Overcoming Creative Resistance: When Healing Blocks Art

resistance... that thing that keeps us from doing our art.

Let's talk about resistance and the sneaky ways it shows up in our artistic journey. Overcoming creative resistance starts with recognizing its many disguises.

I've had "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield sitting on my shelf for quite a while. In fact, I have two copies. lol. I don't know why. Anyway, recently I decided to take another deep dive. Pressfield talks about resistance... that thing that keeps us from doing our art. The procrastinator! The excuses we make and... deep lethargy sets in.

So, the thing that really hit home for me: We sometimes tell ourselves "When I'm better... I'll create" Better how, exactly? or "When I heal... then, I'll create." And it occurred to me that healing itself can become a form of resistance, go figure! A clever way our minds trick us into postponing our art - the true healer. The path to overcoming creative resistance often begins when we stop waiting for perfect conditions.

This one hurts, Lord help me, it's a fresh wound. My sister-in-law recently transitioned after battling cancer and my husband and all her family, friends, and loved ones were there at her side. I couldn't be there. And part of the healing for me is to write, cry, and to share all the funky unfathomable feelings that fear and love and grieving brings. So, sure, there is nothing wrong with taking a breather, kicking your feet up, listening to some Marvin Gaye...

And part of the healing... is to write

But here's the truth: some of the most powerful and meaningful art came out of deep struggle, pain, battle scars, and obstacles. Suffering, pain, and transformation weren't barriers to creation - they were the raw materials.

You don't need to wait until you're "fixed" or until you're "whole" to make art. I mean, what the hell is that!? Fixed! Begin right there in the middle of the suffering, in the middle of the grieving, in the middle of the messiness.

That's where true healing happens - and where overcoming creative resistance becomes possible.

some of the most powerful and meaningful art came out of ...obstacles

What's one piece of art you've been putting off until you're 'ready'? Share in the comments below.

Your Wordsmythe,

Sandra Daley