The Seattle Artist's Way Center

Budding is defined as “Becoming larger as the normal process of normal growth.”

And with Spring SO close, isn’t this JUST the time to experience that in the natural world around us. 

I LOVE that they name it: “Budding out is NORMAL and part of our growth.”

I’ve been taking daily garden walks and mentally noting the growth progression: “Daphne – check, tulips – check, Blueberries – not quite yet …”

And it’s getting me thinking … thinking about how we creatively bud out or how we stay in hibernation mode. Oh it’s SO tempting to want to stay hunkered down under the leaves/bedcovers, to tuck inside our homes and not venture out on a promising Artist’s Date. I get it! It sounds so cozy, so comfortable, SO safe.

And yet, is it? Is it really? Because while cozy/comfort has its place and SO understandable considering the last few years, it can rob us of spreading our leaves/wings and seeing what might be in store for us when we do.

Lately I’ve been noticing how budding out opens my world. I’ve had a bush in front of my front window and while it has a lovely green color, it also blocks my view of my oak trees, my view into the street and into my neighborhood. As part of Reading Deprivation week (‘member that?), I got it into my head that part of MY budding OUT was taking DOWN my bush. Step by step, sawing one branch and then another, I was amazed at the new view in front of me and how I felt like the world had opened up bigger for me: I now have more light, can see into the distance and have a new perspective.

Budding out often happens when folks experience the power of Artist’s Dates. New ideas emerge, moments of joy burst forth, excitement around new sensations experienced. One of my other budding experiences was while on an Artist’s Date at a coffee shop writing. I realized that I really wanted was my bandmates and I to finalize our band name. We’ve been playing together for 6 years now sans name and after some gentle (or so I claim!) prodding from me, they agreed “Kate lead the way – find us a good one.” I went to Easy Street Records on a whim and started scrolling through the album names thinking “Maybe I’ll be inspired here.” We’d already agreed to the first part of the name “Marina” because we love to play by water. We wanted the second name to capture the feeling we have after playing – feeling jazzed, transformed, renewed. While going through albums, one name jumped out at me: “Redemption.” I mulled it over “Marina Redemption, Marina Redemption” Hmmmm … I like it! (Plus Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorite movies).” I shared it with my bandmates and they were ALL in. If you want to see, like and follow (the beginning of) our Facebook Marina Redemption page, join us HERE.

Now on my daily garden walks and I see the buds emerging, I root for them. I also picture what needs budding out in my life – what small steps/bud could emerge that could turn into a wonderful gift/flower for myself and others to take joy in.

I’m rooting for you, too (no pun intended!) as you consider what wants to be blossoming in your life this spring. HAPPY ALMOST SPRING!

Warmly, Kate

Kate Gavigan, Creativity Teacher and Speaker