Hey Reader
Ever wish that you could see life through the eyes of a child again?
This was one of my biggest reflections this month, after spending some much needed play time with my adorable nieces and nephew.
Witnessing these kids fully steeped in their imagination, joy, and excitement was the exact medicine I needed after a VERY busy few of months swimming in the adult pool called "life".
Being with these kids reminded me of how creativity can thrive when we give ourselves permission to simply BE in our full, unbridled self-expression.
That sense of wonder, authenticity and play that’s present in children sometimes feels impossible to access as adults.
And that’s because adults have been “doing life” for a while now, and unfortunately, as we grow up, reality has a funny way of bursting that bubble of childlike wonder.
The thing is though, that wonder still exists within us, we just have to learn how to properly channel it.
What's brewing
As I write this, we’re moving deeper into Gemini season, a sign known for it’s dualistic nature, and I can’t help but think about the parallels between this season, that childlike energy and the duality of being human.
You see, there’s a part of us that remembers how to play, create and express ourselves without filters or fear. The part that can get completely lost in Play-Doh and puzzles (like my adorable niece pictured above, so filled with pride after finishing this 150 piece construction puzzle).
This is the part of us that sees magic everywhere and believes that anything is possible.
And then there’s that OTHER part of us that learned to be “realistic”. The part that’s been conditioned to sit still, color inside the lines and measure our worth by how productive we are and how much money we make.
That's the part of ourselves that’s forgotten how to play because we’ve been taught that play isn’t “serious” or valuable.
Gemini season shines light on this beautiful contradiction. You might find yourself pulled between wanting to buckle down and focus deeply on your projects, while simultaneously feeling called to say f*ck it and go frolic in the sunshine.
Well, here’s what I learned while watching those kids:
This isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a sacred duality to HONOR.
The magic happens when we stop seeing our playful, childlike nature as something we’ve lost or need to suppress, and instead start recognizing it as something that’s accessible at all times and actually augments our human experience.
We’ve been taught a lie that “being childish” is a bad thing.
In fact, the key to unlocking full creative expression is stepping into that childlike wonder on a daily basis and allowing our minds to wander and expand into all the possibilities that are available to us!
The more we daydream and explore, the less we are thwarted by a “reality” that dims our shine.
The key to creative vitality isn’t about having to choose between our serious, focused adult self OR our playful, wonder-filled inner child. It’s about learning how to integrate these parts of us and raising our vibration by honoring BOTH aspects of who we are… the wise adult AND the magical child.
JUST FOR YOU:
Creative AlCHEMY EXERCISE
Here’s a simple practice to help you reconnect with that childlike wonder while honoring your adult wisdom:
- Connect with both selves: Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Close your eyes and imagine your wise adult self and your playful inner child standing side by side. Think for a moment about what each one of them needs right now.
- Give permission: Ask your inner child “What would feel fun and free today?” Then ask your adult self “What would feel purposeful and aligned?” Observe what comes up without judgment.
- Find the bridge: Look for ways to honor both. Maybe it’s approaching your work project with playful experimentation, or scheduling focused work time followed by pure time to play. Trust whatever comes up, and see how you can integrate it.
- Practice wonder: Throughout your day, pause and ask yourself “How would my 8yr old self see this?” Then let whatever comes up bring a fresh perspective into your creative work.
- Express gratitude: Before bed, thank both sides of yourself… the inner child for bringing forth joy and wonder, and your adult self for providing structure and wisdom.
Nurturing this connection will not only improve your creative flow, it will help you stop abandoning parts of yourself, and get you back to your authentic expression.
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Until next time, remember that your childlike wonder isn’t something you’ve lost, it’s patiently been waiting for you to remember it’s there.
With love, light and creativity,
Kat
P.S. If this resonates and you find yourself struggling with this duality, hit reply and let's chat about how we can get you back in touch with your inner child.
“Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
— Pablo Picasso