Giving Thanks: Gratitude and Tops & Bottoms Carrot Gnocchi
We discuss the benefits of the creative process and exploring creativity with our five senses. Also, subscribers get a whole foods made-from-scratch carrot gnocchi recipe!
- From "Sketch to Story" Workshop Recap & Benefits of Creative Process
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From "Sketch to Story" Workshop Recap & Benefits of Creative Process
📝Early this month, I gave a Creative workshop at the State of Estuary Conference. The State of Estuary Conference brought together scientists, non-profits, politicians and others who are dealing with pressing issues head-on, like climate change, sea level rise and managing clean water resources with ever-growing populations.
The title of my workshop: "From Sketch to Story, Stewarding Watersheds through Art."
In this workshop, I introduced the idea of telling heart-centered stories vs trying to use the logical mind.
So, what's the difference?
Most likely, you will have learned in grade school that a story has a logical framework. The story is sequenced (first, next, last...) and it is logical (beginning, middle, end). These are traditional tropes that help to finalize a story.
Heart-centered stories are told more organically. To summarize a sentiment from my good friend, Rebecca Rolnick (instagram: @habitat_restoryation), heart-centered stories reflect what it's like for humans to gather around a campfire.
Tell the story to someone else, and invite them to ask you questions about this story. Ask them, what did they notice in your story?
The act of sharing is not going to be published. The beauty of it is in the act of gift-giving and exchange. The is joy in the asking and in the telling.
About play and curiosity in the creative process
Workshop participants shared that they appreciated a chance to play, slow down and connect with each other through the medium of a creative process. Remember, these are water stewards who work hard to keep protect our water sources. Being a land steward is tough work, and sometimes we need an opportunity to fall in love again with the moments of beauty in nature. We need an opportunity to reflect on why we chose this work in the first place.
- "I always think it will take too much time to sit down and journal a nature observation, but I realized it could be as simple as looking out the window."
- "Getting a chance to slow down during a fast-paced conference."
- "Discussing stories with my neighbor."
What if we could have more opportunities to slow down, be present and truly look and see nature in a different light?
A workshop participant gifted me her story sketch.
We talked about the importance of adding labels to the picture. The dialogue in this piece helps us to understand the relationship between the observer and the plant. (PS: To the author, I hope you find me so I can credit you for this work!)
Here are some more ways to stay creative this month:
- I am open to offering creative retreats to teams. You would have the benefit of a creative guide to foster creative skills and strengthen team connections. If you'd like to learn more about this, e-mail me.
- Forward this post to someone who needs it
- Or subscribe if you haven't yet 😄