Ask Me Anything
This week, I'm putting the spotlight on you—ask me anything that's been on your mind!
Let’s Connect! Ask Me Anything
This week, I'm hitting pause on my creative output to focus on a space of receivership and reflection.
Anyone else feel like the last few months have been years?
Creating MUSE every week has been a joy, but it occurred to me that even after years of sharing, I know very little about you! Whether you've been with me since my Zelma Rose days or are new to MUSE, I’d love to deepen this creative exchange.
So, I’m dedicating this week to Ask Me Anything! I invite you to ask me questions about anything that sparks your curiosity—be it psychology, the creative process, Human Design, entrepreneurship, art, or any of the passions and practices that shape my work. Plus, I want to know what you would like to read more about! No question is too big or small. Or even too weird. Did you know I used to work at a locked adolescent psychiatric unit? When I say I’ve heard everything, I mean EVERYTHING.
What do you want to know?
Here are some topics I’d love to explore with you:
Psychology (therapy, adolescent development, group dynamics)
Human-centered thinking & leadership strategies
Energy work, meditation, & psychic phenomena
Human Design & astrology
Alternative education (including homeschooling)
Fine art (techniques, critiques, materials)
Creative processes (how to stay inspired, remove blocks, avoid burnout)
Entrepreneurship & creative business ownership
Writing, journaling, and publishing insights
Public speaking & podcasting
Ritual
Existential dread (this one has been popular lately)
Or maybe it’s something else entirely?
Whatever’s been on your mind, I'd love to hear it. Your questions will shape next week’s MUSE, so dive in and ask away in the comments!
Welcome to The Creative. Twice a month I share quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Oftentimes we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
“Forgive me for saying so, but good things just have to grow very slowly.” - Piet Mondrian
This idea brings a kind of paradoxical comfort and challenge to the creative process. Good things grow slowly—not always what we want to hear, but a reminder that the real beauty in what we create often comes from giving things time to develop. As creators, there’s a pull to “just do it,” to produce faster and iterate. We know that the fire of inspiration sometimes comes with a sense of urgency, and there’s a pressure to keep up with ideas as they arise. But what if, instead, we leaned into the power of patience? My teacher recently spoke about a conversation he had with a group of Navy SEALs, who shared their approach to intense missions: “Slow and smooth is how you get things done quickly.” Their goal is efficiency, not rushing, and that simple but powerful idea has resonated with me all week.
For creators, moving slowly and with intention can seem counterintuitive, especially in an era that often equates productivity with speed. But a slow, smooth approach doesn’t mean stagnation or giving up momentum; it means respecting the natural rhythm of growth and giving ideas space to evolve into their best versions. This approach is an antidote to the burnout that can come from pushing for quick results or scrambling to keep up with creative output without time for proper rest, reflection, or iteration.
Mondrian’s words remind us that creating something lasting and impactful is a process that can’t be rushed. Much like his own work, carefully structured and meticulously refined to capture pure form and color, truly resonant work requires patience, and that’s part of what makes it meaningful. The patience to let things evolve naturally invites us to let go of the outcome, something I believe many creative professionals wrestle with. There’s a common belief that holding tightly to a vision will drive us toward achieving it, but often it’s in loosening that grip and allowing time for adaptation that an idea truly comes to life.
In practice, adopting a slow and smooth mindset can be challenging but transformative. It might mean not rushing to the finish line with a project but instead finding value in the process of revision, in noticing what each stage of creation has to offer. It might mean accepting moments of stillness or even creative blocks as valuable parts of the process rather than obstacles. Embracing the slow path allows us to get more intimate with our work, to fully understand its layers, and ultimately to create something more fully realized.
So, here’s a question for all of us: What would it look like to truly embrace this approach in our own creative processes? How can we slow down, trust our instincts, and let things take shape in their own time? As creators, the very work we do teaches us this lesson again and again. The irony is that creating impactful work often feels so vital that we want to rush it, to bring it to life immediately. Yet, that work may only come to fruition when we give it the time and space it deserves.
Maybe slow and smooth is not only the way to get things done quickly but also the way to make them matter.
