Trusting Your Intuition: The Artist's Guide to Self-Belief

Hey there Artists, :) I am so glad you're here! 

Creating art is a delicate fine dance between skill development and trusting our inner knowing. 

Learning to trust means leaning into the faith that you have your own inner wisdom! It means being willing to seek within, to stop asking for others’ opinions all the time, and understand what it feels like to step in the right direction for you.

To trust our intuition, we must quiet the critical voices in our mind so that we can truly hear, be still even when we want to run and not question our creative drives. It means coming back to your heart and climbing out of your mind

As artists, we often face the challenge of trusting our own intuition. Whether it's the hesitation before making the first brush stroke or the doubt that creeps in mid-creation but learning to trust ourselves is essential for unlocking our true potential. Even if we struggle with this one, we can build it up just like any other skill! 

So, let's explore how we can cultivate trust in our intuition, with the soothing and introspective color palette of indigo, along with engaging writing prompts and sketchbook challenges.

Monthly Color Palette; The Power of Indigo

Indigo is a deep, rich color that symbolizes intuition, perception, and inner knowing. It stimulates the right brain's creative activity and enhances the ability to trust our instincts. By incorporating indigo into our artistic practice, we can create a serene environment that fosters confidence and inner trust.

Now, you may be saying easier said than done, right!? If you are, here are some specific techniques to cultivate trust in your intuition:

1. Journaling Your Intuitive Hits

Keep a journal specifically for recording moments of intuition in your creative practice. Record the instances where you had a gut feeling and how it turned out. This practice reinforces your trust in your intuitive abilities over time. Note any patterns or common themes that arise out of this and know that is your soul coming through! 

2. Trust Exercises in Creative Practice

Integrate exercises into your creative routines that intentionally encourage decision-making based on intuition.

Creative Trust Exercises:

• Select your art materials based solely on what is pulling you and discard any thoughts of the rules! 
• Set a timer for 5 minutes and start a project without any plan. Let your impulses dictate the direction of your creation.

3. Grounding Techniques

Ground yourself through activities that connect you to your body and the earth. This solid foundation makes it easier to listen to and trust your intuitive guidance.

Grounding Activities:

• Take a walk in nature, paying close attention to the sights, sounds, and smells.
• Document what stopping and listening to the earth brought up for you. What did you notice? What thoughts came through? What started to pull you in? 

Writing Prompts to Deepen Your Intuition

Writing is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Here are some writing prompts to help you tap into your intuition:

1. Describe a time when you trusted your intuition and it led to a positive outcome. What did you learn from this experience?
2. Write about a moment in your creative process where doubt took over. How did you overcome it, or how could you approach it differently next time?
3. Imagine that your intuition has a voice. What does it sound like? What kind of advice does it give you?

Sketchbook Challenges to Enhance Your Inner Trust

Artistic challenges can push us out of our comfort zones and help us rely on our instincts. Try these sketchbook challenges to build trust in your intuition:

1. Blind Contour Drawing: Without looking at your paper, draw an object or scene. Focus solely on the subject and trust your hand to translate what you see.
2. 30-Second Sketches: Set a timer for 30 seconds and sketch whatever comes to mind. This rapid practice forces you to rely on your gut instincts and not overthink your lines.
3. Intuitive Painting: Use only shades of indigo and create a spontaneous painting without any preconceived plan. Let your intuition guide each brush stroke.

Embrace the Journey

Building trust in your intuition as an artist is a journey, one that requires patience and practice. By incorporating the calming influence of indigo, engaging in reflective writing, and accepting creative challenges, you'll gradually learn to trust yourself more deeply. Remember, your intuition is a powerful ally in your artistic journey.

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