First Prompt for Creative Introspection

It's here, it's here . . . we really did it . . . our first prompt!

Beginnings are so important, not only in our life (where we come from, our biography, and what we are made of, our biology), but, especially, in journeys.  You have to decide when to get away, where to go, how to get there, and, what exactly will you DO when you arrive?  Will you stay?  Will you leave?  If you leave, you have to START ALL OVER AGAIN!  Phew.  I'm tired already!

Let's focus for this prompt on HOW WE GET THERE.  Metaphorically, we take ONE STEP AT A TIME.  We take BABY STEPS.  We take TWO STEPS FORWARD, and ONE STEP BACK.

Shoes PROTECT.  Just a bit of brainstorming there . . . do we have someone walking IN STRIDE with our steps, or are they solitary steps?  And, aren't we always alone, anyway?  What prints do we leave behind  us? 

Here are some images about steps/shoes and a few poems and quotes about them:


Sole Mates, 1999, Mixed Media, Sher Fick




 

Step Lightly, Altered Wedding Shoe, Sher Fick, 2005



 

"It is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed."   - Ram Dass

“There are no mistakes.  The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they are necessary to reach the places we have chosen to go."   - Richard Bach.

"Mistakes are merely steps up the ladder." - Paul Meyer

Baby steps are tiny.

Each little gain is applauded.

And when you fall

someone is there

to help you up.

No one seems to mind

that you didn't make it all the way.

In fact,

they're just happy that you tried.

You and I, we're grown up,

if only on the outside.

Doesn't anyone realize

that we are just like children inside?

It's ok;

take baby steps.

If you fall

I will be there to help you.

I don't mind if you don't make it all the way,

as long as you try.

hidden poet

 

So - take your FIRST BABY STEPS, or if you are a well-practiced sprinter in creative expression, we can't wait to see what you have to offer.  We want to hear about the ideas, the struggles as you create, and then see/read your final expression.

 

It is kind of like we are all on a hike together, we will leave no one behind!





Inspirational Thoughts for Your Introspection by Sher Fick

Last weekend, Lisa and I were in heavy brainstorming about what EXACTLY introspection is.

Here are a few of our conclusions:

You can't just dig into your past and DWELL there forever, the idea is to dig it out, sort through it - use some of the remnants to build something new, leave the rest where it belongs - in the past, in the refuse pile, or just BEHIND you.

Focusing on positive joy and growth is much more productive than miring ourselves in the nigrado* of our past.

Let's have fun, and laugh TOGETHER and with others - we can all heal and grow simultaneously.

There are also some GREAT quotes about Introspection:

“The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude.”
― Aldous Huxley

“Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.”
― Yvonne Woon, Dead Beautiful

“I stand in the mist and cry, thinking of myself standing in the mist and crying, and wondering if I will ever be able to use this experience in a book.”
― Erica Jong, Fear of Flying

What are your thoughts about INTROSPECTION, any examples of how it has worked in your life, realizations or anything you want to share? Also, introduce yourselves, who you are, what you do, how you know Lisa or myself . . .

And, WELCOME!!!! Spread the word to others you feel would be interested in either following us OR participating.

* Self-knowledge is an adventure that carries us unexpectedly far and deep. Even a moderately comprehensive knowledge of the shadow can cause a good deal of confusion and mental darkness, since it gives rise to personality problems which one had never remotely imagined before. For this reason alone we can understand why the alchemists called their nigrado melancholia, "a black blacker than black," night, an affliction of the soul, confusion, etc., or, more pointedly, the "black raven." For us the raven seems only a funny allegory, but for the medieval adept it was . . . a well-known allegory of the devil.[The Conjunction,"CW14, par. 741.]

Instrospectism - What is this all about????

My sister, Poet, Lisa Frazeur, and myself, Artist, Sher Fick, are thrilled to announce our joint venture:  the idea behind CREATIVE INTROPECTISM began around the time I was working on a retrospective exhibition at a mental facility (and, yes, that is the RIGHT place for me)!  During selections of the work and my approach for the Art Talk (view here), we worked closely together. 

Coping Skills at the Foundations Recovery
Network's Nashville Facility,
Meditation Room, Sher Fick, 2013

We worked through many of our own childhood and early adult issues through the use of creative  expressions in art and poetry, also short fiction and theatre.  It became clear to us at the exhibition that people were interested in our processes and, who knows why, what we had to say on the matter.  They then became really excited when we talked about a future BLOG in which we would offer monthly prompts/challenges and the 'group' could not only follow along, but work side-by-side with us, and we would all share and support each other from the alpha to the omega.

Suicide Ideation Bracelet, Lisa Frazeur, 2013

It is NOT our intention to 'teach' or to 'treat/therapy' - we simple believe in the power of creative introspection and want to help provide a forum and sanctuary for others to join us in the process.

We will have guest 'prompters' and special  'speakers' from time-to-time.  No rules (except we require kindness and empathy) and you can come and go as you please.

Lisa Ann & "Sissy Kay", approx. 1970, California
LIFE IS A MERRY-GO-ROUND, JUMP ON WITH US!!!

Join us for soul celebrating, introspective journeying through creative expression.