Last week I had the joy of spending a few days at Kripalu for the Reclaim Your Creativity workshop. It was a deep dive into play, self-expression, and noticing where our creative energy flows—or, in my case, where it’s been leaking away.
One of the most surprising moments came during a tarot reading. The cards didn’t mince words: my job has been quietly siphoning off my creative life force. And as soon as I heard it, I knew it was true.
Here’s the bigger realization: I’ve never made my best art while employed. I’ve resisted that truth for years, telling myself I should be able to balance both, but the truth is… I can’t. Not without losing the spark that fuels my work.
So now comes the tender, tricky part—accepting that reality and asking:
– What does it mean for my creative practice?
– How can I nurture my art without constantly running on empty?
– What boundaries, choices, or changes will help me protect that spark?
Where is your creative energy going these days? Maybe it’s a job, maybe it’s the constant giving of yourself to others, or maybe it’s simply putting your creative practice at the bottom of your to-do list. Whatever it is, noticing the leaks is the first step to reclaiming your spark.
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