The Exquisiteness of Being Stuck
Unlocking the Hidden Power in Creative Slowdowns
As both a creative and a mentor, I spend a great deal of time navigating the terrain of stuckness. What it means to feel stuck, how we react to it, and, most importantly, how to break free from it. After years of examining this experience as a psychotherapist, I can honestly say that few things have shifted my perspective on being stuck as profoundly as my exploration into energy work.
One powerful insight I’ve gained is this: we are not stuck; our process is stuck. And this distinction is huge. As living beings, we’re in a state of continuous transformation. Every day, our bodies are in motion. New cells form, old cells die, and physiological shifts unfold constantly. We are not the same today as we were last week. Growth, expansion, depletion, all are part of our everyday experience. To be stuck in the absolute sense, would go against our very nature.
Understanding that stuckness resides in our process, not within ourselves, opens up new ways to approach and untangle these moments.
Here’s some of what I’ve learned…
As much as we work to keep our creative process moving, there is an exquisiteness to stuckness.
The experience of forward momentum is a trajectory, not a process. A process is up and down. Slow and fast. Do not confuse the two.
Human Design is incredibly helpful in providing a framework to experiment with a different way of approaching the creative process and decisions. These insights often change how we approach these more quiet moments of the creative process.
Moving the energy in and around our bodies is a simple act offering profound results for our creativity and ingenuity.
I sense a series unfolding here. This week, let’s dive into the first topic, and we’ll continue building from there in the weeks to come.
The Exquisiteness of Stuckness
How can this possibly be? We tend to equate stuckness with frustration and dread, viewing it as an unwelcome barrier in our creative journey. It’s no wonder that this feeling is one of the most common reasons clients seek me out for one-on-one work. While countless exercises, rituals, and practices can help ignite inspiration, they only scratch the surface if the deeper issue of stuck energy within the creative process itself goes unaddressed. These practices may bring temporary relief, but ultimately, they’re just band-aids.
Stuckness, as frustrating as it can feel, is an essential part of the creative process. It may slow us down, but it also provides a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. When we learn to approach stuckness with less drama and more curiosity, we can lean into it, extract the insights it holds, and ease back into creating with newfound clarity. While moments of creative slowdown are inevitable, they don’t need to be paralyzing. They can, in fact, be refined. This is where approaching creativity as maintenance, rather than as a stroke of magic, becomes transformative.
On a broader scale, using what psychoanalyst Marion Milner calls a “wide-focus” perspective, stuckness is evidence that we’re actively engaging in the creative process. Energetically speaking, to feel the friction of being stuck means that we are interacting with the world around us. If we were unaffected by external energies, unable to shift or adapt, we would be disconnected, disengaged from the very forces that shape and influence our work.
For creatives, this tension is familiar. Our culture often glorifies the isolated artist, retreating from society, and the spiritual sphere celebrates withdrawal as a path to enlightenment. But to live openly, to collaborate, to bring our visions and purposes into the world means accepting that stuckness will be an inevitable part of our process. Rather than resisting it, we can embrace stuckness as a marker of our willingness to engage fully in the creative journey.
Energetically speaking, we are here to participate fully. We are spirits embodied, and this body is not only a vessel but a vital part of our creative purpose. Without it, ideas would remain intangible, existing only in potential. It is through the body that we create, transform, and bring our visions into form. I believe this is why we are here, right now, in physical form because we have something unique to create and contribute, and our bodies allow us to bring it to life.
How beautiful it is to have a body, to be alive, and to share our creativity? To have the ability to create, innovate, collaborate, and express? To slow down, speed up, give and receive?
How exquisite this opportunity is.
How exquisite even stuckness can be.
For Contemplation
Redefining Stuckness: Reflect on a recent time when you felt stuck in your creative work. What if, instead of seeing it as a personal shortcoming, you viewed it as a natural part of your creative process? How does shifting this perspective change how you view that experience? Write about how this reframing could impact your approach to creativity moving forward.
The Body as a Vessel for Creativity:Our bodies are constantly changing and evolving, even if our process feels stuck. How does your physical experience of movement, stillness, breath, play a role in your creativity? Explore one simple way you could use your body (a walk, a stretch, or a ritual) to support a flow of ideas when they feel blocked.
Leaning Into Stuckness: Consider the idea that stuckness is an essential pause, a moment to recalibrate rather than a barrier. Reflect on a time when you were able to move through a stuck period with a renewed sense of direction. What insights or strengths emerged as a result? How might you view moments of stuckness differently after that experience?
Creative Maintenance vs. Magic: What if creativity is about maintenance and routine rather than waiting for a spark of magic? Describe one small habit or ritual you could introduce to your creative practice that would help keep energy flowing steadily, even during those stuck times.
Give these a try and let me know how it goes.
Welcome to my exciting monthly feature: Q + A!
