Maria Bowler, author of "Making Time," engages listeners in a thought-provoking discussion about redefining creativity and self-worth beyond productivity. She shares her journey as a new mom during the pandemic, prompting a profound exploration of identity when external accomplishments fade. By highlighting the significance of meaningful engagement over hustling, Maria inspires a fresh perspective on creativity rooted in love and connection. She emphasizes embracing one's unique gifts and the importance of community support in navigating the emotional complexities of the creative journey.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing our intrinsic worth beyond productivity, urging listeners to embrace their true creative selves.
A shift from a producer mindset to a maker mindset encourages deep engagement in creativity and highlights the value of collaboration with others.
Deep dives
Understanding Our Being
The concept of being versus doing is explored, emphasizing that one's true essence exists independently from accomplishments or productivity. People often form deep connections based on others' intrinsic qualities rather than their actions, yet they struggle to apply this understanding to themselves. The realization that each individual is a unique creation made in the image of a creative God prompts a reconsideration of personal identity beyond mere productivity. Recognizing that our worth is not contingent on what we accomplish, but rather on who we are at our core, invites a more fulfilling approach to life.
From Doing to Making
A shift from a producer mindset to a maker mindset is proposed, where the focus transitions from output to authentic creative engagement. This perspective challenges the societal norms that often equate success and identity with productivity, urging individuals to embrace creativity as an inherent part of their being. The discussion emphasizes that true fulfillment arises from deep involvement and discovery in the creative process rather than simply ticking boxes on a to-do list. Acknowledging one's creative impulses as valid can reveal unique gifts meant for expression and connection.
Embracing Failure and Authenticity
The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability in engaging with creativity and encourages a culture where failure is seen as a vital part of the learning process. Accepting that making mistakes is inherent in creative endeavors can foster innovation and personal growth, challenging the fear of inadequacy that often stifles authentic expression. Sharing struggles openly invites reassurance and support from others and cultivates a community that thrives on collective creativity rather than isolation. This acknowledgment paves the way for individuals to create freely without the pressure of perfection, fostering a deeper connection to their work.
Creating in Relationship
Collaboration is recognized as a fundamental aspect of creativity, urging individuals to embrace their interconnectedness with others as a catalyst for creative expression. It suggests that while personal vision is important, engaging with others enriches the creative process and generates a sense of shared purpose. Reflecting on the contributions of those who have influenced individual creative journeys can help dissolve feelings of loneliness and isolation. By recognizing the value of community, individuals can move beyond individualistic approaches to creativity, ultimately enriching the work they produce together.
You know, there's this thing that happens - we get so caught up in the doing, the productivity, the hustle. We define ourselves by what we accomplish, by the checkboxes we can tick off. But what if there's another way? What if we're not just cogs in a machine, but creative beings made in the image of a creative God? In this episode, we dive into that question with author Maria Bowler. She shares how becoming a new mom during the pandemic forced her to confront this head-on - when the doing was stripped away, who was she really? The answer, it turns out, lies not in what we produce, but in our very being. Maria invites us to consider a new vision - one where we're not just doers, but makers. Where the effort we exert isn't about forcing our will, but about deep engagement. Where we trust that our heart's desires and the things that break it open are clues to the creative work we're meant to do. So take a deep breath, my friends. This conversation just might be the permission slip you need to let go of the pressure to perform and instead embrace the freedom to create. To make time for the things that truly matter - not just what we can check off the list. The world is waiting for the unique gifts only you can bring.
Maria Bowler is a writer, coach, and retreat leader. She holds a masters in religion and the arts from Yale University, is a former magazine editor, and has taught creative writing at the university level. Canadian by birth, she now lives in the Driftless region of the US with her family.