Embracing the Creative Flow with Sharing the Heart of the Matter

I’m honored to share my recent conversation with Wynne and Vicki, hosts of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast. In this heartfelt episode, we explored how letting go of control and embracing the creative flow can lead to healing, self-discovery, and a more peaceful relationship with life’s ups and downs. We touched on some of the most personal and transformational themes from my book, The Way of the Wave–trust, enhancing the creative flow, and navigating life’s inevitable lulls.

At its core, this conversation is about how to embrace creativity and life’s unpredictability with openness, trust, humility, and a willingness to let go of control.

Key Themes and Moments:

The Power of Surrender: I share the pivotal moment that inspired the Wave metaphor—after years of struggle and multiple surgeries, I finally surrendered at the beach, watching the waves. I instinctively realized that the way of waves–knowing they can’t be controlled and that I would be better served by aligning with them–was the key to the healing I badly needed.
Creativity as Healing: We discuss how painting and poetry became powerful creative outlets for embracing the flow, including moderating our expectations and knowing when to “stop overpainting,” which can be applied to any creative endeavor.
Cross-Pollination of Flow: Creativity doesn’t live in silos. I talk about how moving between painting, writing, poetry, and tennis helps enhance creative energy and flow for them all.
Self-Care vs. Self-Neglect: I reflect on my past patterns of self-neglect and how I now prioritize physical, emotional, and spiritual care as foundational for well-being.
Attentive Parenting: We explore the importance of listening—truly listening—when our children open up, rather than rushing to solve or correct.
Navigating Low Tides: What do we do when life feels flat or directionless? I offer guidance on using these times for reflection and renewal rather than feeling something must be wrong.
Reading “Life’s Lantern”: We close the episode with a reading of my poem “Life’s Lantern,” a piece that captures the essence of the journey I’ve been on—and one we’re all invited to walk.