Embracing Sacred Time: Finding Your Creative Rhythm
Letters From The Attic – Entry One
As artists, we often chase the elusive hum of creativity. For me, it’s like the resonant hum of a bell—sometimes faint, sometimes loud, but always present. This hum is the essence of our artistic spirit, driving us to create.
Bottle of Lagavulin And Cigar in the attic studio - © Michael Warth
The Bell Hum isn’t always a roaring symphony. Sometimes, it’s a subtle vibration, like the steady beat of our hearts. Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Nowhere you can go is more peaceful—more free of interruptions—than your own soul.” It’s in these moments of stillness that we often find our greatest inspiration.
Yet, there are times when that hum is drowned out by the noise of daily life. The demands of a full-time job, family responsibilities, and health struggles can make it feel like we’re trying to move a Big Rusty Lever. But it’s in these moments that we need to remember the power of persistence. Even a small nudge can set the lever in motion, and soon enough, the hum returns.
The key is to identify and honor those sacred times when the hum is strongest. For some, it might be the early hours of the morning; for others, a quiet evening with a cigar and a glass of whiskey. Ernest Hemingway believed in living fully to fuel his writing, embracing the moments that brought him joy and inspiration.
I personally try to dedicate 18–24 hours a week to my art, creating mindful work windows throughout the week. These are moments of meaningful work, free from distractions. Remember, being an artist is fun, and you are your own boss.
But part of finding sacred time, at least for me, came from facing something I didn’t expect—creative guilt.
That nagging feeling that I should be making something every time I sit still. The pressure to use every spare minute productively. To always be moving forward.
And the truth is—it was exhausting.
Eventually, I realized that sacred time isn’t just about what I make during it. It’s about why I make it.
It’s a way to honor the part of myself that creates not from urgency, but from presence. From stillness. From connection.
Letting go of that guilt opened the door to better work, quieter moments, and more joy in the process.
In the end, it’s about listening to that hum, honoring our rhythms, and finding the balance between work and rest. It’s about recognizing that our sacred times are not just moments of productivity but moments of connection with our true selves.
I would love to know your thoughts and how you feel about sacred time and finding your own rhythm in a busy world. After all, it seems like the hustle culture has turned us all into productivity experts looking to edge out that quick burst of inspiration and move on to the next. Though, I think as artists, we need to embrace the time and savor it.