SOLAR TRANSIT
In Human Design, a solar transit shifts our energy as the Sun moves through Gates; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
11-11-24
Gate 43
Gate of Insight
On November 11, the sun gracefully transits Gate 43, the Gate of Insight. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of mental clarity and breakthrough thinking. Gate 43 encourages a deep exploration of your inner world and the innovative insights that emerge from your unique perspective.
The energy of Gate 43 advocates for embracing the power of inner knowing and transformative ideas. It is a time to trust your intuition and to allow your mind to explore unconventional paths of thought. This gate emphasizes the importance of mental breakthroughs and the courage to express your unique insights. By tuning into your inner wisdom, you gain the ability to see beyond conventional understanding and to bring forth revolutionary ideas.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 43 may struggle with feelings of mental isolation or fear of judgment. The urge to conform to mainstream thinking or to doubt your insights can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 43 lies in its ability to foster confidence in your inner voice and the courage to express your unique perspective. By resisting the urge to suppress your insights, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 43, cultivate practices that support intuitive thinking and self-expression. Engage in activities such as meditation, creative brainstorming, or any method that helps you connect with your inner wisdom. This period is ideal for reflecting on your unique insights and how they can contribute to your personal growth and the collective understanding. By embracing your intuitive insights, you create a space for transformative thinking and innovative breakthroughs.
Gate 43 tasks you with the opportunity to develop mental resilience and confidence in your inner voice. It is a reminder that true insight often requires a willingness to stand apart from conventional thinking and to trust in your unique perspective. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your insights to support and inspire others. Consider how your ability to embrace and express your innovative ideas can positively influence those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your relationship with your intuition: How comfortable are you with trusting and expressing your inner insights? Consider how your intuitive thinking can enhance your personal and collective understanding.
2. Explore your confidence in your ideas: Are there areas in your life where you tend to conform to conventional thinking? Reflect on how you can cultivate more confidence in your unique perspective.
3. Contemplate your thinking patterns: How can you use this period to explore unconventional ideas and connect with your inner wisdom? Consider the steps you need to take to allow your insights to emerge naturally.
4. Consider your impact on others: How does your ability to embrace and express your insights influence those around you? Reflect on how you can support and inspire others with your innovative thinking and inner clarity.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 43, you can enhance your capacity for intuitive thinking, resilience, and innovative expression. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of your inner wisdom and use it as a foundation for transformative ideas and effective problem-solving.
TAPPING PROMPT
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.
And of course comment below with your questions!
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit:
“Even though it makes me anxious to trust and express my unique insights, I now trust that intuitive thinking and innovative ideas bring great moments of clarity and alignment, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
FULL MOON
In Human Design and astrology, the lunar cycles shift our energy as the moon moves through Gates and zodiac signs; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
11-15-24
Taurus
Gate 23
The Gate of Assimilation
The Full Moon on November 15, in Taurus invites us to embrace themes of stability, practicality, and the integration of new experiences. Taurus, the grounded and sensual Earth sign, governs this lunar phase, emphasizing themes of security, material abundance, and our relationship with the physical world. This celestial event occurs in the 2nd House, highlighting our values, resources, and self-worth.
Taurus, ruled by Venus, encourages us to cultivate a sense of stability and security in our lives. It invites us to appreciate the beauty and pleasures of life, nurture our physical bodies, and establish a solid foundation for growth. This Full Moon prompts us to reflect on our material resources, financial security, and how we can create a sense of stability in our personal and professional lives.
Paired with Gate 23, The Gate of Assimilation in Human Design, this Full Moon amplifies our ability to integrate and process new experiences. Gate 23 encourages us to absorb knowledge, experiences, and lessons with patience and discernment. It challenges us to assimilate information and transform it into wisdom that supports our personal growth and evolution.
This Full Moon in Taurus and Gate 23 invites us to embrace practicality and groundedness. It encourages us to assess our values, reassess our financial goals, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the abundance in our lives.
