I’ve been using a rhythm to guide my creative practice. I call it absorb, reflect, respond.

In the morning, I’ve made it a habit to absorb something new, often by reading about an artist and how they approached their work. Sometimes it’s about their philosophy. Sometimes it’s a technique like block printing. Whatever I read about, these inputs stir something in me. They nourish my curiosity.

During the day then, I reflect on it. A thought might emerge during a walk or a short break between tasks. If an idea gets too insistent (which does happen!), I pause for a quick meditation to ground myself. At lunch, I give the idea more space to unfurl in my mind.

Then in the evening, I respond. At 5pm I clear my art table and set out tools and materials, whatever I need for my art session. After dinner, I ring a small bell and say a blessing to mark the transition. This is now my sacred time. Having absorbed and reflected, I already know what I want to work on. The decision has been made. No more spinning in circles like before.

Sometimes the goal is small, like sketching or reading a bit more. Other times, it turns into a full-blown art piece. Either way, I’ve noticed that this rhythm sidesteps my usual procrastination. I no longer arrive at my creative time empty. I arrive with direction.