The Journal Muse #7: Inner Dialogue Through Art – Listening to What You Say to Yourself
Dear Reader,
Have you ever noticed the way you talk to yourself while creating?
Maybe it’s a quiet whisper—“That’s not good enough.” Or a sharp judgment—“You just wasted so much paint.” Or even a subtle guilt trip—“Using this much acrylic isn’t very eco-friendly, don’t you think?”
This inner dialogue shapes not only our creative process but also how we see ourselves as artists and individuals. This week, let’s bring awareness to our self-talk and explore how we can respond with more compassion and curiosity—not just in our journals, but in life.
🎭 Exercise: Embracing Your Inner Critic
This week, try this simple yet powerful exercise:
1️⃣ Set up your painting materials in a comfortable space. 2️⃣ Begin painting without any specific goal or expectation. 3️⃣ As you paint, pause and listen. Jot down any self-critical thoughts that arise.
“That’s ugly.”
“This isn’t going anywhere.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing.”
4️⃣ After your session, review these thoughts. Ask yourself:
Are they helpful?
Are they true?
Are they kind?
5️⃣ In your next session, challenge yourself to respond to each critical thought with a compassionate alternative.
“That’s ugly.” → “This is an experiment, and experiments don’t need to be perfect.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing.” → “That’s okay—discovery happens when we don’t have all the answers.”
“This was a waste.” → “Every brushstroke teaches me something.”
Your Art Journaling Challenge: A Dialogue with Your Painting
This week, use your journal as a conversation space between you and your art.
1️⃣ Paint freely. Let shapes, colours, and marks emerge without judgment. 2️⃣ Pause and listen. What words come to your mind? Write them directly onto the page. 3️⃣ Ask your painting a question. Sit with it and ask:
What do you want to tell me?
What feelings live in these colours?
What am I avoiding seeing?
4️⃣ If nothing comes, continue in the next session. Sometimes, meaning unfolds over time.
📖 Journal Reflection:
Write a short letter to your painting, or let it write one to you!
Literature Thought: Expressing Our Inner Nature
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." — Henry Ward Beecher
Your journal is a mirror of your inner world. It reflects not just your creativity, but also your thoughts, fears, and hopes. This week, let’s make space for all of it—the doubts, the courage, the messy, and the beautiful.
Closing Words
As you explore your inner dialogue this week, be gentle with yourself.
✨ I’d love to hear from you! Did this issue spark something for you? Did your painting say something unexpected? Just hit reply and share what stood out the most. I read every message! 😊
With Gratitude, Beata
P.S. Next week, we’ll explore Processing Life Challenges Through Art—how journaling can help us navigate emotions and find new perspectives.