Journal Prompts to Deepen Your Full Moon Experience
1. Reflect on your values and priorities: What aspects of your life bring you a sense of stability and security? How can you align your values with your actions to create a more fulfilling life?
2. Explore your relationship with material abundance: How do you perceive wealth and prosperity? What steps can you take to enhance your financial security and cultivate a sense of abundance?
3. Evaluate your approach to integration: How effectively do you assimilate new experiences and knowledge? What practices can you adopt to deepen your understanding and integrate lessons learned?
4. Contemplate nurturing self-care: In what ways do you nurture your physical body and well-being? How can you prioritize self-care practices that support your overall stability and resilience?
Embrace the energy of this Full Moon in Taurus and Gate 23 as an opportunity to cultivate stability, appreciate abundance, and integrate new experiences into your life. Allow yourself to reflect on your values, reassess your resources, and align with a path that supports your growth and well-being.
SOLAR TRANSIT
In Human Design, a solar transit shifts our energy as the Sun moves through Gates; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
11-16-24
Gate 14
The Gate of Power Skills
On November 16, the sun transits Gate 14, known as the Gate of Power Skills. During this celestial transit, you're invited to embark on a deeply introspective voyage of self-discovery. Gate 14 offers a profound opportunity to delve into your inner realm, particularly focusing on nurturing the energy to follow your dreams and be in prosperity.
This transit encourages you to distinguish between the energy of getting stuck out of fear that you will never manifest your dreams and investing your time and energy in understanding your dreams and taking purposeful, aligned actions towards them. By doing so, you can harness the transformative power of this Gate to bring prosperity and fulfillment into your life.
Embrace this journey as you learn to align with your innate sense of trust in recognizing and seizing opportunities that naturally attract resources, rather than resorting to force or excessive work. To develop a deep appreciation for the inherent value of resources and how they flow effortlessly when you are in alignment. To practice grace and gratitude, never taking the resources at your disposal for granted.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your current dreams and aspirations. What are the most significant ones, and what steps have you taken towards them recently?
2. Consider the resources you have at your disposal, both tangible and intangible. How can you enhance your appreciation for these resources, recognizing their value in your life?
3. How can you align with your inner sense of trust in recognizing and seizing opportunities that lead to prosperity?
4.Explore a time in your life when you felt stuck due to fear or doubt about realizing your dreams. What were the underlying fears, and how did they affect your actions and decisions?
This transit is an invitation to dive deep into your dreams and havingness. As you explore this gate, you'll emerge with an enhanced trust in your intuition and a newfound fascination with life's mysteries. This transit propels you forward on your path of self-discovery, nurturing your intuitive clarity and empowering you to manifest your dreams and welcome prosperity.
TAPPING PROMPT
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.
And of course comment below with your questions!
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I am afraid I cannot make money doing what I love, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
THESE THREE THINGS
Back in 2016, I embarked on a daily writing practice that eventually blossomed into a published book titled These Three Things. Over the course of six years, I chronicled three things I learned each day, using it as a unique experiment to nurture my curiosity and foster my creativity. I paired these writings with original photography of cherished family heirlooms and found objects near and around my wild mountain home. These Three Things as a project continues daily with enthusiastic participants across the globe and can now be practiced in the form of a guided journal with the help of the print edition from Running Press/Hachette.
I loved writing this book and sharing the drops of wisdom that arrived from participating in a daily practice. Always the studio artist, I never imagined that writing would become such a large part of my creative life. I am so glad it did! In preparation of bringing the project back in 2025, right here to MUSE, I’m sharing some of my favorite lessons from my book.
Life will consistently present you with the opportunity to respond differently.
To a situation, a person, or even a set of circumstances - until you finally do. The breaking of this pattern is one of life’s greatest struggles, but it can be reassuring to know you will be afforded ample opportunities to practice until you get it right.
Questions for you! 1. Are some of us born with ‘gifts’ of clairvoyance etc or is that something anyone can learn to develop? 2. What did you learn about your own psyche by attending to people in the psyche-ward? 3. How do you meet other moms who are not typical mom-moms (I.e. who are open to alternative schooling, parenting, relational and community ideals)?