I'm absolutely thrilled to be diving into your thought-provoking inquiries about Human Design, Astrology, creativity, and Energy Work. Your curiosity fuels my passion for sharing knowledge, and the process of answering your questions continually enriches my own understanding.
Consider this space a welcoming sanctuary for curiosity, self-discovery, and expanding your horizons. Here, you can explore the intricate world of Human Design, Astrology, and Energy Work, and discover how they can profoundly influence your creativity and success as a creative professional. It's a journey of enlightenment and empowerment, and I can't wait to embark on it with you.
Don't hesitate to send your questions my way by simply clicking the button below. I'll be selecting one or two to address in the upcoming first newsletter of each month. Your inquiries drive the conversation, and I'm eager to provide you with insightful answers.
Q: What is Definition in Human Design? How can it shape the way I approach collaboration and solitude in my creative process?
A: In Human Design, Definition illuminates how energy flows within your chart and how you’re naturally wired to process, connect, and create. It tells us whether you tend to find clarity and inspiration on your own or if outside energy can play a vital role in enhancing your ideas. Let’s look at how each type of Definition impacts the creative process, particularly in relation to collaboration and solitude.
Single (Independant) Definition: If you’re a Single Definition, your energy flows smoothly and independently within your chart, meaning you don’t need outside input to connect your ideas. This can make you particularly comfortable working alone and finding your own rhythm in your creative process. While you may still enjoy collaboration, you’ll likely find your best insights and creative flow within solitude. Trusting your inner process and finding time to dive into your work without interruption can be key for you.
Split (Collaborative) Definition: Split Definition individuals have two distinct centers that need to bridge through interaction with others. This means that while you can often work independently, you may reach new levels of clarity, inspiration, and flow when connecting with someone who complements your energy. Collaboration can be an enriching experience for you, helping you see things from new perspectives and filling in the gaps that may feel out of reach on your own. For you, creative energy thrives in partnership, whether through casual brainstorming or deep collaborative work.
Triple Split (Synthesizing) Definition: With three separate energy flows in your chart, Triple Splits are uniquely energized by movement and interaction with different environments and people. You may find your creativity comes alive when you’re able to move between spaces and interact with various influences. Unlike Single or Split Definitions, you’re likely to benefit from shifting contexts—whether that means working from multiple places, engaging with different people, or immersing yourself in varied activities. This variety helps connect your creative ideas in surprising and fulfilling ways.
Quadruple Split (Integration) Definition: Quad Splits have four independent energy flows, making them highly dynamic. To find alignment, it can be essential for you to engage with the outside world regularly. Collaboration and interaction can help you integrate all parts of yourself, bringing clarity and cohesion to your creative vision. You may feel especially inspired in environments rich with diversity and energy, where you can absorb and synthesize ideas from many sources. Creative spaces that encourage open exchange will bring out your best work.
Understanding your Definition in Human Design can help you honor your natural flow between solitude and connection. By recognizing whether you gain clarity alone, through selective partnerships, or from varied environments, you can intentionally create spaces that best support your creative energy. Each Definition offers its own gifts, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity, only what best aligns with your unique energy.
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.
11-5-24
Gate 1
The Gate of Self Reflection
On November 5, the sun gracefully moves through Gate 1, also known as the Gate of Self - Reflection. During this celestial transit, you're invited to embark on a deeply introspective voyage of self-discovery. Gate 1 offers a profound opportunity to delve into your inner realm, particularly focusing on your creativity, flow, and creative process.
This transit is an open invitation to embrace the full spectrum of your creative journey. It encourages you to not only celebrate the periods of inspiration and growth but also to honor the quieter moments of stillness and contemplation. Just as the sun rises and sets, the creative process has its own natural ebb and flow. It's a reminder to welcome and appreciate the natural shifts between the dynamic act of bringing your creations into the world and the serene state of being in a receptive mode, ready to absorb the world's inspiration.
This transit is an invitation to discover your inner creative landscape and to harmonize with the beautiful symphony of your creative rhythm. As you explore this gate, you'll emerge with new facets of your creativity and gain a deeper understanding of your own creative process. Embrace this transit as it propels you forward on your journey of self-discovery, nurturing your creativity along the way.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. How do you currently engage in self-reflection in your creative journey?
2. How did you experience the natural ebb and flow of your creative process?
3. What have you discovered or received during a quieter time in your creative process?
4.How do you navigate the balance between the two aspects of the creative process?
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 bellow.
And of course comment with your questions!
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I am afraid of ebbs and flows in my process, I now choose to relax and allow my creativity to unfold before me with ease and grace. I trust that every step I take is creatively aligned, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
Have a great week exploring this transit! Ready to learn more about your Human Design? Reach out and let me know! I’d love to guide you.
Life is incredibly beautiful precisely because nothing lasts. So give pause to the good moments, and know that the bad moments, the ones that pit you against your patience and test your strength, will soon become the stories you tell.
