17. Every Body

Making Artists

Welcome to another episode of the Making Artists Podcast! Hey, artists, it's your host, Nancy, checking in and genuinely asking, "How are you?" No, seriously, how are you *really* feeling, especially in your body?

Today's episode is all about *every body.* Whether you're a painter, filmmaker, storyteller, or just a human navigating life, this one's for you. And if you've never thought of yourself as "creative," no worries – this is still your jam.

I know, I know, when someone says they're going to talk about your body, you might brace for the usual lecture on the perfect diet, exercise routine, and sleep schedule. But fear not, this episode is not about listing "shoulds." Sorry, not sorry.

As a coach, artist, and fellow human, I believe everyone is creative – it's part of being human. And guess what? Your body is the expert on you, not me. So, let's dive into why this matters.

Have you ever noticed how many of us don't bring our bodies into coaching sessions? It's like we've got a silent agreement with our bodies – not a problem, but not part of the solution either. That's a trap many artists fall into, and it often starts with a simple question: "How are you feeling?"

Existential crises kick in when you're building your creative skills or navigating the challenges of sharing and selling your work. The answer to "How are you?" might sound like frustration, boredom, anxiety – emotions that spiral into bigger questions about your art, choices, and life.

But what if the simplest explanation for these feelings lies in your body? I had a client who felt behind in her artistic journey after binge-watching documentaries about successful performers. Coaching helped her realize it wasn't about being behind – it was about her body craving creativity instead of endless screen time.

Your body communicates through physical sensations, often mistaken for complex emotions. A tight stomach might not mean stress – maybe it's just hungry. An empty heart space could be loneliness, not hopelessness. And a racing mind might be your brain's way of saying, "Hey, I'm tired."

So, here's a tool for problem-solving: Occam's Razor. The simplest explanation is usually right. Don't assume malice when there could be a straightforward reason for how you feel.

I've been there, not listening to my body during my corporate days. My brain led the way, and I ended up with an eating disorder, chasing an idealized image of success. It took years to realize my body was screaming to unsubscribe from that toxic environment.

Now, as a coach, I support clients in creating a healthy partnership with their bodies, finding sustainable ways to balance art and life. If you're battling with this too, let's connect at makingartist.com.

Remember, how you treat your body often reflects how you approach your creative process, art, audience, and life. Let's troubleshoot the right problems and ditch those existential crises. Start implementing the HALT tool and listen to your body – it knows what it needs.

If you're feeling disconnected, don't know how to listen to your body, or need accountability, I'm here for it. Let's make your art and life a partnership between equals. Until next time, stay creative, stay curious, and keep making art!

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Music credit: Positive Experience by Sunny Tones

A Podcast Launch Bestie production