R-I-D-E, Write & Create
Over my years of Plein-Air Painting I have noticed that when you put your attention on a scene or an object, such as painting a stream, your awareness grows over time and that place or object reveals it's hidden depths. It makes you feel connected to everything you see. To facilitate such experiences I came up with a system that not only helps you grow in your awareness but also keeps a record for you to see your growth.
This system works not only for visual artists but for any creative endeavor you undertake. Please answer the questions below in your own way on this paper or in a sketch book.
1. Red Dot Your Feelings: State how you feel right now at the start of your creative endeavor. Pretend that you are a red dot on a map of the Mall. Center yourself on your own Red Dot. What are you feeling right now? Be present to yourself and to whatever you envision as a Higher Power. Are you happy, sad, tired, anxious, etc.? Express to that Higher Power what you are feeling right now. Your goal here is to be real and honest.
2. Inquire: How am I experiencing that Spirit or Power right now in this place? Do I see beauty? Is there something intriguing in the light? Do I notice anything that is unusual?
3. Dissolve Away: Is there anything you find uncomfortable about completing your creation? What do you perceive, if anything, is blocking your ability to create or paint with absolute confidence and happiness? Now just take your brush or pen and dissolve those thoughts by crossing out the words you have written below.
4. Embrace the Spirit: Talk to your Higher Power now. Ask this power or Spirit to be with you as you create or paint today. Ask the spirit to help you create with confidence and happiness. Ask the Spirit for what ever you want from your creative endeavor.
5. Write Your Thoughts Down: Look at what you wrote above and compose a short verse, thought, or prayer that expresses points One through Four. This written material becomes a valuable record of your feelings about your creative endeavor, which you may want to revisit.
6. Now, start Creating: Use whatever method you prefer while noticing how you are guided by Spirit. Over time you will come to trust and communicate with your Higher Power.