I love the sound of it. Praxis. It sounds almost like Practice. Which makes total sense for me right now.
Wikipedia defines Praxis this way:
Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, embodied, or realised. “Praxis” may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practicing ideas.
I am someone who lives a lot in her head. I dream, I plan, I adore. But when it comes to transforming all those thoughts into something tangible, I often struggle. It takes me a very long time to bring projects to life (a newsletter, a new series of paintings, blogposts, classes…). I had to journal about it to figure out how come it was so difficult for me. Or I will try and let it go before it actually becomes something.
My tip ? Pick one step. Just one thing that will help you move forward your goal. Does not have to be huge and impressive.
It’s the same with my feeling of being an imposter. That my art is not good, not even my career as I actually don’t live from it (etc. etc. etc.). What can I do to shift that feeling 180º ? Take one simple step. One that feels the easiest possible. One that is still something.
And in this case, I knew I had to deepen my techniques and my knowledge. To study and experiment more. Without looking at every single painting’s outcome, but looking at it as a whole. So I asked the Universe (or God or whatever you are comfortable calling that higher force) for a sign. A sign I would easily recognize (that is an entire whole other story). And it came in the form of a live demo at my local art supplies store, Opus, by Jenn Williamson. Very last minute discovery. I signed up for it, it was full, but I did not care having to stand up for two hours to watch and hear Jenn talk about her exploration in texture and abstract landscapes process. And I am so glad I decided to listen to my Inner Voice and attend because I connected with what she offers, she’s a great teacher, passionate about her path and her creativity. At the end, I approached her and asked: “do you teach and do workshops, by chance ?” and yes, she does. She also does some creative mentoring 1/1 which I immediately knew I should consider.
Stretch these wings baby ! you can do it. Water that seed so it can grow and grow and grow, and become a strong plant. Don’t stay in your head too much, you will kill your creative flow. Let it go. And if you fail ? well, that’s okay… we all fail one and then: the most important is to get back on your feet, and start again. Learn from it, what did not work as you had hoped for, and move on to the next thing.
(and I am pretty sure Praxis will be my guiding word for 2016… can feel it in my bones right now…)