Whisper, Shout, Let it out!

What's the point of creativity? Let's get to it.

Your creative prompt is below, but today I have a bit more to say because it’s a special day: my children’s book is being released. Like this newsletter, it’s all about encouraging creative play, joy, and expression.

But it’s not just that. The ability to express yourself is emotional, political, and spiritual. Unless we take the time to feel, understand and express ourselves, we will be disconnected, which can lead to anxiety, anger, resentment, depression…

As a girl, I was naturally very quiet. This was praised because being ‘good’ was to be quiet. Still, I had a lot to express, so I chose to do that non-verbally, though writing. But women and girls, and people from other marginalised groups, are often silenced in order to uphold the status quo. More diverse voices, narratives, and expressions create a more open, inclusive and equal society.

Finally, creative expression is a spiritual practice. The entire universe is expanding, creating and recreating itself, and we are part of that. Let’s revel in our particular being, and play and create along with nature.

So today, we’re going to take some time to think about how we express ourselves. Grab a notebook and pen, look at the questions below, and answer them truthfully. No one else needs to read this. It is a conversation with yourself.

1. Why did you sign up to this newsletter?

2. What topics do you find taboo?

3. What are you afraid to talk about?

4. What is the most vulnerable thing you could express right now?

5. Write down one thing you could do to help your artistic practice?

6. What do you love about writing, or artistic expression?

Congratulations on taking some time for your creativity today. Oh, and buy my kids book — for yourself, for friends, for kids aged 2-5 years old. If you’re in the U.K you can ask for it at any at bookshops or library, or all online links here. In Germany, you can order it here. If you’re in the U.S, get it here, or in India get it here.