’s Day I decided to do 30 paintings before my travel schedule heats up on March 13th. 30 paintings in 30 days.
Unexpected boons from fallow time
When I went back to my paintings, I was amazed to see that the quality of my work had taken a quantum leap. (Okay, maybe not quantum, but definitely discernible.)
Sage
I’m focused on a few key elements of painting. When I pinned my paintings up for review, Marianne noticed the improvement immediately. She pointed out how important that fallow period is for people who create. I know this intellectually, that writer’s block isn’t always bad. But to experience the beneficial impact of it personally was profound.
I was happy that the improvement was evident to her. It was also clear that there is still plenty to work on. In our session yesterday, I got a lot of good homework. Some old challenges – perspective and some new ones – shadow and light.
I felt a slight twinge from showing work that’s not 100% great. But only slight. I like sharing my art here with all its glory and imperfection. I love working to improve and seeing improvement. My hope is that seeing my creative process in action inspires you to reach toward your own creative expression.
I’ve got my homework for the month. I’ve completed 16 out of 30 paintings. Two weeks to do 14 more! I am not sure I can do it, but I will give it my best try.
Has this happened to you? An unexpected boon following a creatively fallow time? Tell us about it!

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Twenty Gifts from Twenty Years of Writing

Twenty years ago this month, in a room just a mile from where I write now, I committed to my writing life.

It started with a class called Writing the Wild Woman. In it, I learned how to free-write, how to howl after writing (it’s fun, try it) and how to enjoy the company of other writers.

Despite the fun, I was also plagued with doubt and insecurity. I feared that a) I had nothing to say and b) my writing would suck.

So I set myself a challenge.

My five-year writing apprenticeship

I decided to write for five years as if it would never be seen by anyone else. I wouldn’t worry about whether it was good or whether it was publishable.
For five years, I filled journals, did writing exercises, took classes and began to teach writing classes. Now, this seems like a long time to dwell in the apprentice’s studio. But it worked.

At the end of five years of genre exploration, I began publishing monthly articles in two Denver neighborhood papers. At that time, I also dove into a major project: my historical novel, which was published 13 years later.

This month I celebrate my twenty-year commitment to the art of writing. I’ve published a novel, a book about writing and five e-books. I’ve published my newsletter since 2001 and have been a consistent blogger since 2006.

I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words, some private, some published. I claim every cliché, crappy word choice and inelegant sentence. I own every brilliant point, every potent metaphor, every sentence that moved someone, somehow.

Writing isn’t easy. I am humbled by the work. But despite the challenges, I’ve gleaned many rewards.

Twenty gifts writing has given me

1. Grit, aka persistence.
2. Self-respect.
3. A way to influence others positively.
4. Self-knowledge.
5. Awareness of my expertise.
6. A personal growth ally.
7. A quick, cheap way to have fun.
8. A community of smart, creative friends.
9. Power.
11. A lifelong awareness practice.
12. Self-compassion for my hopes and dreams.
13. Humility.
14. A constantly-replenished love of language.
15. Knowledge that showing up really is 80% of the game.
16. Confidence.
17. An art form that keeps me on my toes.
18. Clarity.
19. A willingness to be surprised by what comes from my pen.
20. Thick skin.
21. Love.

What I’m writing now

These days, another art form accompanies my writing. Since 2008, I’ve been cheating on writing with my side art: drawing and painting. My current challenge is to discover how to marry writing and art to share what’s true for me.

This month, on my twenty-year anniversary, I am embarking on a new book project. I have a mastermind group devoted to book writing – I call it our private book club. I’m excited about this book, because it will challenge me at every step, and because I think you’ll love it.

It’s odd to celebrate an anniversary with a beginning, but I like it. I empathize more with my students, many at the beginning of their writing lives, having the same doubts I have about writing.

More gifts every day from my writing life

I could go on and on about how my devotion to the craft of writing has formed me. But I hope this has inspired you to want to go write your own words.

This is one of the exercises I ask my clients to do – go back in the time machine and look at all you’ve done. It can be illuminating to assess all the effort you’ve put into your art.

Which of the twenty gifts listed would you like to know more about? In a comment below, tell me which ones you’re curious about and think would help you with your own writing life. 

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Friday Art: My Matchbook Collection

For awhile, it was one of those potentially regrettable yard sale finds. A jar of matches from the ’70s? Really? Even if it was only $1.00, isn’t that just adding to the clutter?
One night I took the jar from the shelf to show it to a friend. We pulled out packet after packet of matches, most from Denver, but some from as far away as Tokyo.
I felt compelled to draw and paint them. It’s a fun study in design, typography and tiny style. I love the boxed ones especially. I know they’re a collection that I should be preserving, but I take great pleasure in using the matches inside.
Matchbook watercolor Cynthia Morris illustration
Why do we love what we love? I don’t know. I am just happy to be able to love things more because of and through my art.
 

