If you have creative work in the hopper (or simply an idea!), you’re invited to learn and create alongside us this summer as we explore key concepts and actionable ideas to move creativity forward inspired by Dr. Eric Maisel’s book, “Fearless Creating: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Completing Your Work of Art” (affiliate link).
This is the summer you stop dreaming about creating...and actually create.
Last week, we posed a simple yet powerful question: What do you wish to create?
This week, we encourage you to take a step back and focus on doing less before diving into outlines or drafts.
Don’t skip these two foundational steps that can set the stage for your creative work:
Hushing – Take time to quiet distractions and create mental space.
Holding – Allow ideas to settle and take shape before rushing to execute.
These small, intentional steps can make a big difference in your creative process.
What Is “Hushing”?
Hushing isn’t meditation, and it’s not zoning out.
It’s the intentional practice of quieting your mental noise so your deeper creative voice has room to emerge.
Busy thoughts, distractions, and the dings of phone notifications all clutter up your creative headspace. Hushing helps reclaim that mental energy.
Think of it as clearing space in your mind. No forcing, just allowing.
At first, it might feel unfamiliar. You might not notice anything right away. And that’s totally okay.
The key is to keep listening. That’s the practice.
“If you want to hear the next idea, you must hush.” - Dr. Eric Maisel
More Ideas To Quiet The Noisy Mind:
What Does It Mean to “Hold” an Idea?
Holding is the art of gently carrying an idea before it’s fully formed without judging it, rushing it, or turning it into a to-do list.
It’s a form of creative protection.
Holding might look like:
Carrying a small notebook with you
Keeping a voice memo app open (I recommend Loom!)
Walking with a symbol or object that reminds you of your project
Returning to a sentence or image in your mind, again and again
Holding says: “I see you. I’m not pushing. But I won’t forget you.”
What We’re Really Doing: Nurturing the Wish
In a world that constantly urges us to do more, pausing to wish, hush, and hold feels almost rebellious.
But this quiet beginning is not a delay.
It’s the ground your future creative work will grow from.
You’re nurturing something sacred; Not performing, not rushing, just listening and carrying.
💭 This Week’s Reflection Prompt:
What does it feel like to hush your mind?
What images or feelings arise when you do?
Try 5 minutes of silence. Whisper “shhhh” softly to yourself. Just notice what shows up.
Then carry whatever comes to you.
Let it live with you for a while.
And trust that you’re already creating, even in the stillness.
Next Week:
In Week 3, we’ll explore what it means to feed your creative mind — because hunger and inspiration go hand in hand.
Until then…hush. And hold.
Your creative wish is speaking.
Q For You:
🌱 What idea or creative impulse are you holding gently right now? What did you notice when you gave yourself even a few minutes of quiet this week?
Let’s Connect!
Want to share in a supportive and encouraging space? Join us in Creative Enabler’s subscriber chat for even more creative goodness and the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives in the process of creating.
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