Quieting that Critical Voice so I Can Play and Feed My Soul

It’s not always easy to play but it is always soul nourishing when I do! What makes it hard to play some days? My inner critic. That critical voice in my head.

I stood in my studio, stuck. Totally unable to decide what to do. Then Funky Town, the Pseudo Echo version from the Awesome 80’s, came on. I turned up the volume and I went with the impulse that was dancing around in my head. I wanted to draw a funky town.

Immediately… that critical voice of my inner critic said, but you really don’t draw “good” buildings. At that moment I had a choice. I dared to play. It was a risk, I was letting myself be vulnerable. It is just paper and paint but to my soul it is so much more.

As I created the buildings, their shapes weren’t “proper” according to my inner critic. I dared to keep going.

As I drew in the windows,that critical voice said they were chaotic and “wrong”. I dared to leave them there.

The more I ignored that inner critic, the freer I felt. The freer I felt, the more I could just act on impulse and get lost in the moment.

As I added colors and words, my inner critic said I didn’t do it “right”. I no longer cared what that voice had to say.

As I drew the stars in the Gelli printed sky, the voice quickly pointed out that they looked awkwardly placed. I dared to accept them just as they were.

Within 15 minutes from start to finish, Funky Town was done. I was happy and my inner critic was powerless because I dared to play.

This is one very imperfect piece of art but a very perfect piece of play. Never miss any of the play – sign up for my free newsletter!

Supplies Used

• Now Is the Time stencil
• Wall of Words stencil
• Gelli Plate to make prints – any size will work. You can find more of my Gelli printing videos at the Colorful Gelli Print Party.