Dana, thanks for your reply and the questions. They have caused m to think, a bit. Below are some of my thoughts.
Being Creatively Dead:
1. I do not feel a drive to write much of anything. While my heart and soul aches regarding issues in our country and in the world, I stew on them, but, other than some FB snark and venting, I don’t sense an inner urgency to expend the time more energy to compose anything substantial.
2. I feel the loss of any audience for my thoughts.
3. I feel I’ve been put out to pasture, with no identifiable purpose but to live out my days. I know I cannot be involved in Kiski Presbytery, even after nearly 13 years of absence. When I left the role of Stated Clerk for the Synod of the Trinity I had to sign a covenant of “non-participation. (That pissed me off.) I quit participation in worship in the congregation in town. The pastor never touches on any of the societal issues, “because this is a purple congregation.” A few years ago he went on sabbatical and never once invited me to lead worship and preach. When I later asked him about it he replied, “I didn’t even think about it.” (Message sent, message received) Later, he did ask me to preach or lead a church school adult class, I knew, if I did, I would disturb to patina of not disturbing anybody.
4. I feel alone. Many, most, of those with whom I enjoyed companionship, mutual purpose, and inspiration seem to have moved on, even though I have reached out to some to no avail.
Signs of a Still Beating Creative Heart:
1. After a few years of not having picked up my woodcarving knives, I enrolled in an online group about woodcarving. I didn’t find the classes particularly helpful nor challenging.
2. Recently, I did some online research about Calvin’s work with refugees in Geneva. I made some notes, but haven’t done anything with them, yet.
3. I still read a good bit, both on line and downloaded books.
It has been a long time since I've laid fingers to keys for anything but snarky bits on FB. Is it that I haven't felt the muse's presence, or have I become creatively dead?
Hi Wayne - here's a couple of coaching questions for ya 😀 : How would you know that you were creatively dead? What (albeit small) signs of a still-beating creative heart might you notice (and how have you noticed them in the past)? I sometimes suspect that the desire for the muse is, itself, a sign that creativity ain't dead! Best wishes, friend.
It can’t be forced, can’t be forced
By force of will, want, wandering
It will do what it will and not what it won’t
Just so
Thank you, Dana. I needed to hear this today
Dana, thanks for your reply and the questions. They have caused m to think, a bit. Below are some of my thoughts.
Being Creatively Dead:
1. I do not feel a drive to write much of anything. While my heart and soul aches regarding issues in our country and in the world, I stew on them, but, other than some FB snark and venting, I don’t sense an inner urgency to expend the time more energy to compose anything substantial.
2. I feel the loss of any audience for my thoughts.
3. I feel I’ve been put out to pasture, with no identifiable purpose but to live out my days. I know I cannot be involved in Kiski Presbytery, even after nearly 13 years of absence. When I left the role of Stated Clerk for the Synod of the Trinity I had to sign a covenant of “non-participation. (That pissed me off.) I quit participation in worship in the congregation in town. The pastor never touches on any of the societal issues, “because this is a purple congregation.” A few years ago he went on sabbatical and never once invited me to lead worship and preach. When I later asked him about it he replied, “I didn’t even think about it.” (Message sent, message received) Later, he did ask me to preach or lead a church school adult class, I knew, if I did, I would disturb to patina of not disturbing anybody.
4. I feel alone. Many, most, of those with whom I enjoyed companionship, mutual purpose, and inspiration seem to have moved on, even though I have reached out to some to no avail.
Signs of a Still Beating Creative Heart:
1. After a few years of not having picked up my woodcarving knives, I enrolled in an online group about woodcarving. I didn’t find the classes particularly helpful nor challenging.
2. Recently, I did some online research about Calvin’s work with refugees in Geneva. I made some notes, but haven’t done anything with them, yet.
3. I still read a good bit, both on line and downloaded books.
Blessings, Dana
It has been a long time since I've laid fingers to keys for anything but snarky bits on FB. Is it that I haven't felt the muse's presence, or have I become creatively dead?
Hi Wayne - here's a couple of coaching questions for ya 😀 : How would you know that you were creatively dead? What (albeit small) signs of a still-beating creative heart might you notice (and how have you noticed them in the past)? I sometimes suspect that the desire for the muse is, itself, a sign that creativity ain't dead! Best wishes, friend.