the well of creativity

I first came across the idea of creativity as a well in Julia Cameron’s The Artists Way, and it struck a chord. According to Cameron, our creativity is like a well that we can draw upon for inspiration and ideas. And yet, like with water, the well of creativity must be replenished or recharged. When we continue to draw on the well without replenishing it, eventually the well runs dry.

I’ve found this to be true in my writing. The times that I feel barren of creativity are times when I become so overly focused on deadlines or output that I hold myself hostage to the desk because I think that I haven’t done “enough” to “deserve” a break. The words shrivel away in response. And yet when I take time to replenish, even when it means time away from the desk (hint: it always does), the time upon returning to the desk is much more fruitful.

For me, replenishing the well looks like going for a walk outside, reading a good book, playing with Dory, watching a favorite movie, going for a drive, naming five things that bring me gratitude. Drinking a glass of water. Is the body the embodiment of our well?

These last two years have depleted our reserves in ways we’re still beginning to fathom. With everything going on in the world, taking time to replenish the well can feel frivolous. But I’d suggest it’s exactly what we need to keep going right now. If we don’t refill the well, we’ll continue to run dry.

Prompt

What refills your well?
What’s holding you back from replenishing the well?
What’s one thing you can do to replenish your well today?

Intentions and Affirmations

I am worthy of refilling the well.
I am worthy of replenishment.
I am willing to replenish the well.