4 ways to use Environmental Creativity for life balance

As much as the world likes to tell us otherwise,

we have the ultimate say in designing our ideal life.
*@bvstudiodesigns*

As we jump back into the more demanding pace of fall, we don't have to leave behind the margins that summer naturally allows. We can choose to protect our personal boundaries and the margins we create for our families year-round. As much as the world likes to tell us otherwise, we have the ultimate say in designing our ideal life.

One of the first topics I teach my students in The Art of Letting Go is how more can sometimes lead to less. Choosing to add something that brings pure Joy for joy's sake can give us the permission we need to let go of something that has been draining us. The suffocating Shoulds are often what steal our ability to take a deep breath and enjoy the life we have or prevent us from designing the life of our dreams. The best news is there is no need to go looking anywhere past your own home to start living that life today!

Environmental Creativity is one of the best methods for adding a little joy to your life…

without feeling guilty for doing something just for you (more on that later!). It allows you to look at things around you with an open mind and explore how you could use or repurpose various parts of your environment to start a creative practice and lighten your load.

Here's a few examples to get you started:

1. Paint like a Kindergartener

Use ALL the colors…or only use your absolute favorite color. Scratch, splatter, make weird marks and doodles! Use random items to paint with (a whisk, a stick, a fork, leaves, cotton balls, etc) Put 20 minutes on the timer, turn up the tunes, and just put paint on an old piece of cardboard...and don't worry what it looks like! This is a practice in releasing control and embracing Creativity. This is for you. For margin. For deep breaths. For wonder.

2. Find your 5 favorite items and meditate on what you love about them

Use all your senses! Is there a special memory attached to the item? Does the color bring your a surge of happiness every time you see it? Does the smell automatically add a moment of peace to your day? If you pay attention, you’ll probably notice you have at least one item in places you frequent that bring you Joy. These are all small reminders from your Creative that it’s there to tap into whenever you’re ready.

3. Take a 20 minute joy walk and silence your phone

Take photos or collect items that catch your eye and spark a little joy when you see it. Use the items to inspire your next creative task. Or just as a friendly reminder that taking 20 minutes to appreciate the environment around you will not derail your entire day. In fact, I guarantee it will improve your day in more ways than one.

4. Repurpose a room or space

Kids' toys or work paraphernalia taking over all the family spaces? Designate an area of a room or use a spare bedroom to contain those things within… or let the kids share one room while you use the other as the "playroom." Have a closet that just seems to collect junk? Clear it out, repurpose or pass along any unwanted items, and declare that space as your mini library or creative space or...mini butler's pantry (trust me it's a game changer).

Bonus- Find a creative community or class to join

The Art of Letting Go or The Next 45 Days are excellent places to start!

Ones that meet on a consistent basis will make it easier to hold that time sacred and show up. It also gives you permission to start saying no to other things you've been allowing to take over your time. You've made the commitment so that's now a fixture on your calendar that you refuse to compromise about. I would love to help you explore your own Environmental Creativity! Check out my Studio Sessions for all the details.