Roy’s Sunday Letter for October 19, 2025
CREATIVITY AND NOURISHING YOUR CREATIVE GARDEN
Julia Cameron has published 20 books…including books of poetry, plays and music about the art of creativity. Her break-out book, “The Artist Way,” introduced the public to Morning Pages. Her insights on creativity are shared in “Walking in This World, The Practical Art of Creativity.” Cameron has inspired me to how I see, listen and talk with others. Today’s Sunday Letter is a mix Cameron’s teaching and my thoughts of the creative life we all share.
We are all Creators: Crayon art or the early ability to play the piano may be the creative expression of the young. Elders today can receive drawing, memoir writing, and guitar lessons at community centers. Creativity is not limited by age, gender, or a chosen art form. What is one of your creative outlets? Is there a creative art you wish to add to your practice?
Creativity as Encouragement: Paintings of nature, a jazz quartet, or poetry reading can lift our spirits, especially as a shared, common experience with others. Creative expressions can reset our eyes, our hearts, and our expectation of life’s goodness as a gift to all. Recall a time and place of encouragement, when your eyes, ears, and heart were lifted?
The Creative Life as Daily Practice: A spiritual life is strengthened through the daily practice of prayer, worship, and service to others. The creative life is developed, deepened, and expanded through the same discipline of daily practice of our chosen creative expression. Do you have a daily practice routine? If not, is this a good time to begin.
Crazy Ideas as Creative Art: The history of our culture contains many a crazy idea, perhaps even a crazy artist. Symphonies, museum exhibits, and murals on school walls show us the power and beauty when crazy ideas are developed and valued, to show the beauty and wonder from a once crazy idea. Have you had a crazy idea? Have you experienced crazy ideas coming together in powerful and beautiful ways?
Slow Down to Accomplish More: The creative spirit produces energy. And yet, when we slow down, quieting the distractions, it can produce creative accomplishments more polished and complete. Cameron reminds the reader, “two small steps, added to many more two small steps, which can climb a mountain.”
The Wonderment of Awe: The Creative energy in each of us reminds and calls us to retain the wonder and the beauty of Awe. Affirmations of Awe may be in an everyday kindness, especially an unexpected kindness.
Each day, Nature unfolds its Awe by the colors of the rising or sitting sun, animals at play, or the rebirth of a river from urban pollution. What is your creative Awe? Are the benefits of slowing down an attractive option for you?
I am grateful for Julia Cameron’s creative life and example. I am thankful for her calling all artists, whatever their age or their ability to do their practice and to encourage each other to show creativity in their lives. Creative connections is a way of sharing our humanity.
Roy, hopefully a creative
There are numerous ways to be creative. I have absolutely no drawing ability but I can celebrate beautiful art in different forms. I like to organize things, I believe that is my creative gift. After retiring from teaching I had to learn to slow down and it took me a while to realize I didn’t have to do everything on Saturday and Sunday. Slowing down is one of the perks of growing older.
Friend Maurine….your gifts of providing resources for youth and families is indeed a gift and a strength.
I slimed about the weekend comment. Even now IO slip into the same thinking of days.
You have many gifts. our friendship is indeed one of these. Roy
Creativity? Every thought and movement is a new experience taught by participating in life itself. Painting a picture and having a teacher remark that she has chosen it to be entered in a art show. Learning from life’s experiences about oneself and sharing its understanding and rewards with others can increase clarity of how we all can better manage life and its stumbling blocks can be an important goal to accomplish as we all continue to mingle our paths insights with others. Volunteering and experiencing life with others has been found to help prevent dementia. Roy, I know you and Beth have not only changed lives but have certainly saved lives by your presence. Finding our place in community is not only important to others but it is very important to us. There is so much to learn and so much to do.
Oh Wow, Pete, what a beautiful description of creativity. Starting with ideas and moving toward practices that give our soul renewed vitality is what is needed in the world community today. You are such a creative thinker. Harry and I live in a retirement community in Grand Prairie. I play the lobby piano every morning and have several people stop by to listen and even dance to some of the old favorites. We have been welcomed for our creativity. No matter our age, we can find that urge to be creative and touch the lives of others. Blessings to you!
Frank Long
You are right Peter judt becomes wiser and wiser.
His wrutten words inspire me and encourage me.
A gift Peter freely gives us, as do you dear friend.
RB
Great expose. So many good points. The one idea I would add. All creative projects are not enthastically accepted by others. Don’t let their negativity deter you. Be true to yourself. Thanks!:
Cameron comments to protect yourself from who comes in, negative, and leaves. Not staying.
I agree with all you said. One person in writer’s group will point out a need capital letter or period.
I am not deterred. Good to have you with me on the journey,,,,,,