Finding My Creative Flow State

Over the school holidays, something shifted for me creatively. Not in a loud or dramatic way but quietly, slowly, and deeply. It was a shift I had been craving for some time. Without my studio at hand, I spent time stitching embroidery. There was an outcome in mind, practicing for Class 4 embroidery class. But what I gave myself permission to do was work intuitively, without urgency or expectation beyond simply showing up to the process.

I slowed everything down. I spent time slow stitching, letting my hands move at a pace that felt steady and calm and my eyes steer where I would go next. There was intention, but no pressure. Attention, but no rush. I'd work for 30 mins at the most. It got me off my phone or gave my hands something to do as I adjusted to not being on my phone. This kind of sewing is my play. And it brings me the meditative state of mind I've long been craving. Somewhere in that quiet repetition, I found myself in a creative flow state I didn’t realise how much I’d been missing.

What surprised me most was how different it felt to work toward a goal without urgency. In the past, having an outcome often meant pushing, trying to be efficient, productive, or “useful” with my time. This time there was no pressure. The embroidery served a need, while still allowing me to be fully present. I didn’t ask whether it could become something to sell, teach, or share (although I am now). I didn’t worry about documenting it. I trusted that the learning was happening simply through the act of stitching. That shift from productivity to presence changed everything.

Before the holidays, I had been invited to take part in a community project. After returning I realised that there was a misalignment. I began to tense up. My body hesitated. Who was I doing this for? Is this how I wanted to spend the next couple of weeks of my school holidays? It wasn’t a full body yes. I didn’t want the deadlines or stress. I wanted to protect the calm, meditative space I’d found through the holidays. So I said no. Funnily enough more ideas for the project kept trying to creep in and pull me in. Keeping me awake late into the night. It could be really great! Use up all the fabric you have and the perfect resource you have for the project. The brain wanted to solve the problem. The ego wanted the recognition. The heart and soul wanted to stay grounded.

With that space protected, I turned my attention to things that felt supportive rather than demanding. I worked slowly on social media planning for a new venture within my sewing school business, without rushing it into existence. I cleaned out areas of my home and studio that had been quietly asking for attention. And I made projects I’d been longing to sink into projects that felt restorative, not productive. Nothing frantic. Nothing forced.

For a long time, my pattern has been to move quickly from idea to action - turning creativity into output, businesses, or things to sell. While that energy can be exciting, it often comes with a sense of frenzy. And the follow through of needing to market and sell! This year, I want something different. I want the year ahead to be slower. Kinder. Gentler. I want to honour sewing not just as a skill or a job, but as play. As meditation. As a way of being present in my body and mind. I want to allow ideas to unfold unhurried before asking what or who they’re for and what can be gained from them and to trust that creative magic.

The embroidery I practiced over the holidays reminded me of that. And that’s the energy I want to carry forward into my teaching, my business, and my making. Let's be honest though, I'm going to need reminding!!