Creative expression is an intensely personal activity and we often find that sharing our creativity with another person to be a very intimate exchange.

So, take some time to consider the following questions:

• What is the history of the creative issues discussed in these spiritual conversations?

Creative impulses develop over time, often intertwining with our personal lives. Deeply-rooted emotional needs shade and color our creativity. So, it is important for you to consider the history of these creative needs.

— If you are considering a specific project, you need to consider how the project has emerged and who has been involved with it in the past. Part of the consideration should also take into account the emotional difficulties (and rewards) you have already experienced with regard to this project. If a person has had particular impact – either positive or negative – on your creative process, then this needs to be part of our preliminary conversation. In much the same way, you should discuss any aspects of the project that have provoked a particularly strong emotional response.

— If you are looking to develop a particular creative skill, you should consider why you feel this need to be important. This may involve trying to understand why you feel that you are lacking this particular skill or why you feel that it needs improvement. Again, do not be afraid to express vulnerability in our preliminary conversation since this will enable you to build a more positive future through these creative conversations.

• How have your creative needs changed over time?

While the external aspects of a particular creative desire or project may seem to remain the same since their inception, it is important to recognize that the emotional or spiritual motivation for it often changes over time. So, consider how your understanding of this creative need has evolved and developed. As part of this consideration, think about the ways in which this desire or project has fostered positive or negative feelings in you as well as how these emotions are shaping your present perceptions as you approach these conversations.

• What resources do you need to successfully realize your creative desire or project?

Take some time to honestly appraise what you need to fulfill your creative desire. This may involve other people (with their own particular skills and abilities) or access to particular resources. In particular, assess the realistic possibility of these things becoming available to you. Also, take some time to think about the resources you either have or will have to fulfill your desires. This should involve thinking about ideas and options you have put aside prematurely as well as how particular resources have changed during the course of your life.

• How will you measure the success of this creative desire or project?

It is important that you understand how you will measure the success of this creative desire or project. This will help you appreciate the motivations shaping your creative work as well as help you know when this desire or project is completely fulfilled. Still, it is very important that you remember that creativity is an open process and you need to remain available to the creative and spiritual gifts God will offer you during these conversations.

To return to the “Beginning a Spiritual Conversation” main page, please click here.