According to Jewish tradition, God created the world in an unfinished state, as a work in progress, leaving it up to us to “complete” it. How we do this is unique to each one of us.

It can often be a challenge to know what might be the right way for each of us to express our creativity. We might have an abundance of ideas, and wonder how best to choose amongst them. Or, at other times, we might have the sense that some action is called for, but are not aware of what that might be.

Notice how you feel as you read the following quote by Brenda Ueland: “Creative power flourishes only when I am living in the present.”

When I read this it brings a sense of release, and relief. To me, living in the present feels more grounded, clearer, and even more peaceful. So often we look to the past or future, forgetting that there exists a present reality which holds both wisdom and clarity.

Imagine how it would be to actually live with the greater part of your attention on what is happening in your life right now, in the present moment. On all levels- physical, emotional, spiritual, and more.

Through its emphasis on attending to the body and the present moment, Focusing is process that facilitates our ability to center our experience in the present moment. With Focusing we learn how to live more and more of our lives in the present.

We learn how to become aware of what is true for us, without the distractions usually posed by our thoughts and engagement with the world outside us. And to pay attention to what is there with compassion and spaciousness.

We can then move forward in ways that feel
– and indeed are- just right for us.

I invite you to consider what comes for you when you ask yourself,”What is my part in completing the world?” “What am I here for?”

When you ask yourself these questions, be sure to ask them with an open, spacious attitude. An attitude of really wanting to know. An attitude of whatever comes will be OK.

We ask these questions not to limit ourselves, but to give our inner beings a chance to express themselves. We don’t need necessarily to do what a part of us wishes. And yet it is very helpful to be able to acknowledge what has come.

How might living in the present help you to better express your creativity? What is it that you’ve been wanting to put forth into the world? I’d love to hear what comes for you around all of this!

How is creativity connected to the energy of the month?

It’s now the middle of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In the northern hemisphere, there are days that still feel very much like winter- while others bring welcomed hints of Spring.

Almond trees laced with delicate pink blossoms are a harbinger of Spring in Jerusalem.The photo of the blossoms to the left were taken just last week.

As the trees and plants begin to wake up from their winter rest, it is time for us to begin to emerge from a more inwardly-oriented mode to being more creative, and perhaps more outwardly-oriented as well.

This is a good time to re-visit goals we may have set for ourselves back at Rosh Hashana time, or more recently at the turn of the secular year in January.

It can also be helpful to ask yourself how these goals relate to your responses to the questions about your part in completing the world.

Again, it is most helpful to ask yourself these questions with an attitude of curiosity. No need to judge where you are. Rather, to ask with a sense of checking in. With really wanting to know where you are with respect to goals or intentions you might have framed for yourself a while back.