6. Materials List
My favourite thing to put together when I outline a course, a materials list makes me happy because it gives a flavour of the stuff will be working with – and I love stuff!
For my current studies, I’ll just talk about my materials lists for 1. using my smartphone more intentionally and 2. reviving my creative mojo.
My first materials list includes colour coordinated pens and washi tape so I can track my progress through Cathering Price’s 30 day challenge in my journal; a precious postcard from Afri-Co-Lab as a bookmark to keep my place in the book; and – importantly! The book and my phone.
My second materials list is for The Artist’s Way morning posters.
Not heard of morning posters? Let me explain! Last time I did The Artist’s Way, doing the morning pages (where you free-flow write out your uncensored thoughts every morning) sent me into a massive depressive spiral. It was genuinely awful and I threw the notebooks away afterwards because I never wanted to see them again. I have a long history of anxiety and depression and am recently discovering my neurodivergence. Ruminating on negative self-beliefs and repeatedly airing difficult thought-patterns on the page does not work for me. However, I really get the importance of uncovering buried wishes and dreams, and for getting everything that’s taking up precious brain space out onto the page and I know it works for others – I just want to make it work for me. This time round, I’ve made accommodations so it can be a kinder and more creative FELIX process that supports how my brain works.
I’m happy to go in and make a messy picture and dump out the contents of my mind in a more visual way. I think that approach will work. Just like morning pages, they’ll be private records that I won’t look at until I reach the right point in the programme. I’m hoping the added joy of using my favourite materials and working more visually will give me what the morning pages should. So my materials list for that is – a dedicated sketch pad, my favourite watercolours, rubber stamps and ink pads.
Not gonna lie, it’s a BIG DEAL to contemplate using A DIFFERENT NOTEBOOK! But I think in this case it’s the right thing; it’s the right stuff to work with this time.
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Well, you got me to pull out the Cameron book. I did this many years ago. I actually liked the morning writing. Have you ever read any of Natalie Goldberg’s books? She does something very similar. But kudos to you for understanding what resonates with you. I think morning posters sound super fun!! I occasionally do blind drawings in the morning. I close my eyes and think of of a quote, line from a book or poem, an overheard conversation, or just listen to music or the birds outside my window. When I finish, I look for unique images within the drawing. It’s fun and sort of relaxing. I have a book full of these drawing.
I know loads of folks for whom the morning pages have really worked but several days into Morning Posters, I feel happier about this new way for me! It’s all about finding what works for each of us, I reckon, rather than insisting on a blanket curriculum for all. I’ve not read Natalie Goldberg but will now look her up on your recommendation. Your mornings drawings sound like a lovely experience and – like morning pages – a way to tune into the subconscious and to get marks out onto the page and see where they may lead.