Nurturing Your Soul Garden: A Creative Practice

I loved this conversation with Aimee Blair of Creative Compass where we chatted about the importance of making space for creativity as an essential part of self care and wellbeing.

As the creator and author of the Garden Party, I share my insights on how the imagery of a garden can teach us valuable lessons about life and self-nurturing.

Grab an art journal or a regular notebook and join us in this enriching journey down the garden path.

Enjoy our conversation by clicking the image below 👇

The Power of Gardens as Metaphor

My love for gardens extends beyond the physical realm into the symbolic, where a garden becomes a powerful metaphor for the journey of life. Gardens, whether external or internal, offer lessons in planting seeds, tending to growth, harvesting, and allowing for periods of rest.

The external garden, for me, becomes a visible manifestation of my inner world, serving as a constant reminder of the need for self-care and nurturing.

Recognizing Depletion and Refilling the Well

In our discussion about recognizing signs of depletion, I introduce the analogy of a water butt – a storage container for rainwater.

I describe how we often realize we are empty only when we attempt to draw from our reserves. The echoes of self-doubt and the loudness of the inner critic become more pronounced in moments of emptiness.

I emphasize the importance of recognizing the shadow side, listening to our needs, and understanding that self-care is not a one-size-fits-all practice.

Self-Care Practices and the Symbolism of Gardens

I share my personal self-care practice, highlighting the grounding connection I find by walking barefoot in my garden.

Our discussion touches on the willingness to get one's hands dirty, drawing parallels between caring for physical plants and attending to our own needs.

The metaphor of a plant being watered once a year prompts reflection on our own willingness to prioritize self-care and regular nourishment.

Soul Journaling: A Creative Practice

I am excited to share a creative practice I call Soul Journaling – doodling with intention.

This practice involves using visual expression to access inner wisdom and intuition, emphasizing the importance of creativity without the pressure of a predetermined outcome.

I encourage you to engage in this process using an art journal or a regular notebook, fostering a sense of flow and resilience.

In the Garden of Creativity: A Continuous Practice

This guided soul journaling meditation is not a one-time event but a continuous practice. Regularly tending to our creative garden, acknowledging its needs, and embracing the ebb and flow of our energy ensures a thriving and sustainable creative practice.