The Art of Rest
I’ve been reflecting lately on creativity, the creative process, and creation itself. It seems that many of us associate creativity solely with the blooming phase—the spark, the “birthing” into the world. This is the shiny, beautiful part of creation when everything is (almost) ready, and the foundational work has already been done in the shadows, in silence, “backstage.”
Nature’s Creative Process
When we look to nature, which I hold as the greatest teacher of all, we notice a different pattern—if we choose to look closely and with awareness. In winter, it may appear as though nature is asleep, as if everything is on hold. But what if this resting phase is actually one of the most crucial parts of the creative process? What if the dark is where creativity truly begins to spark?
When we step back from the noise, from the illusion that we must constantly perform, achieve, and solve, we begin to see that this way of living is neither sustainable nor natural. The trap lies in believing that creativity, the creative process, and creation itself must also happen in this perpetual chaos, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Power of Pause
The depths of winter—both metaphorically and literally—show us the immense power of the pause, the break, the dark void. Consider us humans as a profound example: every single one of us is created in the dark, nourishing space of a woman’s womb.
When we take a step back to honor rest and sit in silence, only then can we hear the whispers of creativity again. It may take time to surrender to this state of pause, especially when we’ve become so accustomed to constant doing. The very idea of doing nothing can provoke anxiety or even panic for someone who has been in performance mode—pushing, striving, achieving—for a long time.
Cyclical Nature of Creation
The truth is, the creative process is built as much upon rest, pause, and being as it is upon action and doing. Furthermore, these phases don’t unfold in a linear way. They move in a spiral, cycling higher and deeper, mirroring our own inner seasons.
Rest and Receive
Can we open ourselves to the resting phase and receive what already lives within our hearts? Can we make space for the creations our hearts long to bring into the world—with grace, patience, and trust?
