heart Archives - Writing From The Kitchen

Use Your Right to Create

May 29, 2019by Erika K RothwellLeave a Comment

“Do not let your left brain outthink your right to create!”

Excited by my new brush pens I attempted to “paint” a flower subject for the first time. At first it appeared my left brain, leaning on its own experience, overthought the process by starting with an outline before filling in with color.

Quickly, frustrated with my lack of ability, the desire to complete the task took over. An elementary-level rendition of the flower was born. It was certainly not the detailed and logical result you might expect from a left-brain activity, So normally I would have given up at this point. As it clearly appeared, I had little ability in this arena.

My right brain appeared to be enticed by a second look. So I made another attempt moments later. I found myself immersed in a feeling of timelessness, seamlessly connected to creative inspiration. And I was now able to move effortlessly, almost thoughtlessly, in the direction of creation. Finally, the second endeavor resulted in a piece resembling artwork. It was certainly not perfect either, yet clearly designed from a presentness in my heart.

Do you see the difference?

Awakening Your Right

From further research, I read that through the right brain we are able to be present and therefore become imbedded in the process rather than being overly concerned with the destination. The right side of the brain is responsible for empathy, intuition, imagination, and creativity. It is no wonder that dreams are born from our right brain.

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Albert Einstein

Words are the same. We cannot overthink as we write and expect to create a connection, a meaningful rendition of thoughts from our heart.

This exercise was undertaken simply as a step to awakening. My life’s purpose is still somewhat unclear, yet I am drawn to create from the heart ignoring self-interruptive negative messaging and help others find a connection to their own creative centers.

If you are one who struggles with organizing your thought process, you may appreciate that logic does not always hold the answer. Our creative journey cannot be dictated by thought. Rather, our authentic work must be guided by the heart.

AND, I have just personally discovered a whole lot more heart and art in the right brain.

Happy Creating!

©Erika K Rothwell

Loading Likes...

Creativity, self-acceptance

Embrace You

May 8, 2019May 9, 2019by Erika K Rothwell6 Comments

“Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else.” C.S. Lewis

The curse of a creative style. Or is it? This is my style. I accept me, so I need to learn within my style, not force myself into an uncomfortable position, where all I can think about is an escape.

I love what I do. I do what I love. And my wide-angle approach, allows me to see where I want to focus my energy for the day. I feel refreshed, ready to take action because I choose to work within my style.

This is what I refer to as fine tuning a creative living. Find your style. Embrace it. Use it as the support system and foundation to create authentically. Create from where you are, from who you are and from why you are.

Self-defeatist behavior will not support you. It will bury you in negativity, sucking your last breath of enthusiasm for life, and your creativity will die along with it.

Revive your soul, listen to your heart, use your mind and embrace your unique style.

©Erika K Rothwell

Loading Likes...

Creativity, hope, inspiration

Kaleidoscope of Hope – True Inspiration

April 8, 2019May 19, 2019by Erika K Rothwell2 Comments

Fragmented, broken pieces of myself have formed into a moving creative pattern appearing through a kaleidoscope induced image of myself. My feelings of inconsistency remind me to accept the orderliness of a divine arrangement marked with symmetry and cohesiveness to produce authentic work reflecting my individual design.

Psychology of perception ground up learning theory would state that I am a product of experience. What I see is because of what I already know. Having learned to finally tweak the vision of those broken parts into some sort of manageable recurring design for others to view plays on this well-accepted theory. However, what is perceived still remains subjective.

Events can turn the environment causing a new realm of stability, slightly shifting the lens, and strikingly new patterns emerge. Consider too that each repetitive pattern is continually morphing into a modified version of itself until it becomes completely unrecognizable in the metamorphosis, retaining only some of its original colors.

We can all recognize the beauty in the constantly changing visions of a kaleidoscope. But can we accept change in ourselves?

Vivid colors surround me daily, awakening a deeply-rooted purpose to express my feelings and reflections in the form of artistic creation. I cannot deny the profound effect of colorful displays of inspirational images on my heart. Motivation to share and create is born from these visions of delight. Flowers, birds, and trees, as well as oceans and mountain streams, enlighten me and guide my heart deeper into a natural realm of being where self-acceptance combines with a desire for a non-hurried lifestyle to allow my dreams to thrive.

As in the turn of a kaleidoscope. creative development often remains a work in progress and a mystery. A journey refined by every step. Joy felt from our individual perspective of each design as seen today without our eyes on tomorrow or our hearts left in the struggles of yesterday.

It is for each of us to appreciate the constantly changing visions of our inner kaleidoscopes.

For what we think to be true, is often only true because of how we see it.

Loading Likes...

Grace, hope

My Hope on Sunday

March 17, 2019April 9, 2019by Erika K RothwellLeave a Comment

I dream of a world where judgment is replaced with understanding and compassion. A world where opinions are stated with warmth and withheld when generated from self-promoting agendas.

Each individual contribution in this world is available from the life-giving spirit given equally to all of us. The belief systems that grow within each unique heart is as personal as its owner’s reflection in the mirror. One individual does not have the answer for another. Grace has the only answer we all need.

When one voice emphatically reprimands another with the weapon of self-righteousness, a pretension of a special relationship with the all-knowing and a misguided belief that truth is shared only with them, they partake in a foolish fantasy.

My fellow writers, this week, I read your commenters’ distasteful judgment with sadness. Fending off wolves of merciless evangelism is no feat for the sensitive of nature. And although I wish them grace as well, I swallow my own righteous indignation at their misplaced words.

Keep writing!

Loading Likes...

hope, Self Protection

Self-Protective Hope

February 25, 2019February 25, 2019by Erika K RothwellLeave a Comment

Self-protection. Do we allow it to get in the way of progress? Does fear of harm or ridicule stunt our growth. Do we view outside forces as something to hide from? Or do we learn to adapt?

I watch the water form a river in the leaf of a plant. My mind wanders to the self-protective ability of a succulent to divert the harmful power of torrential rain from washing it away.

How much of our environment and its harsh elements helped create who we are today? The adaptation of our natures cannot be ignored as we learn to deflect the ominous, hurtful, degenerative, toxic messages that may have been forced upon us.

When the vicious prey on us, we have our cloaking devices. We do not have to expose ourselves to harmful situations to become more powerful. Power resides in the protection of the gift we are given. There is no need to flaunt or battle.

Deflecting criticism protects our tender roots. These roots ground us in a hostile yet beautiful terrain. The vast wilderness becomes manageable as we adapt by using our strengths. Our beings are created for survival and hope.

The love in our hearts survives in deflection.

Loading Likes...