, Thanks to the support of my spiritual director, I've found great help in understanding myself as one who identifies as an Enneagram Four. The Enneagram is a fantastic tool for self-discovery and has helped me claim and lean into my type. We are known as the "Individualist" or the "Romantic," and are characterized by our deep emotions, introspection, and desire for authenticity. 

If you have not already guessed, we Fours thrive on creativity and emotional depth (which I believe makes for a great writer and spiritual director). However, the journey can sometimes feel lonely, and it is indeed challenging at times. On Sunday at worship, a friend asked me how I keep my creative juices flowing for the podcast, books, and other teachings. I told her I could not help it! My brain overflows with creative juices and ideas - more than I can manage. This exchange was after I had written about 10,000 of the 35,000 words for my next manuscript. My fingers cannot always move fast enough to capture everything in my mind. I have paused at 10,000 words because I need time to process and embody what I have written and ponder with God what will be written next. 

This got me thinking; I could share tips to help others lean into their creative sides. So here are some tips offering inspiration for your creative inspiration:

Embrace Solitude:
As Enneagram Fours, we find solace in solitude. Quiet time is when our creativity can flourish. Get away, take a retreat, or create a dedicated space for yourself at home, whether it's a cozy corner of your bedroom or a spot in your backyard. Allow yourself regular introspection, contemplation, and times of self-reflection, as these moments often ignite the spark of inspiration! Prioritizing solitude is a must if you want to foster your creativity. I'm an extroverted contemplative Four, so this complicates matters! The hardest part is breaking away, befriending myself, and calming my mind, but it is worth it! 

Seek Inspiration Everywhere:
Look beyond conventional sources for inspiration. Explore various art forms, music, books, and movies that both challenge you and resonate with your emotions. Engage with diverse cultures, explore nature, and immerse yourself in experiences stimulating ALL your senses. Pick up a very different kind of book or play music from a playlist you have never heard. Take a hike and look for interesting things that capture your attention. Ignite your own creativity as you savor and enjoy the creativity of others and God's creation! 

Welcome Vulnerability:
As Fours, our creativity stems from the depths of our emotions. We can often talk about deep things quickly with others. Vulnerability is a gateway to true authenticity, but it is not easy or natural and takes some practice. Allow yourself to be seen and heard, even if it sometimes feels uncomfortable. Express your thoughts and feelings in an appropriate way that works best for you, understanding that your unique perspective holds immense value. 

Practice Self-Compassion:
Creativity often comes hand in hand with self-doubt. Hello, Imposter Syndrome! Be gentle with yourself during moments of uncertainty or creative blocks. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that these challenges are part of the creative process. They actually HELP with what is coming next so try not to fight the pause that comes with creative blocks. Treat yourself with kindness, celebrate small victories (like 10,000 words!), and allow for rest and rejuvenation. 

Engage with Like-Minded Souls:
Though we may cherish solitude, connecting with like-minded individuals can provide invaluable support. Seek out creative communities, workshops, or online spaces where you can share your work and ideas. Engaging with other creatives who understand and appreciate your unique perspective can be an incredible source of inspiration and encouragement.

Move Your Body: 
Engaging in physical activity, whether dancing, biking, practicing yoga, or walking, boosts your energy levels and promotes mental clarity. When active, your body increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, improving cognitive function and enhancing creativity. I firmly believe that movement (large or small) fuels creativity! 

What inspires you on the creative journey? Write about it, think about it, or share it with us so we can be inspired too. 

Every time I start to get overwhelmed, I am reminded to rest.  And yet, my initial response is that I have too much to do to rest.  You know the drill.  The kids, the job, the house, the family, the friends, the church, the place you volunteer down the road, or even the shelter downtown - they ALL need you!

Guess what?  They do need you!  Without you, there will be no one to fold the laundry, help with homework, kiss the boo-boos, build friendships, give to the church, or volunteer in the community.  But, here is the big news flash!  You don't have to do it all at once and you aren't expected to do it all when you are exhausted.

We need rest.  God designed us to rest.  The Creator even rested.  God tells us that the Creator will give us rest!  So, why do we think that we are special and we do not need to rest?  If you are guilty of forgetting to rest and take care of yourself, you are not alone.  This has been a skill set I have been working on for quite some time.  What is interesting is that many of us simply don't know where to start.  Most of us have not been modeled rest or taught well how to rest by our society.

So, I'm sharing some small changes I've made to incorporate rest in my life and hope that by sharing my list it may help you to expand your list.  Read it through, get some ideas and get some rest!  

• Hang windchimes on your deck, patio or outside your front door for a calming reminder.
• Get away alone or with your significant other.  Vacations are great.  But, let's be honest...if you have children, you are more exhausted after vacation than you were before you left.  If a full day or weekend is impossible, ask a friend to help help with the kid(s) and get away for a few hours.
• Take a bath.  Add a few drops of lavender oil.
• Ask for help with the laundry, the house, etc.
• Steep a cup of hot tea.
• Move.  Do some yoga, dance alone or with the kids or take a walk.
• Sit still.  Yes, just sit there for 5 minutes and do nothing (don't even think about checking your phone)!
• Listen.  Go outside and enjoy the sounds of the leaves falling, the birds or the crickets.
• If you have easy access to the internet (which I assume you do if you are reading this), download the Pandora app on your computer or phone and add a classical station or some music from Deuter.
• Think.  Journal or read.
• Breathe deeply.  Most of us don't breathe deeply.  Use your diaphragm and breathe into your entire being.
• Eliminate noise.  Turn off the radio, television or even that Pandora station if you're simply feeling like you may explode due to over-stimulation.
• Unplug.  Turn off the alerts on your phone and computer and resist the urge to check in to see what you may have just missed.
• Go to bed!  Yes, this may sound pretty simple but it is proven that our bodies need sleep to refuel.
• Get a hobby and discover what you love.  Learn to knit, sew, play an instrument, paint or take pictures.  Doing something can be restful and rejuvenating, if you are doing it to rest rather than keep busy!  I am finding that I like to re-purpose old things for new uses, it is fun and inexpensive!

You may think that it is impossible to get away with God and find rest in today's society with all that is resting on your shoulders.  But, it really is possible.  And, in the long run, you may just find you are more productive. Or, you may find that the less important things in life just fall right off your list.  What gives you rest?

I'm signing off to go stretch and then sleep while the dishes await!  Happy rest!