Silence the Inner Critic

If you hear a voice within you say

'you cannot paint,'

then by all means paint

and the voice will be silenced.

Vincent Van Gogh

For two years, I searched for a writers group.  I asked friends, acquaintances, and explored bulletin boards at the local bookstores and coffee shops, but nothing ever materialized.  Not willing to give up, I kept sending the desire out into the Universe and into the ears of anyone who might listen.

Quite unexpectedly, I came across a small ad in the local community newspaper inviting anyone interested in writing to join this Writers Forum.  I was so excited!  I didn't recognize any of the three names listed, so I asked around, receiving positive comments about all three women mentioned in the ad.

Upon attending, I instantly knew that I had found the support that I had been seeking.  The little group expanded and even a few friends of mine began attending.  The group was a mix of published authors, private creative writers, and new beginners.  Every week, we would all check in and have the opportunity to read something we had written.  It wasn't mandatory, but highly encouraged. 

It was not long before I recognized a pattern amongst us.  Each writer, prior to reading the words to be shared, always minimized their work by saying, "This isn't very good." ... "This is just the first draft and I have a lot of corrections to make." ... "I am not as good as you guys, this is my first attempt."  Then the writer would read his or her words and we would all be mesmerized!

On one particular day, a member of our group humbly asked to read a poem she had written years before.  It was a sensitive reflection of the emotional process leading to divorce, compared to the process of labor prior to birthing.  The well chosen words easily engaged the listeners, and there was not one pair of dry eyes in the silent room.  It was excellent! 

Repeatedly, participating individuals would introduce their work with very little confidence.  After sharing the writing, he or she would be amazed at the groups response.  To each other we offered constructive criticism, encouragement and helpful resources.  It is true that talent was not equally distributed, but critical self analysis ran rampant.

We all are gifted with creativity that we generally do not recognize in ourselves, but profusely admire in others.  Whether we are blessed with abilities in singing, writing, drawing, sculpting, painting, expressive communication, or any other artistic flair, we need to develop and use the gift as an expression of enhancement.

We must drop all expectations of perfection and simply enjoy the artistic expression.  Have fun and do not compare your work to others.  While working with personal creative ability,  we begin to draw closer to our inner spirit.  We begin to feel more alive and connected to all of the world surrounding us. 

So whether you are singing to your grandchild, sketching on a "While You Were Out" pad, cooking for charity, gardening for habitat for humanity, or simply pasting a collage with magazine cut outs, let the creative energy run through you.  If you are more accomplished, don't be hesitant to take a class or find a mentor to expand abilities.  Any creative gesture is a wonderful method of healthy expression.  Tone down that inner critic,  climb over the self-imposed barriers, and let your spirit fly!