Operation Sacred Studio (or, Editing in 3-D)

painting by kelly barton; flower by the hydrangea plant in front of my house

Today is Day 3 of Operation Sacred Studio: the process of clearing out, cleaning up, reorganizing, and beautifying the room where I write. I'm laboring to transform it from a dust-drenched storage locker of a room to a sacred space in which to create. This process requires a lot of stamina, muscle, and focus -- as well as several boxes of Swiffer cloths.

I'm trying to think of it as editing in 3-D. 

Maybe I just have editing on my mind since we're discussing "Editing as a Creative Act" in Alchemy this week. I've been sharing how much I often enjoy the editing process when it comes to writing. I like having something on the page to work with, to move around like puzzle pieces, to shape like clay. In writing, it's the blank page that frightens me most. The first draft is the part of the writing process that can send me hiding under the covers or employing master avoidance techniques such as cleaning the bathroom.

In writing, it's usually the lack of words that overwhelms me. But it seems like the opposite is true in the physical realm. Having so much stuff to work with makes me want to cozy into the corner of the couch and pretend I don't need an accessible studio space. After all, I have a laptop and copious piles of notebooks and pens; I can write anywhere, right?

True, I can write anywhere. But there is something to be said about having a dedicated space in which to create.

And that something to be said is this: If I want to honor my creative work, I need that dedicated space.

I need a calm, beautiful space where I can retreat from the world of dirty bathrooms and focus on the world of writing. I need a well-edited space if I'm ever going to face the blank page with regularity and courage.

I need to not see a thick line of grey cat fur felting the white baseboard where the carpet meets the wall. I need to not trip over piles of books collecting dust on the floor because I've used up all available bookshelf space.

I need to find the lenses for my Diana F+ camera so I can actually (learn how to) use them. I need to have a clear tabletop and easy access to my little stash of art supplies for the days when I need a creative break from the words.

I need a desk that welcomes me into its embrace like an old friend.

I need a space where I can breathe, where I can listen for the words waiting to come through me.

And so I sift through the contents of that space. I enlist my husband (may he be blessed for his efforts) to carry box after box to the basement, to hang new shelves, and to help me hang the many photos and paintings I've collected over the last few years. I file papers. I use another Swiffer. I spend some money on attractive and functional storage containers. I edit the space with a keen eye on what must go and what must stay.

This kind of editing tires me. How many times have I started and stalled on such projects? (correct answer: a lot) But I can't let myself stop halfway this time. For one thing, there's stuff everywhere. Every available surface -- from the bookshelves to the desks to the floor -- is occupied with stuff (so much stuff!) waiting for me to find it a home. I think this is the classic "It has to look worse before it looks better" phase.

At the outset of this endeavor, I stood in that room and teared up. My throat tightened, my heart rate increased, my breath went shallow. I basically had a panic attack as I faced the physical manifestation of my own creative clutter and emotional avoidance techniques. Now I'm in the thick of facing it all head-on. I'm hoping that getting through this will serve as a reminder to keep calm and carry on the next time I face the blank page.

It's late afternoon right now, and I still have a lot of work to do. Please wish me luck. I'd also love to hear your thoughts on creating sacred spaces. What does a sacred space look like to you? Do you have any rituals you use to honor or dedicate important physical spaces? Any storage or decorating tips? I'm interested in all of it!

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p.s. As I wrote this, I was reminded of my friend Liz's new online course called Create Space. For four weeks (Oct. 24 - Nov. 20) participants will explore ways to create space within themselves, their homes, and their days. Doesn't that sound lovely?

Comments

[kelly barton]

this makes me smile. you are doing it girl!

[Sophfronia Scott]

Hi! This is a great post. Space is indeed very important. Here's a link to a video I did about my office:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/Sophfronia/videos/3/

I haven't worked on my video blog in awhile and I'm thinking about reviving it when I start VCFA.

Take care, and happy 3-D editing!

Sophfronia

[Tania Tyler | Whole Living Today]

Great post! I know those tears and the anxiety of overwhelm. I too am getting ready to create sacred space for working/writing rather than a table in my living room. I feel that creative energy grows in a dedicated sacred space. The space becomes empowered. We become empowered and inspired.
Peace & Blessings,
Tania

[Stacey Brown]

... Funny you should ask! I am in process of building a studio building for just this same reason. I cannot seem to write when the drier is tumbling in the background, the dogs need in (or out), the phone is ringing or I am available to ask, "what's for dinner?" I completely understand the monumental task it is to clear a sacred space and all the emotional baggage that goes with it. Keep at it... The rewards are bountiful!

[Shari]

I can totally relate to this post! I am a consultant and I write a lot for my work. When I finish a contract my desk looks like it should be declared a disaster area. Seriously, FEMA should come to my house and provide me with a temporary trailer just for my piles. Piles of reference materials, reports, desk review materials, invoices, travel receipts - you name it, it's on my desk! And I tidy up the piles but then suddenly another job comes up and BAM! I'm trying to start another job with old piles on my desk. I feel like the old piles somehow "contaminate" anything new that I'm trying to do and they are interfering with my writing mojo. I think the old pile doesn't want to be usurped in importance from the new piles so it's throwing off some weird juju at me right now. So as I type this response, I'm giving the side eye to one small pile of work from my last job, and another small pile of miscellaneous papers that is from my personal life. They know they are about to be relocated or tossed out and I can hear them whining, "but you neeeeed us! you know you do!" But actually, I don't need them at all so they're going into the garbage once I post this. Shhhh, oh, nevermind, I just remembered, piles of paper can't read an internet post. Okay, I'm doing it now...no really, I am. You don't believe me? I'm going to throw it out as soon as I hit the "Create Post" button...