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Want to write a book? Answer these questions first

When someone discovers that I help people write books, she usually asks me how to get on track and stay focused until the book is finished.

Before I can respond, I have to ask them some questions. I never want to make assumptions about the author’s motivations.

If you’re considering writing a book, take some time to write your answers to my coaching inquiries. This will help clarify your motivation for any major project. Your answers will help you decide whether you should do it or shelve the idea.

  • What’s important for you about finishing this book?
  • Who is this book for, specifically?
  • What impact do you want this book to have on your readers?
  • What impact do you want for you and your work?
  • What kind of help do you need now to get started and stay on track?

Self-publish or traditionally publish?

Based on your answers, you can look at the self-publishing possibility. This is a very personal decision and is largely based on whether you have a large enough platform to attract the interest of an agent and publisher. If the word ‘platform’ is not familiar to you, it’s likely self-publishing will be your route.

That’s a generalized statement. Each author has to choose her own path based on her answers to the questions I pose above. I love helping my clients sort out which direction is right for them.

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Friday Art: To Love What I Love

To love what I love, and to share that love. That is my mission.
When I think about why I make art, it’s because I love the process and I love depicting things in my world that make me happy.
Like these tins from Mariage Freres in Paris. I just finished the tea inside, and look forward to refilling them on my next trip to Paris.
Painting them was a way to savor the memories of the tea and to anticipate a trip to Paris.
Happy Valentine’s Day – may this be a time to pause and connect with what you love. 
MariageFreres-1
This painting will be sent to one of the members in my Write Your Paris Stories class. The next five people who sign up will also get a Paris painting by me.
 

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Esprit de l'Escalier – Forgotten Gems from My Annual Report

You know that feeling when you leave a party or a conversation and the perfect, witty reply comes to you? But it’s too late; the moment has passed and no one but you knows your about your clever rejoinder.

Bookstaircase
Always a million more things to share with you…

The French call this esprit de l’escalier, or ‘staircase wit’. Those French, they have so many fun sayings.
I felt this regret after I published my 2013 Annual Report. So many things I left out! I always want to share all the things I love with you, so here’s a short list of people and things that delightfully influenced me in 2013.

Nutrition Inspiration

The Kitchen Skinny – my friend Karen Friend Smith teamed up with her husband TK to design programs to help people eat and live well. I have listened to her speak, I’ve taken part in her programs, and her kind and encouraging model is always with me in the kitchen.

Art Inspiration

In my art school, I have been influenced by new friend and artist Alix Christian. Her enthusiasm and generosity have helped me see my art in new ways. One comment she made over coffee changed the way I made art and for that, I am grateful.
I love anything that shows artists in their art-making process. An artist friend, Anne Marie Talon, told me about Art 21. It’s a PBS show that highlights contemporary artists. You can watch themed shows (nature, spirituality, humor, etc.) featuring four artists or see the individual segments. Beyond inspiring.

Business inspiration

Cigdem Kobu has been a real influence in my business. Founder of the Progress Lounge, her savvy business advice and generous spirit have helped me be more heart-centered in my approach to business. What a gift.
I recently hired Cigdem to do a business audit for Original Impulse. Her feedback helped me see and think in new ways. I have become extremely excited about what I want to create for my students, clients and readers. Stay tuned for new things from Original Impulse later this year.

Big thanks

Lastly, I wouldn’t be who I am without the love and support of my friends and family. They stood beside me all year as I opened myself up to change. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by their love and belief in me.
There. I’ve had my last say on this topic. For now.
Didn’t read my Annual Review? Get your copy now.

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Why write?

Many writers are writing books or articles with a purpose. Perhaps the book will help your business. Perhaps the stories will help others. Perhaps the story is one that you just feel must be told, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction.

I understand this, and know that it’s good to have a clear motivation for writing. Often we need to stay connected with this motivation as a way to keep the inner critic at bay.

But when working with writers, I always invite them to pay attention to the experience of writing. What does writing do for you now? Despite any future payoff, how does writing  impact your life?

Many people feel a sense of satisfaction. Others feel revitalized by their writing. Many of us adore the feeling of going somewhere in our minds, of using our imagination to transcend the mundane.

There are a million reasons to write or create. You are entitled to have whatever reason motivates you.
And you’re also allowed to do it just because you like it. Because it feels good. Not because it will make you rich, famous or respected. Just because it’s fun.

This week, I invite the kind witness into your creative practice. Simply notice how you feel when you are creating. Notice how you feel afterward. Be aware of what it’s like when you don’t create or feel connected to your creative work.

In my class The Devoted Writer, at the end of each writing session, I invite writers to jot three words that describe how that session was for them. This simple reflective practice helps them see exactly what the writing does for them. Try this and see what you notice.

I’d love to know – even if it’s just a few words – why you create. Share a comment below.