As humans, whether we think of ourselves as creative or not, we are creative, inventive beings. Our bodies respond to nature whether we realize it or not. We respond to seasons the way that our eyes adjust to things like light and temperature. You may notice how responsive your body and senses respond to the visual changes and inspiring (or lack of inspiring) color palettes and things that change from season to season.

It’s better tune into our bodies and respond genuinely to the different changes happening from season to season, rather than force ourselves to feel a certain way that we may not feel. Here are a few things to take into consideration, and creative ways of using the seasons as they naturally are, to encourage and inspire us in different ways.

WINTER:

We begin with the most famous emotional generator, the creator of what I have always understood as the “winter blues”. We have all most likely grown up hearing references from others around us who may feel prone to depression or more-than-usual sadness, as we react to this cold time of the year. We are encouraged by nature to stay indoors; away from our natural mood-lifter, which I would nominate as the sun. Another way of looking at this, is that winter is a time for rest. This can be used as a time for hibernation, regeneration, and an overall time to do research and evaluate what you want to be happening in your work ahead in the following year. This can also be used as a time to create; as you may feel less inclined to be out and about, and can channel this inner-restlessness into writing or painting; creating something with your sadness rather than sitting with it restlessly. Take a class, or make contacts to start taking action in the spring!

SPRING:

This may be the most anticipated season of the year for many, as it follows the season where we store up our energy and wait in anticipation for warmer temperature. We have so many colors being presented to us in this beautiful season - warmth and visual cues encourage us to be inspired, and flowers / greenery give us energy and inspiration. We feel the energy behind new beginnings and we respond to the freshness that is generated by all of the literal new growth happening all around us. This is a great time to start new projects and to surround ourselves with the brightness that we see everywhere else. Bring the colors of spring into your home. Create with them! Let your inspiration carry you and have fun in your creative life during this season!

SUMMER:

Some come alive during the summer heat, while others sometimes feel a bit lethargic. This is a wonderful time to work diligently and consistently on work that may have been created and began in the spring. We are encouraged by the heat to slow down a bit and conserve some of our energy, as we prepare for the long-haul nature of the cooler months ahead. Getting outside and being in the sun is a great way to keep our energy up, as we take breaks from expending energy in our work!

AUTUMN:

The colors in fall are often-times as stirring and inspiring as those in the spring, and the cool nature of the temperature gives us an entirely different outlook. As we prepare for the cold of the winter, this is a wonderful time to look back and assess the work we have been creating and honing in the previous months during spring and summer. In the spirit of the harvest, evaluate your working progress. Does your project need more time? Is it ready to go? Can you invest more hours before winter and finish in the Spring? Take this time for consideration and allow your ideas to ferment.