In my conversation with Katherine, she spoke about creativity as a form of resistance.  This is something that really resonates with me as it kind of underpins everything I do.  When we stay present and connected, think creatively and allow this to guide us through the world, we are actively shaping the world we want to see; not just that but we become active participants in our own individual lives, which then feeds into a stronger, more rounded and imaginative collective.  

Often it can feel as if being creative doesn’t contribute in any tangible ways but we only need to look at groups like Writers Rebel, Cape Farewell, Julie’s Bicycle and Human Nature (all links in the show notes) so see that creative, artistic practice can feed into the move to a better future.  Art invites us to think about topics or ideas in new and interesting ways, challenging our pre-conceptions and unconscious biases.

For this prompt, create something that explores the idea of creativity as resistance in your own work.  The first thing that comes to mind when I consider this is the word resistance and how, by just forming that word in my mind, I feel a resistance.  It evokes thoughts of anger and oppression in me, and makes me think of all the times someone has told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do something I knew was the right thing to do, even if it wasn’t the most comfortable at the time  - or the times when I’v told myself I couldn’t do something because of imposter syndrome or not feeling good/capable/knowledgeable (fill in the blank!) enough.  Conversely though it makes me feel like what I’m doing means something; it makes me feel powerful and strong.  I am actively resisting the things I know are not right and am trying, in whatever small way I can, to make a difference.  There are so many nuances to the word ‘resistance’ and working with it as a starting point is something you might consider doing.  

What about asking what it is you are resisting?  Explore this idea to its limits and then begin.  Perhaps go through the same process with the word creativity.  Then put the two together and see what emerges.

Most of all, if you are a creative - and I imagine that you are if you’re listening to this podcast - please keep going with your creative work, whatever form that takes.  The more of us who are sharing our experience of the more-than-human world as a response to biodiversity and climate collapse, the more we inspire others to do the same.  Art as a form of expression and protest is by no means a new thing and we can all be a part of what nurtures that into the future.

Please do let me know if you use this one - even if just to share one word on my Substack or in a story, which you can tag me in on Instagram @prompted.by.nature or you can mention me in a note over on Substack if you’re a user, and I’ll restack your note.

Thank you as always for listening.  Happy writing and I’ll speak to you soon.  Bye!