The Two Core Reasons You Might Feel Creatively Stuck
Have you ever sat down to create, maybe with a journal, a blank canvas, or even a class plan, only to find yourself frozen? You feel the desire bubbling up. You want to express something. But nothing flows.
You’re not alone.
Creative blocks are part of every artist’s, teacher’s, and soul-led creator’s journey. But in my years of teaching and practicing mindful art, I’ve discovered that the reasons we get stuck are often quite simple.
I call them the two root causes of creative block: Overwhelm and Resistance.
Overwhelm: There is too much
Sometimes, it’s not that we don’t want to create, it’s that our minds are overloaded. To-do lists, expectations, emotions, and responsibilities pile up until we can’t hear ourselves think. We may want to express, but our nervous system is in survival mode. There’s no space to hear our inner voice, much less respond to it with creativity.
This isn’t a personal failing. It’s a signal. A reminder to slow down, ground, and make space before anything can truly flow.
Resistance: There is fear
Other times, we do know what’s true. A thought, image, or feeling rises up, but then fear creeps in. What if it’s too raw? Too messy? What if someone misunderstands or judges?
This inner resistance is sneaky. It disguises itself as procrastination or perfectionism. But really, it’s just a protective mechanism. A way our system tries to keep us safe. The risk of being fully seen can feel too great, so we stop ourselves before we even begin.
Together, Overwhelm and Resistance can silence our creativity. But once we name them, we can begin to meet them gently, with mindfulness, breath, and curiosity, and move through them, one small act of courage at a time.
Want to hear more about these two creative blocks?
Watch the short video: There Are Only Two Reasons You Get Creatively Blocked
Mindful Art as a Tool for Reconnection
What’s beautiful about mindful art is that it offers a soft landing place for both types of blocks. You don’t need to have a plan. You don’t need to say things perfectly. You just need to show up, with a pen, a brush, or a crayon, and breathe.
This isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about reconnecting with your body, your heart, and your inner knowing. It’s about listening closely to the whispers beneath the surface.
Many of us begin simply: with scribbles, color washes, doodles, or fragmented phrases. And then something shifts. Slowly, you begin to hear yourself again.
“Could I Teach MINDFUL ART Too?”
Over time, for many of us, something else begins to stir. After experiencing the healing and clarity that comes from mindful art, a quiet question may emerge:
“Could I share this with others?”
It’s a powerful moment, the point where a personal practice becomes a calling. And it’s often where the journey into mindful art facilitation begins.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Many teachers, therapists, artists, and creatives begin right here—curious, inspired, and maybe a little unsure. That’s where gentle guidance and structure can be so helpful.
Curious about becoming a mindful art facilitator?
Free Resource: 8 Steps to Teach Mindful Art with Joy and ConfidencE
To support your journey, we’ve created a special workbook just for you:
“8 Key Steps to Teach Mindful Art with Joy and Confidence.”
This 12-page guide walks you through the essential steps to create your own workshops, circles, or personal offerings, grounded in mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and authentic connection. It’s not just theory. These are practical, field-tested tools that can help you turn your passion into a nourishing, soul-aligned practice.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
Create safe and welcoming spaces
Choose materials and prompts that support nervous system regulation
Avoid common facilitation pitfalls
Invite creativity without pressure or perfectionism
If You’re Not Ready to Teach Yet, That’s Okay
Not everyone feels ready to step into a leadership role right away,and that’s more than okay.
You might be in a season of healing, personal exploration, or simply needing to tend to your own creative spirit. One of our most-loved offerings for this is the BreathDoodles™ Online Course, which offers a playful, accessible way to reconnect with mindful art for yourself.
Through simple 5-minute practices, BreathDoodles™ helps you regulate your nervous system, express your feelings safely, and rediscover the joy of being in the present moment—with color and curiosity.
What Makes a Great Mindful Art Teacher?
It’s not about being a perfect artist. It’s not about having all the answers.
What we’ve found is that the most impactful mindful art teachers are those who lead with heart. They’re the ones who know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed or stuck—and who have found a way through using color, shape, or story. They don’t teach from a place of “I have it all figured out,” but from a place of I’m walking this path too.
With the right support, your creativity can ripple outward—into classrooms, therapy offices, Zoom circles, libraries, or living rooms. Your story, your presence, and your offerings can become safe spaces for others to come home to themselves.
Want to learn more about teaching Mindful Art?
Visit: Muse Journaling™ Teacher Training & Coaching Program
What Comes Next?
There’s no one right way to grow as an artist or teacher. The most important thing is to keep showing up, to your creativity, your truth, and your curiosity.
Some days will feel free and joyful. Others might feel stuck or uncertain. But every mark you make, every page you touch, every brave share you offer, those are steps forward.
And you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re here to explore, learn, or lead, this is a space where your creativity is welcomed, supported, and celebrated.
Thank you for being part of this growing global community. Your presence matters here.