Katherine May, author of "Enchantment" and "Wintering," dives into the essence of finding wonder in our lives. She discusses nurturing a child-like awe as a remedy for burnout and emphasizes the impact of simple presence. May shares inspiring ways to reconnect with nature and creativity, revealing how rituals can guide us towards renewal. The conversation touches on the balance between structure and mystical inspiration, urging listeners to embrace enchantment to foster self-care and artistic growth.
Emphasizing the necessity of establishing an online presence, Katherine May highlights its role in building trust and showcasing artistic work.
The importance of community support in the creative journey is underscored, as monthly virtual meetups foster collaboration among artists of different backgrounds.
Katherine May discusses how simple daily rituals, such as walking and being present, can enhance mental health and inspire creativity.
Deep dives
Embracing Professionalism in Creativity
Presenting oneself as a professional is essential for those seeking success in the creative industry. It is advisable to establish an online presence that reflects one's artistic style and professionalism, which is often more than just social media profiles. A well-constructed website can serve as a vital platform for showcasing creative work, as it builds trust with potential clients and audiences. This year, the speaker revamped their website using Squarespace’s Fluid Engine, finding the process of bringing their vision to life without coding to be empowering.
Community and Support for Creatives
Connecting with a community of fellow creatives can provide invaluable support throughout an artist’s journey. Monthly virtual meetups with supporters offer an inclusive space for sharing experiences and tackling real creative challenges. These gatherings feature artists from diverse backgrounds—established professionals to beginners—creating a rich environment for learning and collaboration. This year’s focus is on the 'Journey of the True Fan' series, encouraging creatives to enhance their audience engagement and visibility.
The Power of Presence and Mindfulness
Catherine May's work emphasizes the importance of being present and mindful in everyday experiences, which can be particularly powerful for individuals navigating neurodivergence. Her writings explore the joy found in minor details, anchoring one’s experience in the physical world. Having shared insights on the struggle of being present as someone with ADHD, the conversation highlights how engagement with simple moments can help ground creative individuals. By understanding and appreciating everyday life, artists may find inspiration and creativity stemming from these small encounters.
Understanding Creativity Through Exploration
The dialogue delves into the nature of creativity, touching upon the balance between systematic and mystical approaches. Both speakers discuss their unique journeys of self-discovery and what prompts their creative processes, including incorporating research and personal reflections into their writing. This exploration of self-awareness fosters an ongoing cycle of growth, where each experience leads to new questions and deeper understanding. Acknowledging both the structured and intuitive aspects of creativity can help artists distinguish their authentic voices within a congested creative landscape.
Establishing Rituals for Well-Being
The importance of simple daily rituals becomes a focal point for managing mental health and fostering creativity. An example shared is the practice of keeping a post-it note as a reminder to take a walk whenever distraction strikes, promoting physical movement and mental clarity. Engaging with nature can enrich one’s perspective, often leading to unexpected insights and new ideas. By reinforcing such rituals and questioning their routine value, artists can nurture their well-being and ultimately enhance their creative output.
Sometimes the most simple act of presence can lead us from exhaustion, to recovery and back onto the path towards inspiration. Katherine May, author of The Electricity of Every Living Thing and Wintering joins us to talk about the inspiration behind her newest book Enchantment.
In this episode we discuss the fog, the magic, the journey, and how we can nudge ourselves and others forward by:
Reconnecting to a child-like sense of awe and wonder