those songs out there...or in here...

As a songwriter, I go through lots of phases—dry spells, creative floods (on rare occasions), delicious times of discipline to write every day, regardless of inspiration. Recently, after a wildly busy time and not writing anything for ages, I decided to give myself one of those little challenges (5 songs in 5 days) that I use to jump start me back into the creative spirit…at least it gets me playing my guitar everyday.

It’s always seemed to me that some of the best songs come fully formed, as if they are floating around out there somewhere, and if I make myself available, I get to write it down…they are gifts. On the second morning of my recent songwriting challenge, I woke up with a lovely melody in my head. I got up and meditated, and then picked up a pencil and out came this song—exactly what I wanted to say, what I wish for and work for and have in my life—short, sweet and to the point. I’d like to share the words with you, and hope to get to sing it for you, and with you, someday soon.

PRAYER

Give me strength to do my best
Give me courage for the rest
Give me patience for the world
And times that I’m unsure

Let me see beyond the words
And find the heart wanting to be heard
Let my hands be soft and true
And let your healing through

Let me stand with open heart
Let my life become my art
Let me give, let me receive
And live my days with grace and ease

Thank you for the tears that cleanse
Thank you for the heart that mends
With gratitude that fills my soul
I am blessed and I am whole


words and music © 2008 by Ellen Stapenhorst

A Quick Exercise in Creativity

Twyla Tharp, the famous choreographer, wrote a wonderful book called The Creative Habit which was published in 2003. I recently ran across it in my bookcase. It is a book filled with suggestions and processes for getting the creative juices flowing in your being presented against the backdrop of her fascinating career. Whether you are a writer, painter, choreographer, teacher, or manager, Twyla’s book can help you start to think outside that infamous box for solutions to your conflicts.

One exercise is so simple I have to mention it. Take a handful of coins and toss them on a table. Then work with the pattern made by the coins. Keep moving the coins around until you feel as sense of completion, congruity, satisfaction. It doesn’t matter whether you will use the design you just completed in a project. You have just allowed yourself to observe a situation and create a possible resolution. Simply stated, you have gotten yourself into a creative mode. Now, move on to the nagging problem you have been avoiding all week!

One more suggestion – as you turn your attention to that chronic conflict, remember to take a few deep breaths, stretch your body a bit, and then smile. That too will help get the creative juices flowing.

Judy Warner