Hi there,

Yesterday I was visiting a modern art museum here in Valencia, and I found myself thinking about how much art we consume, and how little we sometimes allow ourselves to create.

We listen to music, watch films, admire paintings, read books, follow artists. We have more access to other people’s creativity than perhaps ever before.

But what about our own?

I’ve made art at different moments throughout my life. Painting, drawing, collage. Singing, dancing, theater. It’s something I love, although it’s not what I chose to do professionally. Recently, while looking through some of my artwork, I found myself wanting to share more of that side of myself.

I don’t think you have to be a professional artist to make art. In fact, I think practicing and expressing our creativity makes us more human, more fully ourselves.

And creativity can take so many forms. Music, cooking, writing, dancing, ceramics, gardening, embroidery, woodworking. There are countless ways to make something that didn’t exist before.

I’ve been thinking about this in relation to my own life lately, because I’m in the middle of some rather big questions.

After years of practicing psychotherapy, I’m finding myself increasingly curious about what else I want to learn, explore, and contribute. I’m considering academic research, thinking about teaching and training other practitioners, and revisiting ideas that are challenging and expanding how I understand my work.

I don’t know exactly where any of it is going yet.

And there’s a part of me that would very much like a five-year plan. Preferably color-coded.

But I’m also discovering that some things can’t be figured out entirely by thinking about them.

Sometimes we have to participate.

Write the page. Make the art. Take the class. Have the conversation. Follow the curiosity without knowing where it leads.

I think this matters in psychotherapy, too.

So many people become extraordinarily skilled at orienting toward the outside world. What does everyone else need? What’s expected of me? What’s safe? What will make me successful, lovable, useful?

And those questions can become so loud that we lose touch with another one:

What wants to come through me?

What do I want to make, explore, experience, or bring into the world?

Not because it’s productive. Not because I can monetize it. Not even because I know what it will become.

But because something in me comes alive when I do.

I don’t want healing to leave us merely better regulated, better at setting boundaries, or better at understanding ourselves.

I want it to create more room for living.

More room for pleasure, curiosity, experimentation, expression, and discovering parts of ourselves that haven’t had much space.

Art is to participate in life.

And perhaps that’s something we could all use a little more of.

Speaking of making room to create, I'm hosting a small three-week online writing and coworking series in November, timed for those of us in Europe (though you're welcome to join from anywhere!).

We'll gather on Zoom, settle in, get cozy, and spend some time writing or working quietly alongside one another. There will be space to check in, share what we're working on, and then return to another focused work period.

It's low-key, but don't underestimate the power of having a little structure, some gentle accountability, and other people witnessing you show up for something that matters to you.

You don't have to be a professional writer or even be working on a writing project. Just bring something you'd like to give your time and attention to.

November 3, 10 & 17 (Tuesdays)​
​11 a.m.–1 p.m. CET (Valencia time)​
​€45 for all three sessions

​Reserve your place in the November writing and coworking series​

Warmly,
Tanya