When I first began my creative journey, I believed I needed a plan. The plan was of course supposed to make sense. Sometimes I couldn’t even start because I didn’t have a clear vision.

I watched Youtube videos of other creative-type people and used that as a tutorial. I believed they knew more and wanted to follow someone else’s lead. There is nothing wrong with this. I love getting inspired by other creatives. I enjoy supporting their work as well.

It’s just that, there was something unique that I wanted to express and that can be hard to do if you are following someone’s tutorial. You can already see what it’s “supposed to look like” and that can bring up judgment and self-criticism.

Still, it was an easy place to begin. I also enjoyed coloring books for this reason. I didn’t really have to think or figure anything out. I had some guidelines to follow. And to be honest, at that time, I didn’t have a lot of space to sit with myself and let things flow.

Just Begin
There really is no right or wrong way to begin. Simply starting is the way because with each step you begin carving your own unique path.

Right now, my preference is the blank page. It is not having a plan. It’s showing up in my journal when my mind is racing and I’m feeling out of sorts. I don’t know exactly what I’m craving but I know that I need some space from it all.

I open a blank page of the many journals I own and begin. Usually, with whatever is easiest and closest to me. Right now, its acrylic markers and a notepad with thicker pages.

I take some centering breaths and notice what colors stand out. Sometimes it’s words or sentences. Sometimes, its shapes and scribbles. Sometimes, it is unconsciously something I noticed someone else doing, but adding my own touch or messaging.

There are moments, where I begin judging it and wondering, “what am I making or think this is ugly.” Maybe, the old version of me would stop there. But, now I sit with it and allow it to be whatever it is.

Ritual without Agenda

I am learning that intuitive journaling isn’t about the outcome, it’s become a process of listening and allowing “it” to be as it is. There’s nothing to fix or change because it is not meant to look like anything else.

My journal and creative pursuits have become the place where it is ok to be messy. It is ok to change my mind and shift direction. It is ok to not make any sense. It is ok to scribble out what I wrote or crumple it up and toss it.

It’s the place where I can fully trust myself enough to play. I am not looking for an outcome. I want to express something that doesn’t have a clear translation. But more than that, it is a place I come to slow down and to breathe a bit deeper.

A place where I genuinely hear myself exhale and let go. And I feel pride looking at these images. Not because they are amazing. But because I can see that I chose to make space and I sit with myself.

I am retraining my nervous system so that it recognizes safety. Even in the middle of the day when so many other things are going on and even in the morning when I could be rushing around. Some days, I only have twenty minutes. Other days, I can sit for longer. Regardless of the time spent, I feel calmer.

Intuitive art journaling and writing have become a part of my daily rhythm. It slows me down, helps me to center and let go or pause from whatever has me wrapped up. It’s part of a routine that sparks expression, play, and heart connection.

With love and light,
Orly