Creative summer prompt: slowing down

How does slowing down show up in the ordinary moments of life?

For me, slowing down means having the time to think. Going for a walk without rushing. Practising yoga, crafting, reading a book without watching the clock or sitting quietly without needing to be productive. Those moments that allow me to cultivate slow creativity and slowing down are precious to me and keep my creativity healthy.

On the other hand, I’ve noticed that when life becomes busy, the first thing that disappears is often the space where creativity lives and all those low-key, slow activities that help me cultivate my creativity within my creative art practice and outside of it.

When life becomes unbearable busy (as it was this past week) I try to take a step back and truly give myself the space and time, to be and reflect to reconnect with my creative space. (No watching, listening to audiobooks or podcasts, no pressure to create etc.)

I invite you to join me in that practice and take some time out to wander and ponder, especially when life becomes too much:

• What does slowing down look like in your creative practice today?
• What low-key activities create a sense of spaciousness for you that could be accessed almost instantly? (Without the need to buy any additional supplies or the need to travel and be places.)
• What small act of slowing down could you choose today that will help you get through the day?

If you feel inspired and comfortable enough, please share your reflections in the comments below.

If you are exploring slowing down and creative burnout you might find the following post interesting:

Can Creative Work Actually Be Sustainable?

What slowing down changed in my creative art practice?

Space, time and slowing down in my creative practice

About the Author

I work across film, writing, art projects and inclusive education, exploring how we create, sustain and reconnect with creativity. I’m Made By Dyslexia, so expect the occasional typo and a deep commitment to big ideas.  If you’re looking for a thoughtful conversation about your own creative practice, I also offer Creative Practice Review.